Anime/Manga/Video Game to stage adaptations are not all that uncommon in Japan. Sailor Moon for example have seen 31 stage musicals crafted for it since 1993, Death Note recently received a musical adaptation while both Persona 3 and 4 have also had a chance to shine on the theatre stage. Black Butler is another series of many which has seen success on the stage – with three musicals being held to date – one annually from 2013-2015.
Going for a fourth later this year, the official website for the musical Black Butler: Noah’s Ark Circus has recently been updated with key artwork and an official cast list. You can view the key art to the right, or by visiting the musicals official Japanese website.
Leading the cast of Black Butler: Noah’s Ark Circus is Yuta Furukawa, who will be returning to the role of Sebastian Michaelis. He will be joined on-stage by eleven year old Reo Uchikawa as Ciel Phantomhive, Ryosuke Miura as Joker, and a supporting cast of approximately 15 other actors.
Black Butler: Noah’s Ark Circus will be an adaptation of the similarly named arc in the manga, which spanned volumes six through eight. The anime adaptation of this arc is also set to be available on DVD and Blu-ray from Australian anime publisher Madman Entertainment starting next month.
Black Butler: Noah’s Ark Circus is set to be performed at four venues across Japan from November-December 2016. This includes the Tokyo Dome City Hall in Tokyo, Canal City Theatre in Fukuoka, Amashin Archaic Hall in Hyoho and Kariya City General Cultural Centre in Aichi. More information on ticketing can be found HERE.
Like most other stage musicals adapted from anime, I would unfortunately not expect an international tour to ever be in this shows line-up. However I would never object to a company like Madman Entertainment opening up a Theatrical division in the future.
