The production, directed by John Caird and featuring 32 performers and more than 50 puppets, will tour four more cities in Japan.

Adapted from Hayao Miyazaki’s 2001 Oscar-winning animated feature, the first stage adaptation of Taken away as if by magic premiered at the Imperial Theater in Tokyo from March 2 to 29. Tony-winning director John Caird (Wretched) directed the production, which he adapted for the stage with Maoko Imai.

Click through the gallery below for a preview of the production, which featured 32 performers and over 50 puppets designed by Toby Olié. The cast included Kanna Hashimoto and Mone Kamishiraishi sharing the lead role of Chihiro, and Mari Natsuki and Romi Park starring as Yubaba the Witch. Koharu Sugawara and Tomohiko Tsujimoto, who are voiced as No Face (Kaonashi), play the role until a point where No Face “goes wild” and the character requires 12 puppeteers.

The production is set to tour in four additional cities this season: Umeda Arts Theater in Osaka, April 12-24; Hakataza Theater in Fukuoka, May 1-28; Sapporo Cultural Arts Theater hitaru in Sapporo, June 6-12; and the Misonoza Theater in Nagoya, from June 22 to July 4.

Taken away as if by magic is part of the program celebrating the 90th anniversary of Toho Co., Ltd.

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See Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away Production Photos