The stage adaptation of Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away will make its North American premiere at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles in the fall of 2027. Produced by Toho Co., Ltd. and presented by Center Theatre Group, the production features the original Japanese-language cast and is directed by John Caird.
When and where will the production take place?
The North American engagement of Spirited Away: Live on Stage is scheduled to run at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles during the fall of 2027. According to the official announcement from Center Theatre Group, this run marks the first time the production will be staged in the United States.
The production previously saw success in Japan, where it premiered at the Imperial Theatre in Tokyo in 2022. Following its Japanese run, the show moved to London’s West End at the London Coliseum, where it received critical acclaim for its use of puppetry and stagecraft to recreate the film’s fantastical elements.
What should audiences expect from the stage adaptation?
The stage play remains faithful to the 2001 Studio Ghibli film, which follows a young girl named Chihiro who enters a world of spirits and gods. The adaptation utilizes a combination of traditional Japanese theatrical techniques, elaborate puppetry, and immersive set design to bring iconic characters like Haku, Yubaba, and No-Face to life on stage.
John Caird, the Tony and Olivier Award-winning director known for his work on Les Misérables, adapted and directed the production. The show features a rotating cast, reflecting the original Japanese staging where multiple actors often shared major roles to accommodate the demanding performance schedule.
How does this compare to previous international runs?
The Los Angeles production follows a specific trajectory of international expansion for the Toho-produced show. While the London engagement served as the production’s first major international test, the Los Angeles run represents a significant expansion into the North American market.
Industry analysts note that the choice of the Ahmanson Theatre is consistent with the venue’s history of hosting high-profile, visually ambitious international productions. Unlike standard Broadway tours, the Spirited Away production maintains its original Japanese-language dialogue with English supertitles, preserving the cultural nuance of the source material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the show be performed in English?
No, the production is performed in its original Japanese language. English supertitles will be provided for the audience.
Who is responsible for the puppetry?
Toby Olié serves as the production’s puppetry designer and director. His work is central to the show’s ability to replicate the supernatural creatures depicted in the Studio Ghibli film.
Are tickets currently available?
As of the latest announcement, specific on-sale dates for the 2027 run have not been released. Interested theatergoers are encouraged to sign up for updates through the Center Theatre Group website to receive notification regarding ticket availability and subscription packages.
Is this the only upcoming Studio Ghibli stage project?
While Spirited Away is the primary focus for the 2027 season in Los Angeles, Toho continues to manage the production’s touring schedule in Japan and potential future international markets. There have been no official announcements regarding other Studio Ghibli films receiving similar stage adaptations at this time.
Worth a look