Pacific Overtures

Starring George Takei!

Making a welcome return to the New York stage, Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman's entertaining historical musical takes us across the ocean to feudal Japan, where the start of Westernization proves to be anything but a smooth transition. Centering on the story of a fisherman and a lowly samurai, it was imagined from a Japanese perspective about American influences on the country. Winning two Tony Awards for scenic design and costumes, this lavish musical also made waves (sorry) in London's West End!

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

We follow Commodore Matthew Perry on his sailing trip to Japan in 1853 on a U.S. mission to open up trade relations at any cost. However the rescue of a drowning Japanese fisherman throws a spanner in the works when he is accused of consorting with the enemy. Meanwhile, a junior samurai is charged with keeping the foreigners out; everything starts to unravel the relative peace of thousands of years of custom.

Incorporating elements from traditional kabuki theatre and actors of Japanese descent, this latest revival stars veteran actor and activist George Takei, who recently starred in his own Broadway musical, the much acclaimed Allegiance, which also saw the return of Lea Salonga, the original Miss Saigon.