Popular manga series "Cat�s Eye" by Hojo Tsukasa will be adapted into a stage play. �

Sudo Maasa (20) from Berryz Kobo along with Yajima Maimi (20) and Hagiwara Mai (16) from �C-ute will be taking the lead roles as a sister trio of mysterious thieves. When asked if they feel pressured from having to play characters in a famous manga series, Yajima responded, "I didn�t know of the original series. I have only heard the theme song and its chorus." Sudo also commented to the surprised audience, "I knew that the series was popular but didn�t know what it was about. I�m beginning to learn more about it by starting on the anime."

"Cat�s Eye" was Hojo�s first serialized work and was published in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1981-1985. It is a popular series and has published about 20 million copies. The manga tells the story of three sisters running a coffee shop by day and stealing pieces of art by night, and how they lead police officer Utsumi Toshio, who also happens to be the fianc� of one of the sisters, by the nose. The anime versions of the manga were also a big hit.

This stage production will be the first stage adaptation of the manga series and will be produced by Niwa Tamon Andrew. Niwa was responsible for drama series like "Tokyo Shoujo", "Keitai Deka" and "Koi suru Nichiyoubi". Besides Sudo, Yajima and Hagiwara, other members of Berryz Kobo and �C-ute will also be appearing in the play and they are Berryz Kobo�s Shimizu Saki (20), Kumai Yurina (18), Sugaya Risako (18) and �C-ute�s Nakajima Saki (18). There will be two different stories for the stage play; "A version" which will feature the people who steal, and "B version" which will feature the people who get their stuff stolen, and all the cast members will play the same roles in both "A version" and "B version."

The seven ladies are also part of a new unit, "Cat�s Eye Seven" formed for this stage adaptation.

When asked about their individual roles, Yajima remarked, "Because I�m acting as a thief, it seems that there will a lot of action scenes. I will work hard practicing for them." Sudo responded, "My character is an attractive and sexy person, so I will brush up on my sex appeal,"�while Hagiwara commented, "She�s a very cheerful person who never stops smiling, so I will work hard on my smile."

The ladies also performed a remade version of the original theme song. Shimizu Saki who will be acting as a police officer in the stage play, commented on the theme song and said, "I have heard the original song before, but I only know the chorus." Yajima added, "This new arrangement has some rap parts and I think it is different from the original song, so I would like for our fans to listen to it."

The play will be showing at Ikeburo Sunshine Theater from 9/22-9/30, and Osaka Ion Cosmetics Theater BRAVA! on 10/13 and 10/14. Tickets sell in advance for 6700 yen and on-site for 7000 yen. Ticket sales will start 8/4 for the Tokyo show and 8/11 for the Osaka show.

Check out the video footage from the event below!



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Source + Image: Mantan Web

Tip: miyo