Pacific Overtures
“Stephen Sondheim's kabuki retelling of the opening of Japan to the West.”
Synopsis
In 1853 Japan, the story of Kayama, a samurai, and Manjiro, a fisherman, sets the backdrop of the Westernization of Japan. The lives of both men are radically changed by the coming of American ships to Japan.
Top Cast
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Mako
Reciter/Shogun/Jonathan Goble
Soon-Tek Oh
Tamate/Samurai/Storyteller/Swordsman
Yuki Shimoda
Abe, First Councillor
Sab Shimono
Manjiro
Isao Sato
Kayama
Alvin Ing
Shogun's Mother/Observer/Merchant/American Admiral
Ernest Harada
Physician/Madam/British Admiral
James Dybas
Second Councillor/Old Man/French Admiral
Mark Hsu Syers
Samurai/Thief/Soothsayer/Warrior/Russian Admiral/British Sailor
Patrick Kinser-Lau
Shogun's Companion/Dutch Admiral/British Sailor/Girl
Ernest Abuba
Samurai/Adams/Noble
Larry Hama
Williams/Lord of the South
Jae Woo Lee
Fisherman/Sumo Wrestler/Lord of the South
Freddy Mao
Third Councillor/Samurai's Daughter
Tom Matsusaka
Imperial Priest
Conrad Yama
Grandmother/Sumo Wrestler/Japanese Merchant
Kenneth S. Eiland
Ensemble
Timm Fujii
Son/Priest/Girl/Noble/British Sailor/Ensemble
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Marty Pasetta, Hal Prince
- Screenplay & Story
- Hugh Wheeler, Stephen Sondheim, John Weidman
- Original Score
- Stephen Sondheim
- Original Title
- Pacific Overtures
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 20m
- Production Studios
- Pacific Overtures Co.
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Marty Pasetta, Hal Prince
Hugh Wheeler, Stephen Sondheim, John Weidman
Stephen Sondheim
Department Leadership Roster
Florence Klotz
Costume Design
Marty Pasetta
Director
Hal Prince
Director
Stephen Sondheim
Writer
John Weidman
Writer
Hugh Wheeler
Writer
Stephen Sondheim
Original Music Composer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Pacific Overtures.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pacific Overtures
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Pacific Overtures about?
In 1853 Japan, the story of Kayama, a samurai, and Manjiro, a fisherman, sets the backdrop of the Westernization of Japan. The lives of both men are radically changed by the coming of American ships to Japan.
Who directed Pacific Overtures?
Pacific Overtures was directed by Marty Pasetta, Hal Prince.
Who stars in Pacific Overtures?
The principal cast of Pacific Overtures includes Mako, Soon-Tek Oh, Yuki Shimoda, Sab Shimono, Isao Sato.
When was Pacific Overtures released and how long is it?
Pacific Overtures was released in 1976 with a total runtime of 2h 20m.
Who composed the musical score for Pacific Overtures?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Pacific Overtures was composed by Stephen Sondheim.