Adelance's Cultural Division Collaborates with 'A Tale of Two Cities'
Adelance, a company based in Shinagawa, Tokyo, is well-known globally for its wellness-related ventures in hair, beauty, health, and medicine. The company’s cultural arts division, Studio AD, is set to provide technical wig production support for the upcoming musical 'A Tale of Two Cities,' produced by Toho, scheduled to run from May 7 to May 31 at the Meiji-za theater in Chuo, Tokyo.
The entertainment wigs crafted by Adelance are not just focused on aesthetic appeal and natural appearance; they are also designed with the characters' settings and roles in mind. Studio AD takes great care in fabricating these wigs, utilizing elastic and breathable materials in the netting to ensure that performers do not encounter any discomfort during use. Each wig is made to order, precisely tailored to fit the dimensions of each cast member’s head, ensuring both comfort and an authentic look. Moreover, the use of low-maintenance synthetic hair fibers allows the wigs to endure multiple performances over several months, making them not only beautiful but also incredibly durable.
Among the notable cast members of 'A Tale of Two Cities' who will receive wigs from Adelance Studio AD are Yoshio Inoue as Sydney Carton, Kenji Urai as Charles Darnay, and Junka as Lucie Manette. In addition to wig production, the team will also oversee the overall planning of hair and makeup for the actors, ensuring every detail aligns with the artistic vision of the production.
Collaboration Details
The hair and makeup planning for the musical is led by Katsuyuki Tomioka from Studio AD. His experience is extensive; after working in salons, he joined Adelance in 2003, where he has since managed hair and makeup for numerous theatrical productions.
Profile of Katsuyuki Tomioka
With a career spanning over two decades, Katsuyuki Tomioka has been an integral part of Studio AD and its creative efforts. His notable works include leading hair and makeup for major productions such as 'Beethoven,' 'Mozart!', 'Romeo and Juliet,' 'Lupin,' 'Elisabeth,' 'Newsies,' '1789,' 'Lady Beth,' and 'The Great Gatsby,' among others. His talent has contributed to a variety of musicals and straight plays, showcasing his versatility and creativity in the performing arts.
Story Overview of 'A Tale of Two Cities'
Set in the late 18th century, the story follows Lucie Manette, who learns that her father, Dr. Manette, has been released from 17 years of imprisonment in the Bastille. After reuniting, the father-daughter duo is on their way back to London when they meet Charles Darnay, a French exile facing trial for espionage. However, it's Sydney Carton, a disheveled lawyer who bears a striking resemblance to Darnay, who saves him from execution. As relationships deepen, Lucie and Darnay vow to marry, but unbeknownst to them, Carton harbors feelings for Lucie and makes a selfless choice for their happiness.
Just as tranquility seems within reach, Darnay returns to France to rescue a former servant, only to be captured during the revolution. He faces shocking accusations and is sentenced to death, prompting Carton to take decisive action to save him.
Performance Details
- - Dates: May 7 to May 31, 2025
- - Location: Meiji-za, Tokyo
- - Ticket Prices: S席 16,000 yen / A席 10,000 yen / B席 5,000 yen (Weekdays); S席 17,000 yen / A席 11,000 yen / B席 6,000 yen (Weekend)
- - Other Locations: Umeda Arts Theater (Osaka) from June 7 to June 12; Misono-za (Aichi) from June 21 to June 29; Hakata-za (Fukuoka) from July 5 to July 13.
Production by: Toho
Written, Composed, and Lyricized by: Jill Santoriello
Additional Music by: Frank Wildhorn
Original Work by: Charles Dickens
Wig Production Technical Support: Adelance
For more information, visit
the official website.