The Takarazuka Revue is one of the world's only all-female theater groups, and it's certainly the largest. The revue boasts five distinct performance troupes: Flower, Moon, Cosmos, Snow and Star with several "superior members" that support the cast of each troupe as needed.� Each troupe has two of its very own prima donnas, with one specializing as the male lead and one specializing as the female lead.

Tonight, all eyes were on the Moon troupe as they held their first performance of Johann Strauss II's "The Gypsy Baron" at the Grand Takarazuka Theater in Hyogo.� The original German operetta is about an exiled Hungarian farmer and his return home to marry a gypsy girl, who turns out to be the heir to a massive treasure.� Takarazuka's musical adaptation begins with a bare set and monochromatic costumes, the two female leads dancing to only the sound of their breath.� A stark contrast to the usual glittering Takarazuka fare, but one which gives way to a delightful and colorful tale.

Performances will continue at the Takarazuka Theater until October 4, and then at the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater October 22-November 11.

More Information:� http://kageki.hankyu.co.jp/

Sources:� Sanspo, Takarazuka Site