Pacific Overtures
Studio 54
Previews Began: November 12, 2004
Opening Night: December 2, 2004
Closing Night: January 30, 2005
Music: Stephen Sondheim
Lyrics: Stephen Sondheim
Book: John Weidman
The show is set in 1853 Japan and follows the difficult westernization of Japan, told from the point of view of the Japanese. In particular, the story focuses on the lives of two friends caught in the change.
Musical Numbers
Act One
Prologue…………………………………………….Orchestra
The Advantages of Floating in the Middle of the
Sea………………………………………..Reciter, Company
There Is No Other Way………..Tamate, Observers
Four Black Dragons…….Fisherman, Thief, Reciter,
Townspeople
Chrysanthemum Tea…..Shogun, Shogun’s Mother,
Shogun’s Wife, Soothsayer,
Priests, Shogun’s Companion,
Physician, Sumo Wrestlers
Poems……………………………………..Kayama, Manjiro
Welcome to Kanagawa………………….Madam, Girls
March to the Treaty House………………..Orchestra
Someone in a Tree…………..Old Man, Reciter, Boy,
Warrior
Lion Dance…………………………….Commodore Perry
Act Two
Please Hello……….Abe, Reciter, American, British,
Dutch, Russian, French Admirals
A Bowler Hat…………………………………………Kayama
Pretty Lady………………………..Three British Sailors
Next………………………………………Reciter, Company
Other Productions
