ATTACK on TITAN: THE MUSICAL
I had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see ATTACK on TITAN: THE MUSICAL. Based on the award-winning Manga by Isayama Hajime of the same name. Written by Hata Masafumi. AOT The Musical takes the conventional musical theatre experience and mixes in state-of-the-art technology to simulate a new kind of experience. Combining both practical and computer-generated effects (CGI).
A century ago, the grotesque giants known as Titans appeared and consumed all but the last remnants of humanity. The survivors took refuge behind giant walls. Today, the threat of the Titans is a distant memory, and a boy named Eren Yeager yearns to explore the world beyond his current circumstances. What began as a childish dream, though, will become an all-too-real nightmare when the Titans return and humanity is once again on the brink of extinction.
Source: Logan Metzler | Keith Sherman & Associates (Press Release)
About Attack on Titan: The Musical
Director Go Ueki, The lead cast of 35 members including leads Okamiya Kurumu as Eren Yeager, Takatsuki Sara as Mikasa Ackerman, Konishi Eito as Armin Arlert, Matsuda Ryo as Levi, and Ohno Takuro as Erwin Smith. Assisted by producers Matsumoto Michiho, Yoneda Rie, and the addition of Yoshii Kumiko for the New York performances. Such professionals, They did not disappoint.
For starters, The costumes looked so good! The casting was spot on. The lighting or lack of it in certain situations just added to the aesthetic. It was dark, gritty, and full of life. Exactly what you would expect from the Attack on Titan franchise. Getting pulled into the world of Shiganshina was just so easy.
The soundtrack can make or break any experience and they didn’t come to play. Ohno and Konishi were singin’ they asses off. Don’t get me wrong. The entire ensemble was gettin’ it in. Not a crumb was left but when Armin or Erwin pulled up front and center. They stole the show! They got it. Emotions on 10 every time.-I felt that shit. KEN THE 390 (music supervisor) and Miura Kaori (lyricist) understood the assignment. Phenomenal job!
Observations
In fact, the acting was equally on par. Overtop when it needed to be and grounding in other moments. It was high key like being on a mini rollercoaster. The atmosphere and energy-connected! To put things into perspective. I was sitting up on the mezzanine and yet somehow felt like I was sitting center stage. I was blown away the entire time. This was just the dress rehearsal. Can’t help but wonder what the real thing feels like.
The best way I can describe AOT the Musical is as an interactive experience. So much so, that it came with English Subtitles. Which was present on monitors placed on both the left and right sides of the stage. The music was so fire and the sound design was just as amazing. The sets consisted of both physical props and CGI animated scenes on a backdrop. There were scenes where they combined both digital and practical sfx at the same time it looked so good.
Lastly, since we are on the subject of practical SFX and CG. Can we talk about the TITANS for a second? Off-rip, that was one of the things that made me a little skeptical. The bars of my expectations were really low but when I tell you. They delivered! They DID NOT DISAPPOINT. There were three ways that the Titans were presented: actors in costumes, animated on set backdrops, and Life Size Stage Props. Seeing the life-sized stage props in action made me excited as a mfer. Hands down, my favorite thing about this entire experience.
Last Thoughts
Moreover, I learned that Director Go was a former UK Breakdancing Champion and influence could be seen throughout the show. Flips, the headspin, and dynamic posing. I’m always genuinely happy when I can find Hip Hop influence in places that I wasn’t expecting. That was a nice surprise. As a person who is normally turned off by musicals. Attack on Titan: The Musical was everything. I had an amazing time!
All in all, ATTACK on TITAN: THE MUSICAL is a go! I would highly recommend this play to AOT fans and nonfans alike. You get a bang for your buck and is worth every penny. Very special Shout-out to Kodansha and Keith Sherman & Associates for the invitation. I felt very grateful.
Would you attend an event like Attack on Titan: The Musical?
