Hot on the heels of their sell-out Death Note The Musical in Concert, the producers return for another Manga to stage adaptation with two nights at Theatre Royal Drury Lane for the European Premiere of Your Lie in April The Musical in Concert.
Based on the Manga, Your Lie in April, by Naoshi Arakawa, this new musical, like Death Note, also features music by Frank Wildhorn and is directed and choreographed by Nick Winston.
Riko Sakaguchi’s book is translated into English by Rinne B. Groff and follows a young high school student, Kōsei Arima, a once promising piano prodigy who, following his mother’s death, can no longer ‘hear’ the notes and has given up hope of going to music school.
Kōsei is supported by close friends, Tsubaki Sawabe and Ryota Watari, but it takes a new comer to the group in the form of violinist Kaori Miyazono to coax and cajole him back to the keys.
Kōsei is still reeling from the death of his mother, who continues to haunt him every time he goes near the piano. Joanna Ampil wonderfully portrays Kōsei’s strict and demanding mother in various flashback scenes.
Kaori isn’t in the best of health either and without giving too much away it would be fair to say this is a very bittersweet story. Sakaguchi’s book doesn’t shy away from the more tragic aspects, but it lacks enough balance, drawing out thinner elements of the story and padding elsewhere with love triangles that go nowhere.
There are some lighter moments; Dean John-Wilson is very funny as the charming Ryota Watari, a wannabe lothario with an inflated ego, but also a sense of loyalty to his friends. Rachel Clare Chan is also a breath of fresh air as the feisty Tsubaki Sawabe.
Frank Wildhorn’s music is the star of the show, it’s a truly beautiful score that enchants the audience from start to finish. Some of the lyrics could do with a bit of work, but on the whole it’s a collection of sweeping and soaring ballads, along with powerful anthems. Rumi Sutton as Kaori Miyazono delivers powerhouse vocals that showcase Wildhorn’s music to the fullest.
Zheng Xi Yong as Kōsei Arema leads the cast in a powerful and heartbreaking performance, The highlight of the evening also comes from Zheng Xi Yong with a piano recital that brought the audience to their feet. This is the only musical segment that isn’t played by the talented onstage band, led expertly by Chris Poon.
Nick Winston’s production of Your Lie in April is beautiful indeed. Yes, some aspects of the story could do with tightening up, but Wildhorn’s music more than makes this a Manga musical that’s got a bright future ahead.
