Larisa Amaya-Baron

Tony Award® nominated director Michael Greif graced the stage at the RENT Japan Tour 2024 opening night curtain call. The full cast and crew were joined in song to reprise Seasons of Love; sharing a message of international collaboration with the audience. This production is playing in Japan until September 15th, in English with Japanese subtitles.

Director Trey Ellett brings American cast of RENT to Japan for limited run in Tokyo and Osaka. Led by Japanese actors Koji Yamamoto (reprising his role as Mark) and Crystal Kay (as Maureen). The show plays in English with Japanese subtitles. Tokyo performances run August 21 - September 8, 2024. Osaka performances run September 11 - 15, 2024.

Sam Harvey is one cast member who has been with the show since the beginning. In a really fun interview session, I learned he comes back every year because he loves sharing Christmas with the world...and longs for the chicken nuggets at Japanese convenient stores??

Golden nuggets of wisdom, from Julio Monge: 'Work requires work. You don't need to speak English or a common language to connect to other people. Things should be protected and blessed. The best technology in theater is the simplest one. Nothing replaces the human spirit. People are attracted to creativity.'

'I've had several Japanese people come up to me before and say, 'This is our story.' They were an older married couple, and I thought, 'Oh? This is a New York story, why do you say that?' And they said, 'Because, back in the late 50s early 60s, our villages were feuding, and they wouldn't allow us to marry. So there was this tension, but seeing the movie in 1961 made us say, 'Let's do it!' And we eloped.'

I had the privilege of interviewing Robin de Levita, mastermind of the 360 StageAround technology, about coming to Japan and why he felt it was important to create a new live theater experience for the world. The most inspiring thing he told me was that Arts Education deserves support and respect from the government. The impact of theater on our youth is huge! 'When kids come to the theater, their phones are switched off. The lights go down. The performance is life and alive. The impact is huge.' The Japanese cast will take over West Side Story in 3 Seasons, starting from November 6th, 2019 and running through January 13th, 2020. This article gives you all the links, and a youtube video!

Blast! The Music of Disney comes to Japan every year, and is adored by Japanese audiences. But this is the last chance to catch the group on stage, since the 2020 Olympics are taking over next year! Don't miss out on the live marching band show that captures hearts around the world.

Okada Masaki gets possessed in #BrackenMoor by his BFF who died at 12-years-old, in Alexi Kaye Campbell's chilling play about loss, grief, denial, rejection, acceptance, friendship, and mental health. Playing at Toho's Theatre Creation in Tokyo, Japan until August 27th, 2019!

D-Cappella will perform in 8 cities around Japan, August 22nd to September 12th. Tickets on sale now for Sound check, Talk-back Session, and VIP seats!

The colorful characters of Eric Carle's books come to life on stage, gaining gentle movement, soothing voices, and quirky personalities, given to them by some of America's most talented puppeteers. Their puppets are grander than life size, and captivating to watch interact with each other. The actors/puppeteers talk to us about how they bring Eric Carle's magic to non-English speaking audiences.

'If you have seen the technicolor movie, or a past version of the stage production, you will be pleased to notice that the compassionate director, Bartlett Sher, has removed all the old stereotypes and racism from this revival. You don't feel like the story is mocking any culture, or even making commentary at all. It's stripped down to the common themes we all experience as humans...'

A brand-new version of Oliver Twist tackles human themes of love, suicide, inner-strength, and both sides of society from each character's point of view. It's a heartwarming, yet very personal rendition of Charles Dickens' well known novel, including original music, lyrics and script in Japanese!

The King & I Opens in Japan! Ken Watanabe (@Watanabe), Kelli O'Hara (@kelliohara), and Bartlett Sher (@bartlett_sher) talk about what makes this revival the best version in history.

How do you ask, 'Please, Sir, I Want Some More' in Japanese? This Tokyo version of Oliver Twist is the old story, but not as you know it - with changes like new original score and lyrics, an adult Dodger, and themes which make the audiences think deeply about life. It's a short engagement, not to be missed!　Oliver Twist Asks for 'More' in Japan! With brand new original music and lyrics by seasoned directors #KishimotoKoki and #KojimaRyouta

Crystal Kay (Leading Player) and Shirota Yu (Pippin) give us their opinions about how theater is changing in Japan, and what it was like working on such a legendary show from Broadway.

Come one, Come all to see Pippin in Japan! Former Cirque du Soleil performers join the cast in Tokyo, led by pop stars Shirota Yu (Pippin) and Crystal Kay (Leading Player).

News flash! Hamlet dies in Japan! @ShakespeareinDC's Simon Godwin directs Japanese version of Shakespeare's Hamlet.

Kinky Boots Lyrics in the Japanese Language? Japanese Actors Playing British Characters? How this American Musical is clashing cultures with its Spring Revival!