Norika Fujiwara performs in “Drowsy Chaperone.”

Norika Fujiwara makes musical stage debut in 'Drowsy Chaperone'

Tuesday 06th January, 06:05 AM JST

Norika Fujiwara made her stage musical debut Monday night in the Japanese version of “Drowsy Chaperone” at the Nissay Theater in Hibiya. Fujiwara, 37, plays Janet Van De Graff, a showgirl who is about to get married and retire at the height of her popularity, but her producer attempts to sabotage the wedding.

It is the first time for Fujiwara to star in a musical, and her role is an almost non-stop performance for about 100 minutes, during which she sings 8 songs including 2 solos, does the splits and lifts her legs in the air, and changes costume 10 times, with some of them done in as little as 15 seconds.

After Sunday’s final rehearsal, Fujiwara said: “I’m ready to show people the results of nine months of training. I’ve had some problems along the way that have made me cry, but I’m looking forward to performing in the shows, and hope to surprise the audience.”

“Drowsy Chaperone” will run in Tokyo at the Nissay Theater in Hibiya through Jan 29, in Nagasaki at the Nagasaki Brick Hall Feb 7-8, and in Nagoya at the Aichi Kinro Kaikan from Feb 13-15.

11 Comments

magpie at 09:26 AM JST - 6th January

At 37 she still looks amazing and better than a lot of lasses in their high teems and twenties.....
tokyotom at 10:28 AM JST - 6th January

could she go up against that JT fav of AyaSugimoto?
Sarge at 11:15 AM JST - 6th January

"Drowsy Chaperone"

I wish my chaperone had been drowsy.

Norika:"I've had some problems along the way that have made me cry"

Norika can still make a grown man cry.
Altria at 11:17 AM JST - 6th January

Drowsy Chaperone: a musical tale of rohypnol in 2 acts
presto345 at 01:39 PM JST - 6th January

could she go up against that JT fav of AyaSugimoto?

What a dumb question. These two women belong in two totally different leagues.
Nessie at 02:58 PM JST - 6th January

It's actually a parody of Broadway musicals and movies from the 40's. Very funny.
kazzz335 at 03:17 PM JST - 6th January

I am a HUGE FAN!
seesaw at 05:58 PM JST - 6th January

wow. how very impressive! Norika Fujiwara really made it big (and 'bigger') in the J celebrities world. But gambare Norika!
Nessie at 07:08 PM JST - 6th January

I just wonder whether the Japanese will get the whole parody aspect.
Number11 at 08:32 PM JST - 6th January

I just wonder whether the Japanese will get the whole parody aspect.

Nothing like starting a new year with a little arrogant superiority. Maybe you should go to the theatre for every show and explain it to the Japanese.
Ultradude at 09:33 PM JST - 6th January

Can't put my finger on it but she does nothing for me, no interest. In fact, I find myself hoping she gets divorced in the coming year after her ludicrously extravagant wedding. Furthermore, I found it annoying that she thought she had a chance at being a Bond girl a couple of years ago. Now Sugimoto Aya - that's what I'm talking about.