As first reported by Dumpling Box, SixTONESโ Taiga Kyomoto appeared as a Japanese guest in โDisney Broadway Hits feat. Alan Menken supported by Disneyโ JCB Cardโ at the Tokyo International Forum Hall A, which is held from July 1st to July 3rd.
I was fortunate to attend the event on July 3rd, and I look forward to sharing a detailed report about the experience for Dumpling Box.
The first act showcased Alan Menken, the celebrated composer and master behind the music of numerous beloved Disney musicals, whose timeless melodies have enchanted audiences around the world.
He shared personal stories and memories about the songs he has composed, and he also played the piano to perform with lively energy and passion for a series of numbers from Little Shop of Horrors, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, Aladdin, Pocahontas, Enchanted, Rapunzel in the Tower, and Love Song to the Angel – Sister Act, before concluding with a song for his Japanese fans, “Compass of Your Heart“, a song featured in the Tokyo DisneySea attraction, Sindbad’s Storybook Voyage.
Among the most memorable anecdotes were those about his close friend Howard Ashman, who collaborated on iconic masterpieces such as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin. Regarding The Newsies, the audience chuckled at its history as a Razzie Award recipient, while also appreciating the remarkable success of its later-stage adaptation.
During the first act, Alan Menken was joined by the charismatic MC Harry Sugiyama, a multilingual presenter fluent in Japanese, English, Chinese, and French. Harry played an essential role in bridging the cultural and linguistic gap, skillfully helping the Japanese audience fully grasp and appreciate the stories and insights that Menken shared about his iconic compositions.
The second act, called “30 years of โDisney on Broadwayโ as heard by the stars” saw a complete change in the atmosphere of the stage and featured spectacular performances by four stars who have been the main cast members of Disney musical productions on Broadway. Karla Lindsay, who played Catherine in the original cast of Newsies; Michael James Scott, who played Genie in Aladdin and is still performing on Broadway; Kissy Simmons, the longest-serving actress to play Nala in The Lion King; and original Tarzan star cast member Josh Strickland!
First, they performed songs such as “Shadowland” from The Lion King and “You’ll Be in My Heart” from Tarzan. The audience could clearly hear the genuine power that only someone who had been chosen from an endless number of candidates and faced the role more times than they could count could bring to the role.
The show also featured compelling moments when Kissy Simmons and Josh Strickland shared personal stories and insights about their roles and lives. MC Harry Sugiyama skillfully translated their words, ensuring that the Japanese audience could fully appreciate the depth and emotion behind their experiences.
The performances by the cast members who did not play these roles, however, also had a new appeal. The original Tarzan cast member, Josh, sang the part of Aladdin, while Kara, an original cast member of Newsies, sang Jasmine’s part in “A Whole New World”, which was fresh, deep, and moving.
Furthermore, classic songs such as โUnder the Seaโ from The Little Mermaid, with its dazzling transparent set and gorgeous costumes, and โSupercalifragilisticexpialidociousโ from Mary Poppins, which started in the UK, were also performed in gorgeous arrangements. This show was a must-see for all fans of Disney and musical theatre. The performance raised the voltage of not only the musical fans but also the entire audience.
Next, it was the turn of the famous songs from Newsies, which was an explosive hit on Broadway. Taiga Kyomoto, the first Japanese actor to portray the lead role of Jack Kelly, made a memorable entrance by emerging from the audience and walking down the aisle to the stage. Singing โSomething to Believe Inโ in English, he impressed everyone with his clear and confident pronunciation. His singing exchange with Karla, who played the first Katherine on Broadway, was warm and romantic. The deeply passionate singing reminded me of the strength to courageously tackle what we need to do now, instead of seeking “somewhere other than here“. As the performance came to an end, Taiga and Karla shared a warm hug, reflecting a meaningful and sincere bond between them.
Taiga revealed that the first Broadway musical he ever saw when he went to New York a few months ago, was Aladdin, in which Michael was performing and Taiga sang โProud Of Your Boyโ as a tribute to the passion and talent of Michael and Alan Menken, the composer. During his explanation, he communicated directly with Michael in English to make sure he could follow.
The clear and heartfelt voice of Taiga singing “Proud Of Your Boyโ resonated so deeply with the audience that it moved many people to tears, leaving a lasting emotional impact throughout the entire hall.
By performing the song in Japanese, he created a moment of true connection with the audienceโinviting them to understand each word with clarity and feel its emotional weight. In doing so, he showcased just how captivating and powerful music can be when sung in oneโs native tongue.
Next, the cast delighted the audience with beloved songs from Anna and the Snow Queen, along with newly introduced numbers from the stage adaptation. The excitement in the hall reached its highest point when all five performers, joined by Taiga, delivered a powerful rendition of โLet It Goโ.
Afterward, the atmosphere shifted as they turned to a piece from Hercules, Disneyโs latest musical, which premiered this June in Londonโs West End. Michael, Josh, and Taiga gave a dynamic performance of the iconic and much-loved ballad, โGo The Distanceโ. Remarkably, this was the first time in the history of โDisney Broadway Hitsโ that the song was presented as a trio. The audience could be heard gasping at the stunning arrangement crafted especially for the occasion and it was truly a one-night-only miracle.
The show concluded with a spirited rendition of โCome Aliveโ from The Greatest Showman. Taiga appeared thoroughly energized, dancing with evident enthusiasm and sharing an enjoyable moment on stage with his fellow performers.
Following the last number, the crowd erupted in a standing ovation, with enthusiastic shouts and applause filling the hallโan unmistakable sign of how delighted and excited the audience had been.
Without a doubt, the show offered everything one could hope for: the chance to see the magnificent Alan Menken in person while enjoying beloved Disney classics, followed by the opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Broadway with the original cast who came especially to showcase the very best of musical theatre.
Taigaโs captivating presence and heartfelt performances brought an extra layer of warmth and emotion to the show. As both a talented singer and engaging performer, he shone brightly alongside the original Broadway cast, adding a unique touch to this spectacular event.
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