Japanese directors are winning over audiences overseas with their unique interpretations of Western musicals, drawing on popular Japanese approaches like the all-female Takarazuka Revue Co.
Most foreign musicals performed in Japan have adhered to the original script, but Amon Miyamoto and Shuichiro Koike are taking a different approach -- and have even won praise from the original composers.
"Pacific Overtures," directed by Miyamoto, will open this fall in New York on Broadway, and Koike will use his Takarazuka experience to direct "Mayerling" in Vienna after fall 2005.