George Takei Will Star in Revival of Pacific Overtures

Classic Stage Company will present the Sondheim musical in 2017.

George Takei, who made his Broadway debut this past season in the new musical Allegiance, will star in Classic Stage Company's upcoming production of Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman's Pacific Overtures, which will begin performances April 5, 2017, at the Off-Broadway venue.

Directed by Tony winner John Doyle, the revival will feature Takei in the role of the Reciter. Additional casting and creative team members will be announced at a later date.

In Pacific Overtures, according to production notes, “Commodore Matthew Perry sails to Japan in 1853 on a U.S mission to open up trade relations at any cost. The musical tells the tale of a samurai and a fisherman who are caught up in the Westernization of the East.”

Pacific Overtures debuted at Broadway's Winter Garden Theatre on January 11, 1976, and ran for 193 performances. Originally directed by Hal Prince, the work garnered ten Tony nominations, winning two: Best Costume Design (Florence Klotz) and Best Scenic Design (Boris Aronson). A 2004 revival at Studio 54 featured Tony winner BD Wong.

Doyle continues his acclaimed exploration of Sondheim’s work, having directed the composer’s Sweeney Todd and Company on Broadway, and Passion at CSC.

In an acting career spanning six decades, Takei is best-known for portraying Mr. Sulu in the original Star Trek series.

For further information on Classic Stage Company, call (212) 352-3101, visit the theatre in person at 136 East 13th Street, or go to www.classicstage.org.

Watch video clips from Allegiance below:

