Persona 3: the Weird Masquerade -Souen no Kesshou-

Persona 3: the Weird Masquerade -Souen no Kesshou- (ペルソナ3 the Weird Masquerade ～蒼鉛の結晶～, lit. Bismuth Crystal) is a stage play based on Persona 3 and the sequel to Persona 3: the Weird Masquerade -Gunjou no Meikyuu-.

Release

 * Japan:June 5-13, 2015 (Performance)
 * Japan: September 30, 2015 (DVD Release)

Profile
The previous director, Makoto Kimura, will be returning for the third stage play, and the script-writer this time would be Sho Yoshizaki (of the MAG.net stage production unit). It will be limited released during June 5-13, 2015 at Theater G Rosso in Tokyo Dome City.

Like the previous installment, both the male and female protagonists appear, but featured in separate performances.

In the recent news on June 4, 2015, announced that starting June 5 and June 6 that the first and second from the previous stage play would be feature on Niconico live website in limited time only. The first stageplay, Persona 3: the Weird Masquerade -Ao no Kakusei- would started at 20:00, June 5, and the second stageplay, Persona 3: the Weird Masquerade -Gunjou no Meikyuu- would started at 20:00, June 6. The last performance for male route would be June 12 and female performance on June 13 on the Niconico live website.

Male Route
The story begins with Sakuya waking up in the unknown place called the Velvet Room and meeting a young woman in blue, Elizabeth. She explaining her role to assist in his journey.

In the November 3 recaps SEES battle against Strega and Arcana Hangman. After battle, with SEES went back to the dorm, Aigis spotted Itsuki at the Moonlight bridge where he use a remote to reprogram and control her.

The next day, Sakuya wake up in room meeting Pharos one last time before disappearing.At night a while SEES and Mitsuru's father except Aigis celebrating party after the final battle, the Dark Hour suddenly appear after midnight strike. Everyone was confused to why the Dark Hour appear even though they thought defeated all the Shadow Arcanas the Dark Hour and Tartarus would disappear.

Sakuya and others heads toward Tartarus where they found Ikutsuki and Aigis. Ikutsuki revealed his true colors and his real plan to bringer the death and the Fall. He also revealed to Yukari that he alter her father's recording. She attempted to attack him, but she was stopped by Junpei. Ikutsuki proceed with his plan, he order Aigis to capture them and make them as sacrifice to bring the Fall. One by one, Aigis subdue them especially Sakuya where she punched him in the stomach and render him unconscious. Akihiko attempt to attack her for hurting Sakuya, but he was knock out unconscious. Ken, who is the last one still conscious screaming in despair as Aigis slowly approach him. Afterward, everyone regain conscious where they found themselves being crucified on top of Tartarus. As Ikutsuki order Aigis to kill Mitsuru's father, Mitsuru tell her to stop in which Aigis slowly regain control, but it wasn't enough to bring back to her senses. She hesitated and let go of him. Both Takukaru and Ikutsuki shoot each other and their were fatal wounded. As Iktsuki order her to finishing them off, after Aigis hear Sakuya's voice, she broke free from his control and free the others. Afterward, Aigis shut down with Sakuya come to her side and Mitsuru come to her father's side. Iktsuki attempt to Aigis control her again, Ken snatch the remote from him. He attempt to to shoot Ken, Takukaru uses last of his energy to kill him before his dies. After Itsuki falls to his death, Akihiko and Junpei carries Mitsuru's father corpse, Fuuka helps Sakuya carries Aigis, and Yukari comfort Ken back to the Dorm, Mitsuru sink into despair of losing her father.

Sakuya reappear in the Velvet Room again, and Elizabeth gave him the Velvet Key when the next time he visit the Velvet Room on his own accord.

In November 5, with Mitsuru's attend for her father funeral and Aigis still in repair, their friendship slowly begin to fall apart with everything they were told Ikutsuki was a lie and they don't know what to do next. After everyone left, he tried to comfort Yukari about her father, but it makes things worse and she ran off in tears.

Meanwhile, it was revealed that Takaya and Jin survived from the falls, but were serious injured. Jin approach Chidori in the hospital and recruit her back to Strega.

At school, a new transfer student, Ryoji Mochizuki in Sakuya's class. He attempt to shake Sakuya's hand for introduction and to be friends, but was stopped by Aigis, who refused him to come near her. After class, Ryoji attempt to flirt with Yukari, Fuuka, and Mitsuru. Sakuya and the others slowly warming up to Ryoji except Aigis and Mitsuru, who is still depressed over her father's death. Later, Sakuya visit the Velvet Room and Elizabeth made a request for him to visit the outside world like Paulownia Mall and Gekkoukan High School.

At night, as Sakuya and the other guys enjoyed bathing in the hot spring, until they spotted Yukari, Fuuka, and Aigis. The guys make their escape from the hot spring, but they forgot to get Sakuya and attempt to get him. However, they were spotted by the girls as a result and Sakuya remain hiding inside the hot spring. The guys tried to explain to them, but Mitsuru appear in the hot spring and look shocked at Akihiko. She asks Aigis to execute them, much to the horror of the three guys.

The following day, they spend a nice time with Ryoji at Kyoto creating wonderful memories.

In November 20, with everyone got back from field trip and greet Ken. Ryoji gave Ken and Junpei a gift from Kyoto. At night, Fuuka gave Yukai the original video from the incident from ten years and she managed to restore before Ikutsuki change it. As she watch the original video of her father, it was revealed that Shadows should never be defeat to let it alone and he ask to pass a message to her and apologize for not being to come home and he love her before the video ended. She was overwhelming by her decreased father's words to her and began to understand now her father's wishes, Yukari's Persona evolved into Isis. Later Yukari found Mitsuru at the Naganaki Shrine. Yukari manages to connect with Mitsuru. Mitsuru attempt rip the group picture from the party, but Yukari stop her and took it from her. Mitsuru talks about her father, and her resentment towards herself for falling into Ikutsuki's trap. When Mitsuru says her life has no meaning, Yukari slaps her face. She gave back the group photo to her. Afterward, Mitsuru and Yukari make a pinky promise to work together and to fulfill her father's wish to eliminate the Shadows and Dark Hour, and Mitsuru agrees. With Mitsuru was able to move on, her Persona evolved into Artmisia. Everyone welcomed Mitsuru back, warmly. In the end, everyone gain a strong resolved, and they decide to process of training and go on top of Tartarus.

Female Route
The story begins with Kotone waking up in the unknown place called the Velvet Room and meeting a young man in blue, Theodore explaining his role to assist in her journey.

In the November 3 recaps SEES battle against Strega and Arcana Hangman. After battle, with SEES went back to the dorm, Aigis spotted Ikutsuki at the Moonlight bridge where he use a remote to reprogram and control her.

The next day, Kotone wake up in room meeting Pharos one last time before disappearing. At night a while SEES and Mitsuru's father except Aigis celebrating party after the final battle, the Dark Hour suddenly appear after midnight strike. Everyone was confused to why the Dark Hour appear even though they thought defeated all the Shadow Arcanas the Dark Hour and Tartarus would disappear.

Kotone and others heads toward Tartarus where they found Ikutsuki and Aigis. Ikutsuki revealed his true colors and his real plan to bringer the death and the Fall. He also revealed to Yukari that he alter her father's recording. She attempted to attack him, but she was stopped by Junpei. Ikutsuki proceed with his plan, he order Aigis to capture them and make them as sacrifice to bring the Fall. One by one, Aigis subdue them especially Kotone where she strangle her and render her unconscious. Akihiko attempt to attack her for hurting Kotone, but he was knock out unconscious. Ken, who is the last one still conscious screaming in despair as Aigis slowly approach him. Afterward, everyone regain conscious where they found themselves being crucified on top of Tartarus. As Ikutsuki order Aigis to kill Mitsuru's father, Mitsuru and Kotone tell her to stop in which Aigis slowly regain control, but it wasn't enough to bring back to her senses. She hesitated and let go of him. Ikutsuki angrily tries to kill Kotone, but Takeharu breaks free from Aigis's grasp and protects Kotone by receiving the fatal blow and shooting his gun at Ikutsuki. As Ikutsuki orders her to finishing them off, Aigis hears Kotone's voice and breaks free from his control and frees the others. Afterward, Aigis shut down with Kotone come to her side and Mitsuru come to her father's side. Iktsuki attempt to Aigis control her again, Ken snatch the remote from him. He attempt to shoot Ken, Takeharu uses last of his energy to kill him before his dies. After Ikutsuki falls to his death, Akihiko and Junpei carries Mitsuru's father corpse, Fuuka helps Kotone carries Aigis, and Yukari comforts Ken back to the Dorm, Mitsuru sinks into despair of losing her father.

Kotone reappears in the Velvet Room again, and Theodore gave her the Velvet Key when the next time she visit the Velvet Room on her own accord.

In November 5, with Mitsuru's attend for her father funeral and Aigis still in repair, their friendship slowly begin to fall apart with everything they were told Ikutsuki was a lie and they don't know what to do next. Kotone feels sadden by this. Everyone left, she tried to comfort Yukari about her father, but it makes things worse and she ran off in tears.

Meanwhile, it was revealed that Takaya and Jin survived from the falls, but were serious injured. Jin approach Chidori in the hospital and recruit her back to Strega.

At school, a new transfer student, Ryoji Mochizuki in Kotone's class. He attempt to shake Kotone's hand for introduction and to be friends, but was stopped by Aigis, who refused him to come near her. After class, Ryoji attempt to flirt with Yukari, Fuuka, and Mitsuru except Kotone for some reason. Kotone and the others slowly warming up to Ryoji except Aigis and Mitsuru, who is still depressed over her father's death. Later, Kotone visit the Velvet Room and Theodore made a request for her to visit the outside world like Paulownia Mall and Gekkoukan High School.

In November 17, at Kyoto school field trip, Akihiko gave Mitsuru a letter from her father. At night, before Kotone and the girls bath in the hot spring, they heard an unknown sound and attempt to purse where it's coming from. Kotone bought bath toys as offensive for them to use. Later, they spotted Akihiko, Junpei, and Ryouji half-naked and the girls screamed in embarrassment. The guys tried to explain to them, but Mitsuru appear in the hot spring and look shocked at Akihiko. She ask Aigis to executed them, much to the three guys' horror.

The following day, they spend a nice time with Ryoji at Kyoto creating wonderful memories.

In November 20, with everyone got back from field trip and greet Ken. Ryoji gave Ken and Junpei a gift from Kyoto. At night, Fuuka gave Yukai the original video from the incident from ten years and she managed to restore before Ikutsuki change it. As she watch the original video of her father, it was revealed that Shadows should never be defeat to let it alone and he ask to pass a message to her and apologize for not being to come home and he love her before the video ended. She was overwhelming by her decreased father's words to her and began to understand now her father's wishes, Yukari's Persona evolved into Isis. Later Yukai found Mitsuru at the Naganaki Shrine. Yukari manages to connect with Mitsuru. Mitsuru attempt rip the group photo from the party, but Yukari stopped her and took it from her. Mitsuru talks about her father, and her resentment towards herself for falling into Ikutsuki's trap. When Mitsuru says her life has no meaning, Yukari slaps her face. She gave back her the group photo to her. Afterward, Mitsuru and Yukari make a pinky promise to work together and to fulfill her father's wish to eliminate the Shadows and Dark Hour, and Mitsuru agrees. With Mitsuru was able to move on, her Persona evolved into Artmisia. After Yukari and Mitsuru got back to the Dorm, everyone was relieved to see her as Yukari, Fuuka, and Aigis comfort her. Everyone welcomed Mitsuru back, warmly. In the end, everyone gain a strong resolved, and they decide to process training and go on top of Tartarus.

Sequel Preview
At the end of the stage play, the sequel preview that shows Aigis facing off with Ryoji at the Moonlight Bridge. The next scene shows Junpei facing Takaya and Jin alone at Tartarus where he wants to protect Chidori. At the end of the preview, Junpei's voice cry out Chidori's name and the screen says "To be continued."

