Today, GKIDS has announced they’ve acquired North American rights to the stage production Spirited Away: Live On Stage.

The performance was recorded during their 2022 run at Tokyo’s Imperial Theatre. GKIDS will deliver two separately filmed performances with a theatrical release slated for this spring.

A synopsis for the stage performance reads:

Hayao Miyazaki’s Academy Award®-winning animated feature film comes to life in this first-ever stage adaptation, full of dazzling sets, captivating musical numbers, and wondrous puppets of beloved characters. Adapted and directed by Tony Award®-winner John Caird (Les Misérables), two unique casts and performances were filmed during the show’s acclaimed 2022 run at Tokyo’s historic Imperial Theatre, featuring Kanna Hashimoto and Mone Kamishiraishi as Chihiro.
While traveling to their new home, Chihiro and her family stumble into a world of fantastic spirits ruled over by the sorceress Yubaba. When her parents are turned into pigs and she is put to work in a magical bathhouse, Chihiro must use her wits to survive in this strange new place, find a way to free her parents, and return to the normal world.

GKIDS’ President David Jesteadt said this about the acquisition:

“We are thrilled to offer this unique opportunity for Studio Ghibli fans in America to experience the stage production that wowed Japanese press and audiences last year. This imaginative stage adaptation by the legendary John Caird, featuring two wonderful performances by lead actors Kanna Hashimoto and Mone Kamishiraishi, helps bring to life one of the greatest films of all time in a dazzling new way.”

Released in 2001, Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away became one of the most influential animated films ever released. The film earned a slew of accolades following its release, including the Oscar for Best Animated Feature.

Spirited Away (along with other Studio Ghibli films) can be streamed on HBO Max in the United States.

Spirited Away: Live On Stage cast and crew

Based on Spirited Away directed by Hayao Miyazaki

Adapted and Directed by John Caird

Co-adapted by Maoko Imai

Original Score by Joe Hisaishi

Musical Supervision, Orchestrations and Arrangements by Brad Haak

Associate Music Supervision, Orchestrations and Ableton Programming by Conor Keelan

Set Designer: Jon Bausor

Puppetry Design and Direction: Toby Olié

Choreographer/Staging: Shigehiro Ide

Lighting Designer: Jiro Katsushiba