SpeciaL’s Yuki Wada and Ren Hayashi will co-star in the stage play “Tondemo? Peter Pan! ~Peter Pan Goes Wrong~,” joined by 4U.’s Yusuke Matsuzaki.
This much-anticipated comedy will be performed from September 28 to October 1, 2024, at Osaka’s Theater Drama City, from October 5 to 6, 2024, at Aichi’s Ai Plaza Toyohashi, and from October 10 to 14, 2024, at Tokyo International Forum Hall C.
A Simple Story of Theatrical Chaos
“Tondemo? Peter Pan! ~Peter Pan Goes Wrong~” is an uproarious slapstick comedy originally created by London’s Mischief Theatre Company. The play won the 2015 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy and premiered in London in 2013. It enjoyed a successful run in the West End and other parts of the UK, followed by performances across Europe and Off-Broadway. In 2016, a 90-minute television version aired on BBC. After captivating audiences in Canada in 2022 and on Broadway in 2023, this chaotic masterpiece is finally making its way to Japan.
The plot is straightforward: an English theatre company attempts to stage the classic “Peter Pan,” but a series of technical mishaps leads to catastrophic set and prop failures. Peter Pan’s flying goes awry, and the actors’ private lives spill into the chaos, turning the Neverland adventure into a farcical mess.
Yuki Wada from SpeciaL stars as Robert Grove, who plays the assistant director, and, in the play-within-a-play, Nana the dog, Peter Pan’s shadow, and Starkey. Ren Hayashi, also from SpeciaL, co-stars as Jonathan Harris, who plays Peter Pan. They’re joined by fellow agency talents Kei Adachi, who portrays Dennis Tyde, who takes on the roles of John Darling (the older brother), a mermaid, and Mr. Smee, and Kuto Chiino, who plays Max Bennett, who appears as Michael Darling (the younger brother), a mermaid, and a crocodile.
The versatile cast includes Ijiri Okada as Francis Beaumont, LE VELVETS’ Hironobu Miyahara as Trevor Watson, Hiro Yumi as Lucy Grove, Rihona Kato as Sandra Wilkinson, and Wataru Murakami as Gill. Akiko Matsumoto takes on the role of Annie Twilow, who performs as Tinker Bell, Mrs. Darling, Liza, and Curly in the play-within-a-play. Additionally, Yusuke Matsuzaki from 4U. stars as Chris Bean, the troupe’s leader, who also plays George Darling and Captain Hook.
The play is directed by the multi-talented Tetsuhiro Ikeda, known for his work as an actor, voice actor, director, and playwright. Rika Kani translated and adapted the production for Japanese audiences. With their combined expertise, the team aims to bring the same uproarious comedy that delighted audiences in the US and UK to Japan.
Comment by Yuki Wada
I am Yuki Wada, and I am honored to take the lead role in the stage play “Tondemo? Peter Pan!.” Peter Pan is a story that everyone has encountered at least once, whether through books or movies. This play takes this famous tale and follows a group of theater members who struggle with various mishaps while trying to keep their performance going.
My character, Robert Grove, is the assistant director of the theater troupe and plays multiple roles within the play, including the dog from Peter Pan and other characters. I hope you enjoy seeing me in various roles and costumes. Thank you for your support.
Comment by Ren Hayashi
I am thrilled to announce that I will be playing the role of Jonathan Harris, who portrays Peter Pan in the play. When I first put on the Peter Pan costume for the photoshoot, I was told that I looked like I was born to play Peter Pan! That made me so happy that I fully embraced the role, jumping around and striking poses. It was an incredibly fun photo shoot.
As the title suggests, this play is different from the Peter Pan story everyone knows. It’s filled with exciting and unpredictable moments. Together with Yuki Wada, as a double lead, we are committed to bringing smiles to your faces. We hope many of you will come to see the show. We look forward to welcoming you at the theater!
Comment by Kei Adachi
When I first read the script, I found myself laughing out loud. This play is truly the epitome of comedy. I am very excited to see how it transforms on stage, and I am eager to start performing. This will be my first time playing multiple roles in a single production, so I’m curious and a bit nervous about how well I’ll be able to differentiate between characters.
I’m especially honored to work with senior actors like Matsuzaki-san, whom I consider my mentor. Additionally, I’m thrilled to share the stage with Chiino, with whom I’ve collaborated for a long time. Together, we hope to bring youthful energy to the production and make it a memorable experience for the audience.
We’ll be performing in Osaka, Nagoya, and Tokyo. I would be delighted if you could come to see the show. We promise to immerse you in the world of the play and make you forget your everyday worries!
Comment by Yusuke Matsuzaki
Hello! It’s Yusuke Matsuzaki from 4U., known for “Tukkuttsutu!!“
I’m excited to announce the stage play “Peter Pan Goes Wrong!” When I first heard about it, I couldn’t help but exclaim, “Whoa! It’s Peter Pan!” Just by looking at the visuals, you can tell it’s going to be hilarious. Everyone involved has such unique personalities (laughs).
This story is based on the classic by J.M. Barrie. Many of us have dreamed of flying when we were children, myself included. I’m really looking forward to seeing how the diverse cast of characters will interact and create some magical chemistry.
I can’t wait to see you all at the theater!
Comment by Kuto Chiino
I’m Kuto Chiino, playing the role of Max Bennett. I’ve previously worked with Ren Hayashi and Yuki Wada, and they have always been incredibly kind and approachable seniors. I plan to rely on their support a lot during this production.
This will be my first time working with Matsuzaki-san. He was very friendly and kind during the costume fittings and visual shoots. I hope to rely on his support as well.
As for Adachi, we’ve worked together quite often, but this time he’ll be playing my older brother. During the run of the play, I plan to fully immerse myself in the role of the younger brother.
I aim to learn as much as I can from the amazing seniors and staff I’ll be working with, and I will strive to show you a more improved and polished version of Kuto Chiino.
“Tondemo? Peter Pan! ~Peter Pan Goes Wrong~” promises to be a side-splitting theatrical experience. Mark your calendars for this not-to-be-missed comedy event!
Official Home Page: https://peterpan-gw.jp/
Official X: https://x.com/peterpan_gw
Official Hashtag: #トンデモPP