Music
Here are the list of songs/tracks that were used during the stage play:
 * Soul Phase (Souen no Kesshou Ver. (Male Version) sung by Shouta Aoi (Sakuya Shiomi)
 * A vulnerability veined in Fog sung by Tano Asami (Mitsuru Kirijo)
 * Velvet no Kaisou (Velvet Hierarchy) sung by Kosaka Rika (Elizabeth) and Shouta Aoi (Sakuya Shiomi)
 * your name ~real~ sung by Shouta Aoi (Sakuya Shiomi)
 * Kagayaku Sekai (Shining World) sung by Keisuke Ueda (Ryou Mochizuki)
 * your name ~act~ (Reprise) sung by Shouta Aoi (Sakuya Shiomi) and P3WM Cast
 * Toki no Koeta Message (Message That Exeeds Time) sung by Maho Tomita (Yukari Takaba)
 * Souen no Kesshou (Bismuth Crystal) sung by SEES and Strega P3WM cast (Male Version)
 * Brand New Days (Souen no Kesshou Ver.) sung by entire P3WM cast (Male Route)
 * Soul Phase (Souen no Kesshou Ver. (Female Version) sung by Kana Asumi (Kotone Shiomi)
 * Velvet no Kaisou (Velvet Hierarchy) sung by Ire Shiozaki (Theodore) and Kana Asumi (Kotone Shiomi)
 * your name ~real~ sung by Kana Asumi (Kotone Shiomi)
 * your name ~act~ (Reprise) sung by Kana Asumi (Kotone Shiomi) and P3WM Cast
 * Souen no Kesshou (Bismuth Crystal) sung by SEE and Strega P3WM cast (Female Version)
 * Brand New Days (Souen no Kesshou Ver.) sung by entire P3WM cast (Female Route)

Cast

 * Male protagonist (汐見朔也, Shiomi Sakuya): Shouta Aoi
 * Female protagonist (汐見琴音, Shiomi Kotone):
 * Yukari Takeba:
 * Junpei Iori:
 * Mitsuru Kirijo:
 * Akihiko Sanada:
 * Fuuka Yamagishi:
 * Ken Amada: / (Double-cast)
 * Aigis:
 * Takaya Sakaki:
 * Jin Shirato:
 * Pharos/Ryoji Mochizuki:
 * Shuji Ikutsuki: Mitsuru Karahashi
 * Elizabeth:
 * Theodore:

Adaptation Differences
There are difference between the game and stage play:
 * In the recap of November 3, Takaya and Jin summon their Personas in battle against SEES in which wasn't show in previous stageplay.
 * Yukari attempted to attack Ikutsuki for speaking ill about her father and altering his recording video.
 * Ikutsuki commands the manipulated Aigis to kill Mitsuru, who begs Aigis not to kill her father.
 * Ikutsuki tries to kill SEES, but Takeharu stops him and shots him while receiving the shot.
 * Mitsuru's father, Takeharu Kirijo uses the last of his energy to kill Ikutsuki after being shot by him.
 * Junpei shields Ken from seeing Mitsuru's father's corpse. It implied that he doesn't want Ken to be traumatized again after Shinjiro's death (or coma) in October 4.
 * Jin visits Chidori at the hospital in the day and asks her to join Strega again.
 * Yukari and Mitsuru's newfound resolved and their Persona evolved after they got back from their school field trip in Kyoto.
 * Mitsuru did not join the girls during the hot spring accident, and she calls Aigis to execute them, simliar to the movie for the latter.
 * Furthermore, when Ryoji attempts to get the girls to notice him at the hot springs in Kyoto, Junpei stops him by dunking him underwater in the game, while in the musical, both Junpei and Akihiko stop him by dunking him underwater.

Male Route

 * Sakuya remains in his hiding place, having been forgotten by Akihiko, Junpei, and Ryoji while the latter try to escape during the hot spring accident. The three are caught by the girls while trying to go back for him; later Junpei is seen visibly aggravated at Sakuya for being able to play innocent.
 * The fanservice aspect on the female members' side during the hot spring has been heavily toned down since they are seen in their bath robes instead of their towels.
 * Furthermore, Sakuya is seen in his bath robe just like the girls, and holding a bucket.

Female Route

 * The same as the male version of the play except in the female version, Junpei lost his towel and attempt to find it in the hot spring similar from the movie version.
 * During Theodore's request to visit Paulownia Mall and Gekkoukan High School plays it very similar except rather Kotone take Theodore's hand after he requested was finished, she gave him bread she brought as a gift instead.

Trivia

 * Haneyuri and Ray Fujita are the only actors who didn't reprised their roles as Chidori Yoshino and Shinjiro Aragaki. Although they were mentioned by Akihiko and Junpei during the song, your name ~real~. Chidori appears as a silhouette at the hospital where Jin approach her and recruit her back to Strega.
 * This is also the first stageplay where none of previous actors who aren't reprised roles didn't get replaced by a different actor.
 * Waku Sakuguchi and Tomonori Suzuki who double-cast as Ken Amada appears to switch different routes, as Waku appears in the male route instead of the female route. Which means Tomonori would appear in the female route instead.