Umeda Arts Theater News

The new musical, THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON will transfer to the West End's Ambassadors Theatre from Thursday 10 October 2024.

Matthew White’s latest creation is stunning and Sondheim’s score remains beautiful. White doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to condemning the actions depicted, though at the very end his vision seems to suddenly shift all the violence into the necessary evil that kick-started Japan’s technological advancement. Questionable, but interesting.

Recently, we had the chance to speak with Joaquin Pedro Valdes, who is taking on the role of John Manjiro in Pacific Overtures. We discussed how he first got started in musical theatre, what it has been like to be a part of such a unique Sonhdime work, and even how the themes of the show can be compared to sushi!

The Menier Chocolate Factory has released all new rehearsal photos for their co-production with the Umeda Arts Theater of Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s Pacific Overtures.

The Menier Chocolate Factory has announced full casting for their co-production with the Umeda Arts Theater of Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s Pacific Overtures. 

Discover the latest additions to the cast of THE TWIGGY MUSICAL, including Darren Day and Hannah-Jane Fox. Find out when and where this highly anticipated production will be held, and secure your tickets to experience this sensational musical firsthand. Don't miss out - book your seats now!

To mark the upcoming second anniversary of Disney’s Frozen The Musical in the West End, and the 10th anniversary of the film, Disney Theatrical Productions has released 'Dangerous to Dream' from Frozen the Musical, sung by Samantha Barks who created the role of Elsa for the London production. Check out the video here!

Elena Skye will play Twiggy in the world première of Close Up – The Twiggy Musical at The Menier Chocolate Factory.

 Laura Dawkes and Jammy Kasongo have joined the company of Frozen in London as Anna and Kristoff.

With Marjorie Prime currently running at the company's home base in South London and Funny Girl on Broadway, the Menier Chocolate Factory announced forthcoming programming for 2023. Learn more about the lineup here!

The Menier Chocolate Factory has announced programming for its Autumn 2022/Spring 2023 season. Learn more about the full season here!

The Japanese production of Anastasia, previously cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19, has been rescheduled for September and October 2023.

Disney Theatrical Productions announced that Frozen is extending until March 2023 due to public demand. Find out who's joining the cast and how to purchase tickets!

Former Pretty Woman: The Musical castmates, Samantha Barks and Alex Stoll, have announced that they are married! Learn about both here. 

The acclaimed stage adaption of Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away will livestream its final two performances in Japan on Hulu. Helmed by Les Miserables director John Caird, Spirited Away is currently touring throughout Japan with 32 performers and over 50 puppets designed by Toby Olié. Check out a list of upcoming performances now!

SPIRITED AWAY was brought to life at the Imperial Theater in Tokyo, bringing in a full house of attendees. This timeless masterpiece was recreated by the director of Les Misérables, John Caird, who brought iconic scenes to the stage with amazing performances with 32 performers and over 50 puppets designed by Toby Olié. 

Samantha Barks has released her latest album, Into the Unknown! The Frozen star released the album under her new record label, Westway. The album features selections from a number of contemporary musicals, including Six, Dear Evan Hansen, Jagged Little Pill, Ghost, Mean Girls, Moana, The Greatest Showman, and more. 

Samantha Barks has announced her engagement to fellow Broadway actor Alex Michael Stoll. The pair appeared in Pretty Woman the Musical on Broadway together in 2018-2019.

VIOLET is the first of a series of projects co-produced by Umeda Arts Theater, a Japanese theatre producing company, and Charing Cross Theatre. The aim of these co-projects is to present the same production under the same direction in both the UK and in Japan.

As BroadwayWorld previously announced, a production of Chess is headed to Osaka's Umeda Arts Theater, starring Ramin Karimloo and Samantha Barks! Directed by Nick Winston, the production will run on January 27, 2020. The cast also features Luke Walsh, and Takanori Sato. Get a first look at the production in the new footage, featuring Karimloo, Barks, and the cast!