Latest news with #Doc
Yomiuri Shimbun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Shiki's ‘Back to The Future' Musical: A Dazzling Ride through Time; Stars Naoto Risu, Masuo Nonaka Speak on the Hit's Japan Debut
Shiki Theatre Company's new production, 'Back to the Future: The Musical,' an acclaimed stage adaptation of the 1985 cinematic smash hit, is thrilling audiences with its electrifying performances and ingenious stagecraft. Now enjoying a successful run, this highly anticipated work features Naoto Risu as high school protagonist Marty McFly and Masuo Nonaka as Doc, the eccentric scientist who invents the time machine. Read on for highlights of the show, along with an interview with its stars. Set in a California suburb in 1985, the story begins as Marty, a high school student leading a dull life, visits the laboratory of his friend, the scientist Emmett 'Doc' Brown. Doc excitedly rambles on about how he has modified a DeLorean supercar and developed a time machine. During the experiment, however, Doc collapses due to the plutonium fuel. Marty drives the DeLorean to take Doc to the hospital, leading to a pivotal moment that changes entering the theater, visitors are greeted by an electrifying sight: LED boards mimicking circuit boards line the walls parallel to the audience. As the DeLorean travels through time and space, these boards brilliantly light up, creating a breathtaking effect that pulls the audience directly into the action. While audiences are initially blown away by the theme park-like mechanisms, these soon prove to be just an added feature. The meticulously crafted sets, recreating the famous movie scenes as well as showcasing original staging, are packed with ingenious theater technology that defies explanation, leaving audiences in awe of the stagecraft. Beyond the spectacle, the most vital element is the musical's core message: Doc's recurring mantra of 'Where there's a will, there's a way' resonates deeply. While we cannot rewind the past or fast-forward to the future, we are the ones who hold the power to take action toward shaping our destiny. With that kind of dedication, our dreams are within cast's energetic performances as they jump between 1985 and 1955 drive this point home with incredible conviction. You'll leave feeling empowered and inspired, thinking, 'Maybe starting tomorrow I'll start trying a little harder.' 'Back to the Future: The Musical' is enjoying a long run at the JR-East Shiki Theatre Aki in the Hamamatsucho district of Tokyo. The musical premiered in the United Kingdom in 2020, where it won Best New Musical at the 2022 Olivier Awards, the most prestigious ceremony in London theater. It also had a Broadway run in New York from August 2023 to January 2025. Delving into roles Risu, who plays Marty, and Nonaka, who plays Doc, spoke to The Yomiuri Shimbun. The following is excerpted from the interview: * * * The Yomiuri Shimbun: What is the appeal of Marty and Doc's respective roles? Risu: I think many stories feature protagonists who grow throughout the narrative, but Marty's charm lies in his inherent goodness from the very Despite being around 70, Doc poured about 30 years into his research, relentlessly pursuing his dream. That kind of sustained drive and power is astounding, isn't it? Yomiuri: I heard director John Rando instructed you to 'bring out your individuality.' Risu: If you try your best and your good qualities spill out, perhaps that is what individuality is. Nonaka: Individuality likely emerges eventually by delving deeply into a role. For me, it felt like it came naturally as I reacted to John's directions. Yomiuri: What were these 'directions'? Risu: The scene where Doc explains the time travel theory with a model was quite challenging to perform. Nonaka: He told me, 'Just keep improvising.' When I suggested, 'How about 'Mamma Mia!' when the sparks fly?' he enthusiastically replied, 'That's great!' Risu: Nonaka and Yoichiro Akutsu, who alternate the role of Doc, both appeared in the Japanese premiere of the musical 'Mamma Mia!' so I thought it was a clever touch. Yomiuri: Please tell us about some hidden Definitely the meticulousness of the Doc's laboratory set. Nonaka: I heard they found a genuine old projector and a lamp. Risu: The clocks in Doc's laboratory change time depending on the scene, but they are actually physically swapped out! Nonaka: The stagehands replace all twenty-something of them. Risu: Beyond that, it is worth examining all the subtle yet significant differences in Doc's 1985 and 1955 laboratories. You'll find, for example, that the Diet Pepsi can Marty enjoys is conspicuously absent in 1955, simply because it hadn't been released yet. Nonaka: Audiences probably wouldn't notice unless they stopped and compared I particularly like the scene at Marty's house. In the background, there is a whiteboard displaying Dave's (Marty's brother) future plans, though it quickly becomes hidden from view. Yomiuri: What do you hope audiences pay the most attention to? Nonaka: Of course, the time travel scenes. Even we, as performers, get excited. Risu: I'd be thrilled if audiences came away thinking about how Doc and Marty, despite their significant age difference, have such a good relationship. Naoto Risu: Raised in Tokyo, Risu joined the Shiki Theatre Company training center in 2018. His acting journey began with his appearance in an elementary school Christmas play. He has played many leading roles, including Ren / Kyuta in 'Bakemono no Ko' ('The Boy and The Beast'). Masuo Nonaka: Raised in Tochigi Prefecture, Nonaka is a Shiki Theatre Company veteran who joined the training center in 1984. He is also skilled at playing villains, such as Jafar in 'Aladdin' and medical officer John Hall in 'The Ghost and the Lady.'
