for the STAGE
Check out the shows I have had the honor to direct over the last several years in Tokyo, all of which incorporated elements of Asian theatre and aesthetic. Click the "Read More" buttons next to each show to see more information on and photos of each production.
INTO THE WOODS
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Book by James Lapine
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In May 2013, Tokyo International Players hosted an original reimagining of the classic Sondheim musical, "Into the Woods".
For this production, the fairytale world of the piece was transported to the Indian subcontinent for a Bollywood-inspired landscape. Extensive dramaturgical research coupled with authentic garments & properties from India created a stunningly beautiful evening enjoyable for audiences with any level of knowledge about Bollywood and Indian culture.
A KABUKI CHRISTMAS CAROL
by Gary Perlman
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Tokyo in December 2011 welcomed the WORLD PREMIERE of a unique take on the classic Christmas story by Charles Dickens, relocated to Meiji-era Japan and retold in the performance style of kabuki in "A Kabuki Christmas Carol."
A personal triumph for everyone that was involved, not only was Tokyo International Players partnered with the world-renowned Shochiku Co., Ltd., producer of major productions at such locations as Kabukiza and Enbujo, but the show's run in Ebisu was also completely sold out IN ADVANCE of opening.
ONCE UPON A MATTRESS
music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer
book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer.
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Even after the tragic events of 11 March 2011, the show had to go on that May. Fortunately Tokyo International Players had selected a light, family-friendly, laugh-out-loud comedy as the follow-up to Pippin the year before.
This staging of "Once Upon a Mattress" incorporated many twists from traditional presentations of the piece, including additional characters and the use of Japanese bunraku puppetry for the show's prologue.
PIPPIN
music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, book by Roger O. Hirson
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Marking my directorial debut in Tokyo, this production surprised and mesmorized audiences with the apparent time and dedication that was put into best utilizing the resources and talent of TIP at the time.
Choreography for the piece combined the Fosse routines from the original Broadway production, other Fosse dance pieces, and original movements developed with the actors using the high concept of the play-within-a-play taking place in a sideshow tent with an eclectic mix of performers.