A stage adaptation of the crime-comedy film "Dangerous Things Will Pay," starring Shishido Tablets, will be performed at the [Kyoto Theater] on October 21 (Sat.) and 22 (Sun.), 2023.

In this completely original remake of the 1962 film, Ryuta Muro, a graduate of Kansai Johnny's Jr. and active in numerous stage productions, takes on the role of Joe Kondo, aka "Ace Joe," played by Lock Shishido. In September, Ryuta Muro and Daichi Imae held a Kansai-style press conference in Osaka to promote the play.

Q. Could you tell us about your role?

Muro: Joji Kondo is a good-natured guy who gets involved in everything. When it comes to money, he gets involved in everything. The story is a fast-paced one with lots of flashy action as various characters run around the stage over counterfeit bills, but it is basically a comedy, which makes it a funny piece.

Imae：I play the role of Tetsuzo Hijikata, a type who does everything according to his calculations. He is the complete opposite of Ryuta's character, a criminal psychology professional who chooses the one with the highest winning probability based on his calculations. He has a PhD and is a very successful YouTuber. He is very calculating and stubborn, so I think he has a personality that Ryuta-kun would not like (laughs). I will be tag-teaming with Ryuta-kun a bit to fight against real evil, but...what was it?

Room: Dogs and monkeys?

Imae：Yes, they are dogs and monkeys. ...I learned that today (laughs).

Muro: Yes, that's right. Just now (laughs).

ーーThis work is a remake of a Showa-era classic, but when you heard about it, what did you think?

Muro: Nikkatsu films have an image of "adult movies" in my mind. I am looking forward to working with Legendary Stage to transform the film into a stage production.

Imae：This is the first one, so there is a lot of pressure to make it a success or we won't be able to continue. It's only been five days since we started rehearsals, but it's easy. There is a lot of action and a lot of script writing, so I feel like we are getting into the thick of things. I will be fighting with a Japanese sword, but I will also be fighting with an umbrella and a ruler. I can't imagine it yet (laughs).

Have you seen the movie?

Muro: I watched it after the rehearsals started. The quality of the images was very tasteful. And everyone was talking very fast (laughs). I was surprised at how fast it was moving, unlike what I had imagined. It's a habitual feeling, and I'm looking forward to seeing how you will reproduce it on stage.

ーーWhat is your role in the film, Mr. Shishido?

Room: I spoke too soon (laughs).

Imae：It's definitely not good! (laughter)

Room: No, no, no! In a good way! (laughs) I can understand you even if you speak too fast...I'm not talking from the top (laughs)! I was watching the movie thinking, "You speak so fast, you must have had a hard time with the lines. When there is an original work, I try not to watch it because I am influenced by it, but as we rehearsed, I wanted to be closer to the image that the director, Mr. Miyagi, had of the play, and I thought it would be better if I had some empathy or shared feelings with him. I am glad I saw it. However, I already have Kondo Joji in my mind, so I am not going to use it in the role, but I think I will be able to do it without bias. I may be incorporating it into the role, though (laughs).

Imae：I haven't seen the original. It's more of a remake, with YouTubers and such, and I don't want to be dragged down by the original. However, I do plan to watch it after I have had a lot of practice.