[REVIEW] “Death Note: The Musical” London
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A Mesmerising Theatrical Masterpiece set to reinvent the West End.
-LONDON PALLADIUM, 21st August 2023-
5 stars
“Death Note: The Musical” stands as a shining testament to the creative ingenuity that can arise when two seemingly disparate genres collide: the thrilling world of the manga/anime series “Death Note” and the captivating realm of musical theater. With a unique fusion of dark intrigue, murder, supernatural demons (here known as Shinigami ) powerful performances, and masterfully memorable melodies, this production transcends expectations and delivers an unforgettable experience that resonates deeply with both fans of the source material and newcomers to its enigmatic universe.
“A Pitch Perfect Adaptation with nary a ‘Deaf Note’ to be heard”
From the moment the curtain rises, “Death Note: The Musical” immerses the audience into the brooding atmosphere of the original manga series. Director (and choreographer) NICK WINSTON masterfully engages the audience from the start and keeps them hooked throughout with a perfect blend of humour, melodrama and spectacle. Every pivotal plot point and character nuance from the source material is skilfully translated onto the stage, ensuring that both long-time fans and newcomers can relish in the journey of ‘Light Yagami’ (JOAQUIN PEDRO VALDES), the brilliant but morally complex protagonist, as he encounters the mysterious Death Note and sets about enacting his own form of ‘justice’ pursued by the enigmatic and intellectually formidable ‘L’.
The book by IVAN MENCHELL creates a fully rounded world for these characters whilst staying true to the much loved source material by TSUGUMI OHBA & TAKESHI OBATA.
Stellar Cast:
The casting choices for this production are nothing short of extraordinary. Every single cast member shined, The chorus (provided with the occasional solo refrain) demonstrate perfectly the sheer amount of talent on display from principals to ensemble. The actors’ performances offered a huge range of emotions and many vocal showstoppers, capturing the essence of their characters flawlessly.
The role of ‘Light Yagami’ was portrayed with undeniable charisma and depth by JOAQUIN PEDRO VALDES in a breakout performance, allowing the audience to sympathise with ‘Lights’ internal conflict as he grapples with the immense power bestowed upon him.
‘L’, the enigmatic detective in pursuit of ‘Kira’ (Light’s alter ego), is brought to life with captivating preta-natural intensity by DEAN JOHN WILSON (who would absolutely decimate the role of MORIARTY,casting directors take note) these highly skilled performers create a captivating dynamic between the two central figures that drives the narrative forward effortlessly.
The show’s demons or ‘ Shinigami’ are played with darkly delightful relish by West End and Broadway legends ADAM PASCAL and AIMIE ATKINSON, their showstopping turns and moments to shine are a wonder to behold. A more perfect ‘Ryuk’ and ‘Rem’ would be hard to find.
CHRISTIAN REY MARBELLA brings the requisite dramatic weight and gravitas needed to bring to life the troubled but determined ‘Soichiro’. RACHEL CLARE CHAN provides an innocent and hopeful turn as the wonderful ‘SAYU’ in stark opposition to ‘Lights’ downward spiral.
Rounding out the principal cast is a star-making turn from FRANCES MAYLI McCANN who enters the show as a whirlwind of ‘Pop Star Power’ as the teen idol ‘Misa’, transforming her performance at the right moments to justify the characters tragic back story and motivations.
The ensemble are comprised of some spectacular talent (with CV’s to match) and each get moments to prove it throughout including FELIPE BEJARANO, JADE COPAS, CHARLOTTE COGGI, EU JIN HWANG, YOJIRO ICHIKAWA, DEENA KAPADIA, DAVID KAR-HING LEE, NICK LEN, JASMINE LEUNG, MARCEL LIP PING, JOJO MEREDITH, PATRICK MUNDAY & JANINE SOMCIO.
Musical Brilliance:
One might initially be skeptical about the integration of a supernatural thriller into the musical format, but “Death Note: The Musical” proves that this pairing can be nothing short of sensational. The original score by BROADWAY legend FRANK WILDHORN is a revelation, seamlessly weaving a symphony of emotions that mirror the psychological complexity of the characters, and invoking the anime stylings subtly enough to not overpower the beautiful melodies, the lyrics by JACK MURPHY create a dynamic story whilst staying respectful of the existing lore creating some truly memorable hits, and this show is packed with memorable hits (orchestrated by JASON HOWLAND and with exemplary musical direction by CHRIS MA ), From heart-pounding ensemble numbers that capture the tension of the chase to soul-stirring solos that delve into the characters’ inner turmoil, the music amplifies every scene, drawing the audience deeper into the story’s intricate web.
AIMIE ATKINSON shone brightly with her show stopping solo as a demon who’s light has reached its end.
A Visual Spectacle:
The production design of “Death Note: The Musical” is a visual feast for the eyes. The set beautifully designed by JUSTIN WILLIAMS transports the audience to the gloomy urban and neon landscape of the original series, while innovative lighting and projection techniques by BEN CRACKNELL effectively convey the otherworldly presence of the shinigami (death gods). The juxtaposition of dark aesthetics and vibrant musical numbers creates an engaging contrast that underscores the themes of light and darkness inherent in the storyline. The costumes by KIMIE NAKANO are a veritable feast for the eyes and belong in a museum or gallery upon the runs completion.
Emotional Resonance:
One of the greatest achievements of this musical is its ability to elicit genuine emotional responses from the audience. As the characters grapple with their own morality, the ethical implications of their actions, and the limits of their power, the production deftly navigates the shades of gray that make the “Death Note” universe so captivating. The emotional crescendos are matched only by the melodic crescendos, leaving us lowly theatergoers moved and contemplative.
Faithful to the Source:
“Death Note: The Musical” pays homage to its source material while offering fresh perspectives and interpretations. Devoted fans will recognize key plot elements, iconic scenes, and character traits that remain intact, yet the musical format adds an additional layer of depth to the characters’ inner monologues and emotional struggles, creating a deeper understanding of their motivations.
Thought-Provoking Themes:
Much like the original series, the musical version of “Death Note” grapples with themes of justice, morality, and the consequences of wielding unlimited power. It provokes thoughtful contemplation about the blurred lines between right and wrong, challenging the audience to question their own beliefs and biases.
Long-Lasting Impact:
“Death Note: The Musical” lingers in the mind long after the final bow. Its unique fusion of genres, coupled with its riveting performances and resonant themes, ensures that the production will be remembered as a groundbreaking example of how diverse storytelling mediums can complement each other when the right team is at the helm.
“Death Note: The Musical” captivates from beginning to end, marrying the suspenseful allure of the original series with the emotional resonance of musical theater. It showcases the limitless potential of adaptation when executed with precision and passion. From its stellar cast to its spellbinding music and thought-provoking themes, this production triumphantly brings the world of “Death Note” to life on stage, earning its place as a must-see for theater enthusiasts, fans of the manga/anime, and anyone seeking a powerful and unforgettable theatrical experience.
DEATH NOTE: THE MUSICAL Flippin Awesome review
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If you enjoyed this review please read our DEATH NOTE beginners guide here and about Stage, film and comic adaptations here.
All photographs in this article are production photographs by MARK SENIOR
DEATH NOTE: THE MUSICAL was performed on AUGUST 21st and 22nd 2023 at the LONDON PALLADIUM. This review was written after viewing the performance on 21st August 2023.
An extended run of the show will take place in September 2023 at the LYRIC THEATRE.
