Pacific Overtures

Opened: 2 Dec 2004
Book by: John Weidman
Music & Lyrics by: Stephen Sondheim
Directed by: Amon Miyamoto
Starring: B.D. Wong, Eric Bondoc, Evan Dangeles, Joseph Anthony Foronda, Yoko Fumoto, Alvin Y. F. Ing, Fred Isozaki, Francis Jue, Darren Lee, Hoon Lee, Michael K. Lee, Ming Lee, Telly Leung, Paolo Montalban, Alan Muraoka, Mayumi Omagari, Hazel Anne Raymundo, Yuka Takara, Kim Varhola, Scott Watanabe
Synopsis: Spanning 150 years, Pacific Overtures tells the story of Commodore Matthew Perry's arrival in the Floating Kingdomof Nippon in 1853. The musical chronicles the influence America had upon Japan, detailing and dramatizing the westernization of Japanese culture. The style of the musical is based on ancient forms of Japanese theatre such as Kabuki and Noh.

What the critics had to say.....

BEN BRANTLEY of the NEW YORK TIMES says �This latest incarnation from the Roundabout Theater Company has the bleary, disoriented quality of someone suffering from jet lag after a sleepless trans-Pacific flight.� CLIVE BARNES of the NEW YORK POST says "The most disappointing is B.D. Wong's Narrator, who lacks weight and presence, but the entire ensemble appears more nimble than impressive." HOWARD KISSEL of NEW YORK DAILY NEWS says �Whatever its weaknesses, it is always thrilling to see and hear this majestic score.� MICHAEL SOMMERS of STAR-LEDGER says "Something of a disappointment." LINDA WINER of NEWSDAY says "A slow-starting but thrilling cross-cultural revival ." JACQUES LE SOURD of JOURNAL NEWS says "A fascinating and often spine-tingling show. It's a deeply original yet ultimately classical musical. And a must-see." MICHAEL KUCHWARA of Associated Press says "This revival seems coarser and not as secure as other productions of the show."

External links to full reviews from newspapers

New York Times
New York Post
New York Daily News
Star-Ledger
Newsday
Journal News
Associated Press