The stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away will reportedly stream on Hulu Japan July 3 and 4. Whether the filmed performances will come to other regions via the streamer remains unclear.
Adapted from Hayao Miyazaki's 2001 Oscar Award-winning animated movie, the production premiered at Tokyo's Imperial Theatre last month. The show is currently set to tour four additional cities in Japan. For fans who aren't local to the spots, Sora News 24 has reported that the final two performances of the show will be streamed live on the aforementioned platform.
Tony winner John Caird (Les Misérables) helmed the production, which he adapted for stage with Maoko Imai. The production featured 32 performers and more than 50 puppets designed by Toby Olié.
The cast comprises Kanna Hashimoto and Mone Kamishiraishi sharing the lead role of Chihiro, and Mari Natsuki and Romi Park double-cast as Yubaba the sorceress. Koharu Sugawara and Tomohiko Tsujimoto, who are double-cast as No Face (Kaonashi), play the role until a point where No Face "runs wild" and the character requires 12 puppeteers. Due to the double casting system, the two Hulu broadcasts are expected to feature different actors in the leading roles.
Spirited Away follows 10-year-old Chihiro who moves to a new home with her parents. After they get lost in a mysterious world and her parents are turned into pigs, the young girl must survive in the strange land and return to the human world.
Following its Tokyo's Imperial Theatre premiere, which concluded April 29, the show will go on to play at Umeda Arts Theater in Osaka, April 12–24; Hakataza Theater in Fukuoka, May 1–28; Sapporo Cultural Arts Theatre hitaru in Sapporo, June 6–12; and Misonoza Theater in Nagoya, June 22–July 4.
Mone Kamishiraishi in Spirited Away
Cast of Spirited Away
Mone Kamishiraishi in Spirited Away
Kanna Hashimoto in Spirited Away
Kanna Hashimoto in Spirited Away
Mone Hashimotosatoshi in Spirited Away
Mone Kamishiraishi in Spirited Away
Company of Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away
Company of Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away
Company of Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away
Company of Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away
Kanna Hashimoto in Spirited Away
Mone Kamishiraishi in Spirited Away
