The musical adaptation of Atsuko Asano’s light novel No.6 premiered on Friday, November 8, 2024, at the Galaxy Theatre. The show will run until November 17, 2024, before heading to the Umeda Arts Theater in Osaka for performances from November 22 to 24, 2024.
Sayaka Asai of the One on One company takes on the roles of director, playwright, and composer for this musical adaptation. She has previously collaborated on productions such as Touken Ranbu, Promise of Wizard, and Visual Prison.
No.6 immerses the audience in the dystopian city of No.6, a place that represents perfection and harmony. Yet beneath its flawless exterior, a dark secret awaits—one that Shion (Hikaru Imamaki) and Nezumi (Kazuki Furuta) will expose, leading the audience through their dangerous journey.
From the opening scenes, No.6 successfully transports the audience into the world of the original story. The imposing urban set captures both the futuristic aspect of No.6 and gritty underworld. The atmosphere is enhanced by a thoughtfully designed lighting setup and a brilliantly executed staging. To emphasize the contrast between these two worlds, Sayaka Asai uses projection mapping and cool lighting to convey the futuristic side of No.6, while the slums of District West are bathed in warmer tones. These scenes, positioned on the side of the stage, create a cozy and intimate atmosphere, contrasting with the scenes in the city of No.6 that dominate the entire stage, amplifying the vastness and coldness of this futuristic universe.
The immersion is deepened by the powerful and captivating performances of Hikaru Imamaki (Shion) and Kazuki Furuta (Nezumi), who skillfully convey the complexity of their characters and their evolving relationship. This is accentuated by the delicate use of light beams, which isolate the two protagonists on stage, casting the rest of the stage in darkness and highlighting the emotional connection between them. This staging creates striking visual moments throughout the performance, adding layers of emotional depth that resonate both with the audience and the characters on stage.
The performances of the supporting cast also contribute to the success of this adaptation. Each actor, portraying their role with great authenticity, adds credibility and depth to their character, making each scene memorable and even moving. Whether it's the exchanges between Shion (Hikaru Imamaki) and Inukashi (Seishiro Higurashi), Inukashi (Seishiro Higurashi) and Nezumi (Kazuki Furuta), Karan (Kanako Irie) and Yoming (Kazuaki Yasue), or Safu (Iroha Kumagai) and Shion (Hikaru Imamaki), the audience is deeply touched by the sincere emotions of these interactions.
Alongside the direction, the music plays a crucial role in this adaptation. The songs do not merely accompany the story; they amplify the characters’ emotions, giving them a unique depth. The world of No.6, with its distinctive atmosphere, is particularly suited to the musical format, where the sung moments elevate the staging and complete the narrative. Nezumi's ability to hear and convey Elyurias' voice adds an extra dimension to the overall experience. This fusion of musical performance and storytelling creates a rich and unforgettable theatrical journey.
The performance closes on a moving note, encouraging the audience to imagine what happens next in No.6 or to revisit the world of the light novel. Sayaka Asai’s masterful direction delivers a beautiful tribute to Atsuko Asano’s original work
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