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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Spirits come alive on the stage with 'Spirited Away' theater production

Spirits come alive on the stage with 'Spirited Away' theater production

Published Mar 9, 2022 03:18 pm

A glimpse of the magic on stage

Hayao Miyazaki’s “Spirited Away” comes alive on stage, as seen in released images of the theater production of the hit Japanese animated fantasy film. And, as expected, it is whimsical.

The Studio Ghibli film’s stage adaptation is led by two-time Tony-winning English director John Caird. Bringing the world of “Spirited Away” to the theater is stage designer Jon Bausor, with the film's colorful characters brought to life through puppets designed and directed by Toby Olié.

Released in 2001, the Oscar-winning animated film follows the adventures of 10-year-old Chihiro Ogino and her parents as they stumbled upon an abandoned amusement park. Little did they know that the park is a resort dedicated to supernatural beings. Actresses Kanna Hashimoto and Mone Kamishiraishi are cast for the role of Chihiro.

News about the theater adaption made headlines in 2021 and Miyazaki gave full support to the project. “We, Hayao and I, both liked John’s vision; he is a person we can trust,” said Miyazaki’s longtime producer partner Toshio Suzuki in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “I am looking forward to seeing Chihiro grow on stage under his direction.”

“Spirited Away” theater play runs until March 29 at Tokyo’s Imperial Theater and is set to tour other locations in Japan. While Filipinos can’t be there to physically view the play, the images below will, at least, give us a glimpse of the magic on stage.

Photo from @tobyolie on Instagram

Photo from @tobyolie on Instagram

Photo from @tobyolie on Instagram

Photo from @tobyolie on Instagram

See more of “Spirited Away” on stage here.

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