Actress Aya Hirayama was expected to make her theater debut in a play titled "Bentler, Bentler, Bentler," opening on the 8th of this month. However, due to acute pharyngitis, she has been forced to step down from the role. Ranran Suzuki is serving as her replacement.

Hirayama started had complained of a sore throat and sluggishness in mid-September. She was diagnosed with pharyngitis, and it was decided that she could no longer continue training for the part.

"Bentler, Bentler, Bentler" is the second production this year by the popular theatrical troupe Piper, which was formed 10 years ago by actor Hirohito Goto and Taiyo Kawashita. Goto is noted for writing the play "Midsummer Carol," which became the basis for Tetsuya Nakashima's latest film, "Pako to Mahou no Ehon" ("Paco and the Magical Picture Book").