Information

Show Credits: Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by John Weidman
Additional Material by Hugh Wheeler

Description: “Nippon. The floating kingdom. An island empire which for centuries has lived in perfect peace, undisturbed by intruders from across the sea…”

That is until Commodore Matthew Perry and an American fleet arrive in 1853 to “open” it up to the West, and a civilization of timeless tradition and seamless serenity begins to unravel under the impact of new ideas.

Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman (authors of ASSASSINS) explore the painful Westernization of Japan through the story of two friends caught in the inevitable winds of change. Mixing elements of Kabuki theatre with the conventions of the Broadway musical, PACIFIC OVERTURES is considered by many to be the artistic pinnacle of the legendary Sondheim/Prince collaborations. A highly original, inventive, powerful, educational and surprisingly humorous theatrical experience, it pushes the boundaries of musical theatre farther than ever before. Every musical number is a revelation in a groundbreaking score containing material Sondheim considers his best.

Its epic scope, ethnic cast and subject matter, and sheer ambition make PACIFIC OVERTURES a unique and worthwhile effort for any theatre – large or small – looking for a challenge.

Accolades/
Awards: Pacific Overtures was nominated for 10 Tonys, including for Musical, Book and Score and Direction. It won the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award.

Insight from the experts Staging Tip: The authors suggest elements common to Kabuki: an entrance runway through the audience, platforms, fans representing objects or actions, stylized masks. Otherwise, pieces to suggest locales such as: a small house, a ship, the shogun's palace, a street, a garden, outside a treaty house. Everything should be easily struck and lightweight. There is considerable comedy in this show. Take some time to understand the bawdy qualities of Kabuki theatre. Let your performers play; although Kabuki has ritualistic elements, it's anything but staid. Don't overlook the importance of your Reciter. He is absolutely vital to the heart of the work.