Acclaimed producer and distributor, GKIDS announced it has acquired North American right for SPIRITED AWAY: Live On Stage, during the hit production’s 2022 run at the historic Imperial Theatre in Tokyo, Japan. The production is a live stage performance of Hayao Miyazaki’s Academy Award®-winning animated feature of the same name.
The live stage production was adapted and directed for the stage by Tony Award®-winner John Caird, Honorary Associate Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, who gained international acclaim for adapting and directing the world premiere of the landmark production Les Misérables.
GKIDS is set to release two separate filmed performances of the production, starring Kanna Hashimoto and Mone Kamishiraishi, double-cast as the lead heroine Chihiro.
Actor Mari Natsuki, who voiced previously voiced the sorceress Yubaba and her twin sister Zeniba in the original motion picture, returns to her original role, accompanied by voice actor Romi Park. They are accompanied by a star-studded cast of Japan’s finest actors.
SPIRITED AWAY: Live On Stage was created in association with Studio Ghibli, and presented by Toho Co., Ltd. The deal was negotiated between GKIDS and Toho. GKIDS will release the stage production theatrically in spring 2023.
GKids President David Jesteadt stated the following,“We are thrilled to offer this unique opportunity for Studio Ghibli fans in America to experience the stage production that wowed Japanese press and audiences last year,” He added“This imaginative stage adaptation by the legendary John Caird, featuring two wonderful performances by lead actors Kanna Hashimoto and Mone Kamishiraishi, helps bring to life one of the greatest films of all time in a dazzling new way.”
Via Press Release
Live Stage Synopsis
While traveling to their new home, Chihiro and her family stumble into a world of fantastic spirits ruled over by the sorceress Yubaba. When her parents are turned into pigs and she is put to work in a magical bathhouse, Chihiro must use her wits to survive in this strange new place, find a way to free her parents, and return to the normal world.
Full Cast
- Chihiro: Kanna Hashimoto/Mone Kamishiraishi
- Haku: Kotaro Daigo /Hiroki Miura
- No Face: Koharu Sugawara/Tomohiko Tsujimoto
- Lin/Chihiro’s Mother: Miyu Sakihi/Fu Hinami
- Kamaji: Tomorowo Taguchi/Satoshi Hashimoto
- Yubaba/Zeniba: Mari Natsuki/Romi Park
- Aniyaku/Chihiro’s Father: Kenya Osumi
- Chichiyaku: Sunao Yoshimura
- Aogaeru: Obata no Oniisan
GKIDS has yet to announce the official theatrical release date.
We’ll keep you updated on the theatrical release; meanwhile, subscribe to our articles below, and don’t miss any upcoming exclusive content!