Sondheim's Pacific Overtures plays Union Theatre

Sasha Regan and Paul Callen present Stephen Sondheim's musical Pacific Overtures, directed by Michael Strassen, at the Union Theatre, near Southwark, in south London, beginning previews on 02 Jul 2014, officially opening on 04 Jul and continuing its limited engagement through to 02 Aug 2014.

Synopsis: 'An isolated Japan, swathed in honour and protected by invincible gods, has a very rude awakening in 1853 by western war ships. A lowly fisherman is sent to insist they turn back only to kick start a chain of events that lead to drastic social change. Pulling on Japanese art forms such as Kabuki and Butoh, Pacific Overtures is an epic tale of how the child becomes the master ... Welcome to Japan!'

The cast of Pacific Overtures includes Ken Christiansen (Reciter), Oli Reynolds (Kayama), Emanuel Alba (Manjiro/Dutch Admiral), Alex Mcmorran (Lord Abe), Marc Lee Joseph (Shogun's Mother/French Admiral), Ian Mowat (Madam/Old Man/British Admiral), Joel Harper-Jackson (Geisha/American Admiral/Sailor), Lee Van-Geleen (Thief/Russian Admiral/Sailor), Matt Jolly (Fisherman/Geisha/Young Boy), Anthony Selywn (Tamate), Marios Nicolaides (Commodore Perry), Joel Baylis (Priest/Geisha/Sailor), and Josh Andrews (Priest/Geisha).

Pacific Overtures features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by John Weidman, additional material by Hugh Wheeler and original orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick. This production features musical direction by Richard Bates, scenic design by Jean Gray and lighting by Tim Deiling.