International NewsYour Lie in April Sets Early Closing in London's West End
The Frank Wildhorn adaptation of the popular manga series previously played two successful London concerts.
By
Margaret Hall
July 30, 2024
Frank Wildhorn's Your Lie in April—The Musical has set an early closing in London's West End at the Harold Pinter Theater for August 11. The production was initially announced to continue through September 21.
The musical began previews June 28 and officially opened July 5. Written by Grammy, Tony, and Emmy-nominated composer Wildhorn, the show is the second musical manga adaptation of Wildhorn's to receive a staging in London, after Death Note the Musical.
Based the multi-million-selling Your Lie in April manga by Naoshi Arakawa, the work was first published by Kodansha. The story is a romantic tearjerker, centering on young piano prodigy Kōsei Arima and his inability to play following his mother’s death. When Arima forms an unexpected friendship with violinist Kaori Miyazono, she slowly inspires him to perform again. The manga was previously adapted into a 22-part anime television series and a live-action film.
The West End concert starred Zheng Xi Yong (Spring Awakening) as Arima and Rumi Sutton (Hex) as Miyazono. Yong returned for the extended West End run, with Mia Kobayashi stepping into the role of Miyazono in her professional debut, alongside Rachel Clare Chan and Dean John-Wilson.
They are supported by Ernest Stroud, Jojo Meredith, Chris Fung, Eu Jin Hwang, Daniel Nardone, Ericka Posadas, Lucy Park, Gracie Lai, Imogen Law Hing Choy, and Ria Tanaka.
The Fred Ebb Award recognizes excellence in musical theatre songwriting, by a songwriter or songwriting team that has not yet achieved significant commercial success.