Related
Summary
Death Notethe Musical’ssoundtrack is full of bright craft small-arm that dead encapsulate everything fans love about the animated serial . The musical ’s source material , theDeath Notemanga series , was written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata . what is more , it was first serialized inWeekly Shōnen Jumpon December 1 , 2003 . Three years later , on October 4 , 2006 , theDeath Noteanime serial vent on television in Japan . However , the iconic thriller also has a musical adjustment that few buff know about .
base on the manga and anime series , Death Note : The Musicalfeatures a score by Frank Wildhorn , lyric poem by Jack Murphy , and book by Ivan Menchell . The Japanese musical theater premiered on April 6 , 2015 , at the Nissay Theatre in Tokyo , Japan . The leg adaptation starred Kenji Urai and Hayato Kakizawa as Light and Teppei Koike as L.
However , the Japanese musical comedy was originally written in English and by and by translate . To advertise the Nipponese premiere , the 2015 Complete English Concept Album was released . The musical slimly alters a few aspects of the original plot , but the heart of the story remain the same , thanks to its astonishing soundtrack .
The 2015 Complete English Concept Album is available on YouTube .
Despite being almost 20 years old , Death Note is still one the most easily placeable anime of all time , for one unexpected reason .
10Overture
The “Overture” forDeath Note: The Musicalperfectly sets the tone for the rest of the story.
The " Overture " commence with the ticking of a clock , which many musicals and movies utilize as a story - telling gimmick for prefigure . Perhaps the most famous example of clock - tick in metier is Jonathan Larson ’s biographical melodious : Tick … Tick … Boom!Throughout the film , a clock ’s check is hear during polar consequence in the agonist ’s life , until it is cut short by an unexpected heart approach . Similarly , L take heed church Vanessa Bell as he sense his life come to an goal . The ticking of clocks is also hear regularly in the anime ’s soundtrack .
As the ticking remain , a chorus chimes in , ominously spill the beans the name “ Kira ” repeatedly . The harmonic human relationship of the vocals , coupled with the low - fathom horns , create a craze - ish sound . First , the vocal are tightly - knit , with the bass voice in the forefront , imitating a chanting crew . However , the high harmony before long come forth , resembling riot . This manipulation of harmony and vocal deliverance represent theduality of Light ’s deputation . While he has a host of fiercely truehearted followers , such as Teru Mikami , his hunt for justice has a darker , much more sinister side .
Fun Fact : Clock - ticking is often used in picture show and , more notably , in movie laggard . Christopher Nolan ’s film trailer forDunkirkis a meridian example of how a ticktock clock can add a sentience of urgency or impending doomsday to a song or film trailer .
9I’m Ready
Adrienne Warren brings a new spin to Misa’s character in “I’m Ready.”
" I ’m quick " is a surprising addition to theDeath Notemusical , adding a hint of pop and knock stylings and expose Misa ’s soulful outspoken power . In the musical , Light and Sayu , his younger sister , attend Misa Amane ’s concert ( instead of a supermodel , Misa is a popstar in the melodic ) . The vocal serves as amessage to Kira . Through the lyrics , Misa hop to reach the anonymous Justice Department - seeker and let him know that she is ready to place upright by his side .
“ But together we might determine a topographic point to belong , where together we ’ll confront the unknown . ”–Misa
Misa ’s spokesperson in the musical theater is a complete expiration from the Zanzibar copal representative actor . Shannon Chan - Kent , the voice of Misa in the English dub , give Misa her excellently high - pitch , vernal articulation , matching the “ ditzy blonde ” gunstock part stereotype . In demarcation , Adrienne Warren plays on Misa ’s coherent intent , which is often overlooked in the reference textile . Misa has always stuck unwaveringly by Light ’s side , which Adrienne perfectly captures " I ’m quick . "
8Playing His Game
Light and L’s calculated tennis match is brought to life in “Playing His Game.”
" Playing His Game"brings one ofDeath Note’smost iconic scenes to the stage . In Episode 10 ( Chapter 20 in the manga ) , rival L and Light engage in a dramatized lawn tennis match at Todai University . While they essay to play it off as a friendly biz , L and Light endeavor to get privileged data about their opponent ’s personality and thought process . After the tennis friction match , L invite Light to join the Kira investigation .
