Fans of Attack on Titan in Japan were treated to a vivacious new adaptation of Hajime Isayama’s iconic shonen manga last year, featuring Eren Jaeger, Mikasa Ackerman, and Armin Arlert perform on stage. The live-action stage production is currently en route to New York for its inaugural performance in North America.
The showrunners of Attack on Titan: The Musical have announced that the show will debut in the United States at the New York City Center Theater from October 11-13, as reported by Oricon. This production of exceptional quality employs “analog theatrical techniques” in conjunction with advanced stage effects to bring the world of Attack on Titan to life in a novel manner. Hajime Isayama, the creator of the franchise, also asserts that the show presents a narrative that slightly diverges from previous iterations. He states, “The actor’s actions and songs have made this Attack on Titan a new one that is different from both the original work and the anime.” Crunchyroll, which provides streaming services for the Attack on Titan anime series, is presently conducting a pre-sale for tickets that is expected to conclude on June 2.
Attack on Titan’s Hajime Isayama Declares That a Musical Would Be “Perfect” for the Franchise
On January 7-9, 2023, Attack on Titan: The Musical premiered at Osaka’s Orix Theater. This was succeeded by a second, extended performance at the renowned Seinenkan hall in Tokyo, which took place from January 14 to 24. The program was directed by Go Ueki, who adapted it from an original script written by Masafumi Hata (Cardfight!! Vanguard overDress). The lyrics were penned by Kaori Miura (Onegai My Melody), while hip-hop artist KEN THE 390 (Akudama Drive, Devilman Crybaby) served as the Music Director. The showrunners have recently released a new trailer that emphasizes numerous dramatic sequences that feature prominent characters from the series. Although the decision to transform a somber fantasy series such as Attack on Titan into a musical featuring choreographed dance sequences may appear peculiar to some, Isayama commended the creators for their selection of medium. “When I saw the Tokyo performance, I was overwhelmed by the power of the stage,” according to him. “I thought that the musical method of expression was perfect for the work.”
The overseas run of the program will feature the preponderance of the original cast. Kurumu Okamiya and Sara Takatsuki (When Marnie Was There) are reprising their respective roles as Eren Jaeger and Mikasa Ackerman. Eito Konishi and Ryo Matsuda are also reprising their roles as Levi Ackerman and Armin Arlert, respectively. Hange Zoe is portrayed by Riona Tatemichi in Mobile Suit Gundam 00. Shota Matsuda, who is most renowned for his portrayal of Shuu Tsukiyama in the live-action Tokyo Ghoul film, Tokyo Ghoul S, will replace Yu Fukuzawa, who originally portrayed Jean Kirstein. Yuri Takahashi will replace Tomoya Nakanishi, who originally portrayed Connie Springer, in the New York version.
The public will be able to purchase tickets for the restricted New York engagement of Attack on Titan: The Musical beginning June 3. VIZ Media offers the Attack on Titan manga by Hajime Isayama in English. The Attack on Titan anime series is also accessible for streaming on Hulu, in addition to Crunchyroll.