Hey folks! Are you ready for some exciting news from La Jolla Playhouse? Well, get ready to witness an epic battle onstage with SUMO! This world-premiere production, written by Lisa Sanaye Dring and directed by Ralph B. Peña, is set to take the stage from September 26 to October 22 in the Mandell Weiss Forum. And let me tell you, it’s going to be a show you won’t want to miss!
But before we dive into the details, let’s talk about the amazing cast and creative team behind SUMO. Kris Bona, Michael Hisamoto, Earl T. Kim, Ryan Nebreja, David Shih, Miller Tai, Scott Keiji Takeda, Adam Tran, Viet Vo, and Shih-wei Wu are all bringing their talent and energy to the stage. And with Wilson Chin as the scenic designer, Mariko Ohigashi as the costume designer, Paul Whitaker as the lighting designer, Fabian Obispo as the sound designer, Hana Kim as the projection designer, and Shih-wei Wu as the composer, you can expect a visually stunning and immersive experience.
Now, let’s get into the heart of the story. SUMO takes us into an elite sumo training facility in Tokyo, where six men practice, eat, love, play, and ultimately fight. The main character, Akio, is an ambitious 18-year-old who is determined to move up the ranks and achieve fame and validation. But as he clashes with his fellow wrestlers, especially Mitsuo, the highest-ranked fighter, Akio realizes that there’s more at stake than just his own dreams.
Lisa Sanaye Dring, the playwright, brings her unique perspective and fresh voice to the Playhouse with SUMO. Mixing ancient ritual with the ferocity of competition, this play explores the fascinating world of Sumo wrestling. It’s a story of ambition, friendship, and the struggle to become the men they dream of being.
But what makes SUMO truly special is the incredible training and fight choreography. James Yaegashi, the Cultural and Martial Arts Consultant, and Chelsea Pace, the Intimacy Staging and Fight Director, have worked tirelessly to create the illusion of intense battles onstage. From the training sequences to the final showdowns, every moment is filled with energy and excitement.
So, mark your calendars and get ready for SUMO at La Jolla Playhouse. It’s going to be a theatrical experience like no other. Don’t miss out on this epic battle of strength, determination, and the pursuit of dreams. Get your tickets now and be prepared to be blown away!