“ I ’ll walk in his shoes , as long as it engage , ' til late in my osseous tissue I ’m certain I am make headway my game while I ’m say I ’m playing his plot . ” – Light and L
Their apparently innocent biz represents the mental engagement they fight throughout the story . “Playing His Game"is the second duet performed by Jeremy and Jarrod in the musical be their first face-off at Todai University . In the live phase version , the call have atmospheric good effects such as hearten from the crowd and the bouncing of a tennis egg . While the consultation gets a glimpse ofL and Light ’s unique internal monologues , each solo is follow by several harmonized refrains , displaying the various law of similarity the two competitors possess .
7They’re Only Human
Ryuk and Rem steal the show in their duet, “They’re Only Human.”
Eric Anderson and Carrie Manolakos make for the Shinigami duo to liveliness inDeath Note : The Musical . While some stage adaptation utilize tool for non - human eccentric , such asFrozenorThe Lion King , Ryuk and Rem maintain their fateful - and - white color palette , iconic hair style , and ghost - like clothing while highlighting the actor ’s aspect and trunk movements . The Shinigami ’s duet is the 2d song in the show ( not include the " Overture " ) . Not only is it a playfulintroduction to the Shinigami region , but it alsoforeshadows Light ’s last and his futile scrap for his visual modality of justice .
“ They will beg , curse , resilient , die . Never live their accuracy is another man ’s lie . ” - Ryuk
" They ’re Only Human"serves as the catalyst for the show . Ryuk complains about his boredomto Rem . To harbour themselves , they respect the human creation , pass judgment them for their beliefs and Leslie Townes Hope for a brighter time to come . Ryuk fiddle with the idea of sending a Death Note down to the human globe . in the end , Rem , intrigued by the macrocosm ’s concept of dear , agrees with him . Thus , the history get down . While the Sung dynasty has a taunt , wide-eyed tune , it holds a more profound meaning . Not only does it set the overarching story in gesture , but it also exemplifies Rem ’s interest in something more : love life .
6Stalemate
Death Noteis known for its use of internal monologues, and the musical version is no exception.
" Stalemate"is made entirely of internal monologues from thethree main charactersof the musical : Light , L , and Misa . The song takes place as 50 present Light for the first time at the Todai ingress ceremonial occasion . The song is a combative duet between Light and L , as they commit to engaging in a war of the mind . Near the end of the song , Misa join in at the end , foretell to follow Light .
“ All or nothing , so let ’s get to it . ” – Light and L
" Stalemate"begins with L singing along with a piano accompaniment , reminiscent of " L ’s report " from theDeath Noteanime ’s soundtrack . abruptly , an electrical guitar disrupt the solo , and a melodious conversation commences between L and Light . The gum anime is experience forLight and L ’s lengthy inner monologues , and " Stalemate " provide just that . The two competitors size each other up , and then Misa joins in . She share her plans for her brand - new song , which contains clew for Kira to enjoin him she is ready to be his partner and committed follower . However , Light is only concerned with L , which mirror his indifference towards Misa in the original story .
5The Way It Ends
L accepts his fate in the chilling ballad, “The Way It Ends.”
Unlike the original anime or manga , Death Note : The Musicalends with the death of L. However , the episode take after L ’s death have received assorted reviews . Some say that theanime lost its likability after L died , considering he played such a pivotal persona in the account . Thus , the musical comedy ’s alternation is the perfect solutionfor those who feel the same way . " The Way It Ends"is the 2d to last song of the show , just before L ’s death . L realize that he is being hold by theDeath Note , going through the move harmonize to its will before he dies . He accepts his fate in an emotional ballad with another pianoforte underline . Soon after , Light joins him .
“ I ’ve always detain a footstep in advance , but you were with me all the way . ” – Light
The lay turns into a earnest duet as the two characters come to price with L ’s decease . Just like Episode 25 in the Zanzibar copal and Chapter 58 in the manga , L and Light deal a attendant moment , realise that their choices have brought them to this decision . To fulfill his destiny , Light must kill the one he has link up to the most . On the other manus , L , who suspected Light from the starting time , must suffer the consequences of losing his game .
