Due to phenomenal demand, critically acclaimed Your Lie in April will transfer to the Harold Pinter Theatre for 12 weeks only. After a record-breaking sell-out concert launch at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, its producers (the same as smash-hit Death Note) are to stage the European premiere of one of the most popular romantic stories and greatest tearjerkers in manga history.
"This classical mixed musical masterpiece" (Curtain Call Reviews) will run 28th June – 21st September, releasing 5,500 £25 tickets for all preview performances.
Your Lie in April, is an adaption of a manga favourite story, brings to life the poignant story of Kōsei Arima, a young piano prodigy, and his inability to play following his mother’s death. He strikes a friendship with violinist Kaori Miyazono and she slowly encourages him to perform again. "Frank Wildhorn (composer of Jekyll & Hyde, Bonnie & Clyde and Death Note) “has a magic that will melt even the hardest heart" - London Living Large.
This adaption is based on Your Lie in April, a five-million-selling manga by Naoshi Arakawa published by KODANSHA LTD. ©Naoshi Arakawa/KODANSHA.
There isn’t much set piece dancing in the show, but director, Nick Winston, makes excellent use of a couple of surprising moments. Kaori’s playing is delivered by a shadow violinist (Akiko Ishikawa) while the girl disappears, underlining how music can transform human beings. None more so than when Kosei goes all in with his classical piano playing, dissing Vladimir Horowitz as a teen would and absolutely nailing Rachmaninoff, Zheng Xi Yong earning one of what will be many showstopping ovations, electrifying the house and providing an unforgettable moment.
Directed and choreographed by Nick Winston, characters are Japanese but Americanised and schematic. Kōsei and Kaori are played with immense verve but there is little room for them to breathe and they are smothered by flat characterisation. Alongside them is a self-parodying high-school hunk (Dean John-Wilson) and Kōsei’s quietly tormented best friend (Rachel Clare Chan), both hastily sketched and overfamiliar.
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