North Wales Chronicle
5 days ago
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
Plans for historic Old Mona Hotel in Caernarfon revealed
The striking building on Shirehall Street was once the Hen Gwesty Mona – the Old Mona Hotel. Cyngor Gwynedd has received a change of use of offices into five residential flats, including extension at the rear. The plans also include air source heat pumps and a new door to the refuse store. The application has been made by Rhys Carden (Cyngor Gwynedd) through the agent Dewi Hughes (DEWIS architecture). Plans say the building was originally established as a coaching inn, it served travellers, cashing in on its strategic location near important routes and the once thriving port of Caernarfon. MORE NEWS: Bangor man returns to prison after assaulting a policeman 'with force' Top honours for Coleg Menai's most 'outstanding' students Pedestrian in hospital with 'serious' injuries after being hit by vehicle in Gwynedd Conwy Tunnel fire: A55 vulnerabilities to accidents and delays exposed by blaze Over the years, the inn has changed hands multiple times but historically offered accommodation, food, and drink. Historic building on Caernarfon\'s High Street could be set for development if planners agree (Cyngor Gwynedd Planning Doc.) The building is a landmark within Caernarfon and 'showcases traditional Welsh architectural features, contributing to its charm and historical significance and reflecting the town's cultural heritage,' the plans say. The property lies within the Caernarfon Conservation Area and within the Walled Town which is a World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO. Hen Gwesty Mona, Caernarfon (Image Cyngor Gwynedd Plnnign Documents) The nearby town walls and Porth yr Aur are ancient monuments and Grade I listed buildings. The structure physically adjoins the Caernarfon Social Club on Stryd Fawr and No. 3 Stryd y Farchnad, are both Grade II listed buildings. The design and access statement says: 'From what we can gather the building was converted from the Mona Hotel to council offices for the council's internal Audit in 1963. 'A rear portion of the building was demolished in the early 1980s to make space for the Council's Dafydd Orwig Chamber which is now linked to the building. 'The building currently houses the council's trading standards and environmental health teams'. The application states that the council had also identified that the requirement for office space has reduced since the pandemic in 2020, and due to the number of employees working from home having 'increased significantly'. 'As a result a need for housing in the locality has come to light. which secures the longevity of the building' it stated. The plans note the proposed works are to remodel the interior to form accommodation, and to extend the property to the rear to form homes to Welsh Design Quality Requirements. The proposal would see the building reconfigured to form five apartments with a central staircase. The ground floor apartment has been designed to accommodate wheelchair users They also say by providing a change of use for the building 'will provide much needed accommodation for the town and ensure an existing building is not left derelict and in disrepair'.
