Over two decades have elapsed since the release of one of the most iconic animated films in history, Spirited Away, the brainchild of the legendary animator and director Hayao Miyazaki. A masterpiece of storytelling and stunning visuals, this timeless work of art continues to captivate audiences around the world with its unforgettable characters and magical atmosphere. Miyazaki’s unparalleled attention to detail and ability to evoke emotions through animation has solidified his place as one of the greatest animators of all time. Spirited Away has not only become a beloved classic in Japan but has also garnered a cult following in Western countries, cementing its legacy as a defining work of art.
Now, Spirited Away has made it to the stage with its film-to-stage play adaptation, Spirited Away: Live on Stage. Although Hayao Miyazaki is not involved in the creative process of this adaptation, the team behind it, led by John Caird and co-adapted by Maoko Imai, has managed to create something truly special. The beloved story, which holds a special place in the hearts of many, has been brought to life in a new medium with an exceptional cast, a stunning live orchestra, meticulous set design, lighting, puppetry, sound, projection, and costumes that all work together harmoniously to create a magical atmosphere.
One of the most noteworthy aspects of the stage adaptation is the use of projection and set design, which added just the right touch of magic to the story. The lead actors brought fresh and captivating energy to their roles, each one portraying their character with depth and nuance. The portrayals of Chihiro (Kanna Hashimoto) and Yubaba (Mari Natsuki), in particular, are outstanding. The puppetry is skillfully executed, striking a perfect balance between sophistication and practicality. The creative team’s ingenuity is evident in their decision to use puppetry rather than animated projections, even for larger moments such as the stink spirit.
The music is nothing short of magnificent, with the live orchestra perfectly capturing the emotions and timing that make the play’s score so memorable. The score alone is enough to bring tears to viewers’ eyes at times. While nothing can compare to experiencing a stage production live, this rendition is a close second, offering a beautifully crafted interpretation of this timeless tale.
It is worth noting that not every scene from the original animated film is presented in this play, but what they bring from film to stage is nothing short of extraordinary, telling the same story in its own unique way. Spirited Away is unique in that much of the story takes place within a single building, making it an ideal story to adapt for the stage. The production team did an exceptional job of bringing the story to life in this format, demonstrating their ability to pay tribute to Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece. The attention to detail in recreating the scenes from the film is exquisite, with the sets, costumes, and lighting all working together harmoniously to transport the audience to the magical world of Spirited Away.
As someone who missed out on the live performance, the recorded screening of the stage play adaptation of Spirited Away is a truly enchanting experience. The adaptation is a stunning achievement in its own right, and the creative team managed to capture the essence of the story and create a mesmerizing visual and auditory experience that will stay with me for years to come. The intricate sets, the well-executed puppetry, and the magnificent music all come together to create a magical atmosphere that transports you into this world.
The stage play adaptation of Spirited Away is an exceptional achievement that manages to capture the essence of the original animated film while also adding its own unique flavor. The production team paid homage to Miyazaki’s masterpiece. My only wish now is that this will be available on Blu-ray in the future so I can watch it again. A truly unforgettable experience for all Ghibli fans.
Spirited Away: Live On Stage is currently playing for a limited time as a part of Studio Ghibili Fest 2023 courtesy of GKIDS and Fathom Events. For information on showtimes and tickets for this and other films in the theatrical series, please visit Fathom Events.
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The stage play adaptation of Spirited Away is an exceptional achievement that manages to capture the essence of the original animated film while also adding its own unique flavor.
Codie Allen is a passionate trans and queer film critic and entertainment writer based in Orlando, FL. A Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic, Dorian Awards member, and CACF member, they also contribute to The Curb and InSession Film. When they’re not writing about films, you can find them sipping way too much tea and listening to Taylor Swift.
