The highly anticipated Death Note: The Musical is set to electrify London's Barbican Centre, beginning July 30 for 50 performances until September 12. This stage adaptation of the iconic Shonen Jump manga and anime series promises a fresh take on the dark narrative. We had the exclusive opportunity to speak with two of its leading stars: Xander Pang, embodying the complex student Light Yagami, and Telly Leung, who portrays the perpetually bored death god Ryuk. They shared insights into their roles, the musical's unique vision, and their personal connections to the Death Note universe.
Cast's Connection to Death Note
For many, Death Note is a foundational anime experience, and its performers come to the show with varied backgrounds. Telly Leung, known for his work in musical theater, first encountered Death Note through its concert versions in London's West End. He learned about the project from his Rent co-star Adam Pascal, who previously played Ryuk. Leung expressed his hope that this full-scale production will introduce more theater fans to the rich world of anime, much like his introduction to it.
Xander Pang, playing Light Yagami, revealed a deeper, more personal connection. Growing up in an East Asian community, Death Note was more than just a show; it was a cultural pillar. While he had not watched the anime until recently, the story's concept and trajectory were already ingrained in his awareness, a testament to the series' widespread impact.
Bringing Iconic Characters to Life
Both actors offered compelling perspectives on their characters and the musical's adaptation of the source material. Telly Leung describes Ryuk as a Shinigami bored with his existence in the Shinigami realm, drawn to Earth by the fascinating and often perplexing choices humans make. This core motivation remains true to the manga and anime. Leung highlights how musical theater, with its ability to stop time for characters to sing their inner thoughts, is a natural fit for Death Note, where animated characters often convey their internal monologues with closed mouths. The musical leverages incredible theater designers, including set, costume, and lighting artists, along with dance and music, to tell this familiar story in a dynamic new way.
Xander Pang concurs, noting the inherent theatricality of the anime itself. He suggests that the musical builds upon this foundation rather than reinventing it, adding to the existing lore. For Light, the journey is paramount. Pang emphasizes staying true to Light's character arc, focusing on the corruption of power. The audience will witness Light's transformation from a schoolboy striving for justice to an individual consumed by a "God complex," a narrative beautifully articulated through the musical's structure.
Light and Ryuk's Dynamic Revealed
The chemistry between Light and Ryuk is central to Death Note's appeal, and the actors bring their own unique dynamic to the stage. Telly Leung humorously stated his on-stage disdain for Light, yet praised Xander Pang's talent and stage maturity. He marvels at Pang's ability to lead the show with such grace, attributing it to a "youth ignorance is bliss" quality, a playful jab at Pang's apparent calm amidst immense pressure. Leung notes that their off-stage friendship significantly informs their on-stage relationship.
Xander Pang, in turn, expressed his privilege working with Leung, describing him as a guiding "theater dad." He found it easy to build their on-stage relationship, particularly given Ryuk's role as a sinister guiding force. Pang found inspiration in watching Leung transform his natural affability into Ryuk's distinctive mischief.
The Shinigami's New Look
Performing as a Shinigami presents unique challenges, particularly concerning costume and makeup. Telly Leung, no stranger to heavy prosthetics and elaborate costumes from roles like Angel in Rent and the Phantom of the Opera, approaches Ryuk's design with experience. He urges anime fans to approach the musical with an open mind. While the visual of Ryuk has existed in two-dimensional manga and anime, as well as a Netflix adaptation, the musical presents a three-dimensional, flesh-and-blood interpretation.
Leung explains that the sound and look of Ryuk are inspired by existing portrayals, but Tony Award-winning designers and Olivier Award-winning choreographers have reinterpreted the material for a contemporary audience. Fans can expect subtle nods and Easter eggs in the costumes and makeup, but the overall design is an original creation. The artistic team aimed to envision Ryuk as if the story were written yesterday, without prior anime or manga influences, creating a design that is both familiar in spirit and fresh in appearance. This approach ensures that both long-time fans and newcomers to the Death Note universe will find something captivating in this ambitious London production.
