So. I saw The Strongest Team 「最強の場所(チーム)」and wow.
I saw the show on Sun Dec 9th in the afternoon. I somehow managed to get both Karasuno and Aoba Johsai parkas as well as all the bromides I wanted, Original Soundtracks, and Aoba Johsai towel. My seat was in the arena, and this time I got a full panoramic view!
The play was phenomenal per usual. No, Suga Kenta didn’t come to sit next to me this time, but overall, this play was more serious than the others. There was less audience interaction compared to The Start of the Giant.
The first half featured Karasuno vs. Aoba Johsai [pt. 2]. Kyotani took the spotlight more this time, and he took the stage really well. There was a lot more “teamwork” feel with this one, especially for Seijoh. Since Seijoh was here more or less since the beginning, their match had more of an impact. It felt more emotional and intense than before. When they lost, I could hear so many people crying around me. They even showed the part where Oikawa says thank you to his team for all three years; and the famed IwaOi fistbump. They almost missed, actually, but the raw emotion was still there.
The second half was with Shiratorizawa. Because it’s our first time seeing them as a team, and we were still getting over the fact that Aoba Johsai lost we felt a little rushed when going into the match. However, Shiratorizawa, just like all the other teams, had a HUGE impact on stage. Their movements were powerful and sharp, kind of like soldiers. Of course, besides Ushijima, Tendou takes the stage as well He was really unsettling (in a good way, since that’s his character!) and he really drew everyone in.
In terms of plot, they basically stook to the main turning points of the story ex: Yamaguchi’s serve (they even had a spear for him!); Oikawa’s last serve to Iwaizumi and the last point; the Pride scene: Nishinoya’s saves; Guess Monster Tendou; Ushijima’s raw power; Tsukishima’s block (he got a shield!); Tsukki’s injury; the last point; etc
They did leave out some things (Tendou and Ushijima stretching; Ushijima and Tendou’s backstory) and changed things around for timing sake, but overall it stayed pretty true to the manga/anime per usual.
Lastly, having Wada Shunsuke play live added an interesting factor. Although you can hear the background music as well, having him play live added an extra flair and more impact as well!
I know I didn’t talk about everything, but this was basically my highlight and feelings after the show. I only saw it once, unfortunately; but I look forward to seeing it again when the DVD comes out!