The Star
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Scott Wolf and wife getting divorced after 3 children and 2 decades of marriage
Scott Wolf met Kelley Wolf through mutual friends in 2002 on a blind date that almost didn't happen. Photo: TNS Actor Scott Wolf and his wife Kelley are getting a divorce. The Party Of Five alum, who currently stars as Dr. Richard Miller on the Fox medical drama Doc , confirmed the split Wednesday, telling The Times in a statement, 'After 21 years of marriage, I have made the most difficult decision of my life, and filed for divorce from my wife Kelley.' Kelley Wolf posted the news of the split on Tuesday on social media. 'This has been a long, quiet journey for me — rooted in hope, patience, and care for our children,' she wrote. 'While I will not speak publicly about the details, I feel peace knowing that I've done everything I can to walk this path with integrity and compassion.' She called Scott Wolf 'one of the best fathers I've ever known and one of the best partners a woman could have the privilege of sharing life with. He is kind, thoughtful, funny, and beautiful in spirit.' Both of them noted that they were focused on their kids, with Scott, 57, saying they were 'the loves of our lives' and Kelley, 48, calling them 'the most extraordinary children.' They share sons Jackson, 16, and Miller, 12, and daughter Lucy, 11. The actor met the star of MTV's The Real World: New Orleans through mutual friends in 2002 on a blind date that almost didn't happen. 'We were meeting at a restaurant and she wound up turning up almost a full hour late,' the actor said in 2021 on Access Hollywood . 'I was asking other people at the bar. I was like, 'How long do you wait for a blind date?' And they were like, 'Kind of an hour tops.' So she made it under the wire.' Turns out she was stuck in 'horrible' New York traffic, he said. They married in 2004 in her hometown of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and honeymooned in Africa. – Los Angeles Times/Tribune News Service
Otago Daily Times
15-06-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Whale caught in cray line near Moeraki freed
A young humpback whale entangled in ropes and in "immediate danger" off the coast of a small fishing village north of Dunedin has been freed. A co-ordinated effort between the Department of Conservation's expert whale disentanglement team, a local fishing crew and mana whenua freed the juvenile to sub-adult whale yesterday about 10.45am, off the coast near Moeraki. Doc coastal Otago operations manager Gabe Davies said the whale, believed to up to 9m long, was in immediate danger as it was caught in a 12mm braided cray-pot line with a single float. Doc made the decision to work with a local fishing crew already on-site. "We're incredibly grateful to the local crew for their calm response and skilled handling of a difficult situation," Mr Davies said. "This outcome shows what's possible when people on the water act calmly and responsibly." Mr Davies said the response highlighted the value of strong local relationships. "Working closely with Te Rūnaka o Moeraki and experienced fishers made all the difference. Everyone had a shared goal — to help this animal get free safely.' Doc disentanglement team leader Dr Cat Peters said no-one could be blamed for the incident. "They [humpbacks] tend to be a bit like the puppies of the sea; they'll play with things or swim close to things as they're making their way up our coast. "Once they get one bit of entanglement on them, they tend to panic and that just worsens the entanglement." Entanglements were more frequent at this time of year when whales migrated north to breeding grounds in warmer waters and in September when they returned. She said it was important to save the entangled whales: "Every whale counts." The team was involved in up to 20 entanglements a year. The hardest part of the job was finding the whales after they were entangled, she said. Doc was aware of another sighting from Friday. There might still be a second entangled whale off the coast of the Chrystalls Beach-Bull Creek area, east of Milton. It was also possible the whale freed at Moeraki had remnants of cray line still attached. Doc's expert disentanglement team remained on stand-by. What to do If you spot a whale that appears entangled or in distress — — Call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) immediately. — Note the location, time and description. — Stay well clear. Do not approach or attempt to intervene. — More information on whale entanglement and how to help can be found at:
Otago Daily Times
15-06-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Joint effort frees whale caught in line
A young humpback whale entangled in ropes and in "immediate danger" off the coast of a small fishing village north of Dunedin has been freed. A co-ordinated effort between the Department of Conservation's expert whale disentanglement team, a local fishing crew and mana whenua freed the juvenile to sub-adult whale yesterday about 10.45am, off the coast near Moeraki. Doc coastal Otago operations manager Gabe Davies said the whale, believed to up to 9m long, was in immediate danger as it was caught in a 12mm braided cray-pot line with a single float. Doc made the decision to work with a local fishing crew already on-site. "We're incredibly grateful to the local crew for their calm response and skilled handling of a difficult situation," Mr Davies said. "This outcome shows what's possible when people on the water act calmly and responsibly." Mr Davies said the response highlighted the value of strong local relationships. "Working closely with Te Rūnaka o Moeraki and experienced fishers made all the difference. Everyone had a shared goal — to help this animal get free safely.' Doc disentanglement team leader Dr Cat Peters said no-one could be blamed for the incident. "They [humpbacks] tend to be a bit like the puppies of the sea; they'll play with things or swim close to things as they're making their way up our coast. "Once they get one bit of entanglement on them, they tend to panic and that just worsens the entanglement." Entanglements were more frequent at this time of year when whales migrated north to breeding grounds in warmer waters and in September when they returned. She said it was important to save the entangled whales: "Every whale counts." The team was involved in up to 20 entanglements a year. The hardest part of the job was finding the whales after they were entangled, she said. Doc was aware of another sighting from Friday. There might still be a second entangled whale off the coast of the Chrystalls Beach-Bull Creek area, east of Milton. It was also possible the whale freed at Moeraki had remnants of cray line still attached. Doc's expert disentanglement team remained on stand-by. What to do If you spot a whale that appears entangled or in distress — — Call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) immediately. — Note the location, time and description. — Stay well clear. Do not approach or attempt to intervene. — More information on whale entanglement and how to help can be found at:
