Singer and actor Takanori Nishikawa (38), also known as T.M.Revolution, is starring in a production of the popular musical "The Music Man," directed by Yumi Suzuki. This is his first starring musical role since 2007.

"The Music Man" first opened on Broadway in 1957 and was successfully adapted as a film in 1962. Nishikawa plays the swindler Harold Hill, who travels through rural towns in the United States, posing as a band organizer in order to sell instruments and uniforms before disappearing with the unsuspecting people's money. In one Iowa city, however, he falls in love with a librarian, played by former Takarazuka top star Kanami Ayano (33).

Other cast members include Go Ueki (PaniCrew), Hiroshi Yazaki, and former AKB48 member Kayano Masuyama.

"The Music Man" is scheduled to be performed at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space in late April to early May, followed by a run at the New National Theatre Tokyo.