A new musical based on the Manga graphic novel Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen by Moyoco Anno is in development, with music and lyrics by Duncan Sheik (Spring Awakening), producers announced today.
The musical will be presented at a private invite and industry-only presentation on Thursday, February 20 and Friday, February 21 at Gibney Dance in New York City. The new musical will feature a book by Leah Nananko Winkler, music direction, conducting, and vocal and incidental music arrangement by Or Matias, and direction and choreography by Rob Ashford (Frozen, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof).
Producers Kenny Kurokawa, Takeshi Tanaka and Executive Producer Antonio Marion announced the project today. The producers say Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen is the first Japanese manga to be adapted into an American musical.
“Memoirs is a bold, sensual, and innovative new work that pushes the boundaries of conventional musical theater,” said Marion. “Duncan and Leah have expertly taken Moyoco Anno’s Manga series and given it new life for the stage – all through the unparalleled direction and choreography of Rob Ashford.”
The full production team for the presentation also includes associate producers Nobu Matsukura, Shin Yamada, Yu Anne Ando, Ryohei Otani, and Yumi. Bespoke Theatricals will serve as general managers.
Moyoco Anno is one of Japan’s most renowned Manga artists, with a worldwide fan base. Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen was serialized in a Manga magazine from 2013 to 2018, and later published as a two-volume set. It received the Excellence Award at the Japan Media Arts Festival in 2020.
