The Japanese-language stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away will be available to stream on HBO Max beginning December 24.
Titled Spirited Away: Live on Stage, the recorded performance was previously presented in cinema across the United States as a part of the GKids program.
Adapted from Hayao Miyazaki's 2001 Oscar Award-winning animated movie, the production premiered at Tokyo's Imperial Theatre in 2022 and streamed on Hulu Japan later the same year. 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 includes 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, two different broadcasts were filmed and streamed featuring different actors in the leading roles. It remains unclear which broadcast will be available for U.S. streaming, or if they have been combined in any way.
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.
READ: How Spirited Away the Play Uses Puppets to Bring Hayao Miyazaki’s Classic Film to Life
Following its Tokyo's Imperial Theatre premiere, which concluded April 29, 2022, the show played a successful tour throughout Japan. The production will transfer to London next year, with performances begin April 30, 2024.
For more information, visit GKIDS.com.
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
