Tokyo, June 21, 2024 — It has been announced that Kotaki Nozomu from the popular group WEST., will star in the upcoming musical “DEATH TAKES A HOLIDAY.” The production is set to open on September 28 at the Tokyu Theatre Orb in Shibuya, Tokyo, running until October 20, and will feature Kotaki in the challenging role of the Grim Reaper.
“DEATH TAKES A HOLIDAY” is a captivating fantasy set in 1920s Northern Italy. It tells the story of the Grim Reaper, who decides to take a vacation and experience the human world, leading to a delicate exploration of love and the meaning of life. The musical is based on the 1929 play by Italian playwright Alberto Casella, later adapted into English by Walter Ferris. The story has seen multiple adaptations, including a 1934 film and a 1998 remake titled “Meet Joe Black” starring Brad Pitt.
The stage adaptation of “DEATH TAKES A HOLIDAY” premiered Off-Broadway in 2011 and was revived Off-West End in 2017. In Japan, it garnered significant attention when performed by the Takarazuka Revue’s Moon Troupe in 2023. Esteemed director Hirokazu Ikuta, who helmed the Takarazuka production, will also direct this new staging.
Kotaki shared his excitement and nervousness about taking on the role of the Grim Reaper, saying, “I never imagined I would play a non-human character. As a fan of Brad Pitt’s version, I feel the pressure but also the thrill of taking on this role.” He added, “It’s an extraordinary role, and I’m honored as an actor! I will give it my best.“
Kotaki’s portrayal in the 2021 stage play “The Elephant Man” earned him the Haruko Sugimura Award at the Yomiuri Theater Awards, further cementing his reputation as a talented actor.
The production will also feature a double cast for the heroine role, with actress Rio Yamashita and former Takarazuka Revue Moon Troupe top musume-yaku1 Sakura Misono sharing the part. This will mark Sakura’s first stage appearance since leaving Takarazuka.
Following its Tokyo run, the musical will move to Osaka, with performances scheduled from November 5 to 16 at the Umeda Arts Theater.
- In theater and film, a “musume-yaku” refers to a role where an actor portrays a daughter. In the context of the Takarazuka Revue, a “musume-yaku” specifically refers to a female actor who plays female characters, as opposed to the “otokoyaku,” who are female actors that portray male characters. ↩︎
I love this show so much, with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston, and his PHANTOM and TITANIC are also my favorites!