Wax on, wax off — off-Broadway, that is.
“The Karate Kid” musical is crane-kicking off its world premiere in St. Louis next spring as part of its out of town, pre-Broadway run, Deadline reported.
Performances are set to begin May 25, 2022, at the Ross Family Theatre at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center and will run through June 26, 2022, before setting sights on the Great White Way.
“I am truly grateful that during this period in time and in spite of difficult conditions, we have been able to build a creative bridge from Japan to NYC bringing forth a diverse creative team in a continued effort to bring ‘The Karate Kid — The Musical’ to life,” producer Kumiko Yoshii said. “The continued dedication and energy on this project, led by our director Amon Miyamoto from Japan, fighting through the pandemic is an example of what has made ‘The Karate Kid’ such an iconic cultural cornerstone. We are honored to begin the journey at STAGES St. Louis next spring.”
Titled “The Karate Kid — The Musical,” this stage adaptation of the hit 1984 martial arts film will feature a book by Robert Mark Kamen, modeled after his own original semi-autobiographical screenplay, and music and lyrics by Drew Gasparini (“Smash”). Amon Miyamoto — the first Japanese director on Broadway with the release of “Pacific Overtures” in 2004 — is directing.
“When I was a young man, my life was forever changed by traditional Okinawan karate and the instructors who taught it to me,” Kamen said. ” ‘The Karate Kid’ is my love letter to both those masters and their practice. Karate teaches, above all, to follow your dreams no matter what obstacles are put in front of you, and that is the spirit with which all of us are approaching this show. I am particularly pleased to have Amon guiding us forward with such wisdom, positivity and passion.”
In addition to Amon, the creative team will include such Broadway fixtures as Tony and two-time Emmy-winning set designer Derek McLane (“Moulin Rouge,” “Hairspray Live!”), lighting designer Bradley King (“Hadestown”), musical director Andrew Resnick (“The Cher Show”) and award-winning choreographers Keone and Mari Madrid.