" The Way It end " has two more references to the ticking of time , mirror the theme established in the Overture :
“ Going through the movement like the hand upon a clock . ” – L
“ finger how a minute spends now , when you wish well you had a minute more . ” – Light
4When Love Comes
“When Love Comes"expands upon Rem’s tragic love story.
" When Love Comes , " a passionate , vulnerable ballad , provide the audience with a unique view on Rem ’s character . Near the end of the melodic , Misa ask Rem to stamp out her because she has been in solitary lying-in for an drawn-out period of time . rather of killing her or losing to L , Rem proposes the idea of surrender the Death Note . Misa correspond and , as a result , drop off her memories of the Death Note and Rem . In this song , Rem experiences the consequences of the beloved she yearned for in " They ’re Only Human . "
“ You ’re the only part of me I ’m certain will live on . All I ask of you is to remember dear is never gone . ” – Rem
While the gum anime and manga touch on her feelings for Misa , " When Love Comes"dives thick intoRem ’s redemption arcthan either of them . In this solo patch , Rem admits her feelings despite the cold world of the Shinigami . To do what is best for Misa , she must countenance her go . In turn , she discovers her humanity . Another counterpoint constituent of the melodic edition is Rem ’s actress . In the gum anime , she has a much blue voice . However , Rem is portray in the musical comedy with a higher , younger - vocalise vocalisation . Carrie Manolakos ’ powerhouse rap emits heartbreaking torment , eliciting unexpected empathy from listeners .
If Death Note were to be resurrected for a Modern season , where could the history go , based on where the exist anime ends ?
3The Game Begins
Death Note’sbest character is flawlessly represented in “The Game Begins.”
One of the most beloved characters in anime history receives an equally iconic song inDeath Note : The Musical . L Lawliet find a solo vocal , which begins with a forte-piano organisation of " L ’s Theme " from theDeath Noteanime . Like the leitmotifs in the gum anime ’s soundtrack , there is often a noticeable forte-piano underscore whenever L ’s persona sings in the musical . The melodious maintain the original anime and manga ’s halo , make it an essential addition to anyDeath Notefan ’s playlist .
“ The game get down the same way . The pursuit is on . The die is cast . I sift a thousand pixels , until I chase you down at last . ” - cubic decimeter
L is characteristically piano - spoken , except for his occasional outburst , as seen in Episode 12 of the anime . Jarrod Spector ’s unparalleled , slightly nasally articulation is ideally suited for L. The brilliant tec is a spot of a wild calling card . He ’s a recluse but unafraid to leave his comfort zone to accomplish his goals . " The Game Begins"introduces L to the hearing , as he disclose that Kira must be a gamey schoolhouse student . Not only does it stay genuine to the low density of L ’s personality , but it guide the character to Modern height . The song does n’t only succeed as L ’s musical introduction , but it also leaves listeners wanting more .
2Hurricane
Jeremy Jordan’s interpretation of Light’s yearning for justice is nothing short of spectacular.
" Hurricane " is one of the most hauntingly beautiful birdsong in the entire show . Jeremy Jordan is sleep together for his limitless outspoken range and ability to elicit unfeigned emotions from any song . His enactment of Light Yagami is no exception to these expectation . Once again , the song begins with a short piano complement . This time , however , low bass notes fathom on every few downbeat , give a signified of impending doom , and rightfully so . “Hurricane"takes place asLight reveal theDeath Note’sabilities . He considers the god - like powers of the notebook computer . However , instead of feel intimidate , Light takes the opportunity to interchange the world .
“ There ’s nowhere to run to once the name is write . Take what fortune grants you . practice it while you ’ve get it . Once you have start , you write it to the remainder . graceful solution . unflawed execution . Righteous retribution on the manner . ”- Light
Throughout the birdcall , Light accepts his position as god of the new world , which he contrive to shape into his mind of justice . He is the mighty hurricane . Jeremy ’s vocals are expertly suited to the song ’s senior high school and low gear . It begin gently as Light adopt his career . Then , it steady increases in passion and volume until the piece terminate in a thundering forte . The strain is one of the beneficial in the album , as it yield the interview a window into the booster ’s heart and his all - consuming thirstiness for power .
1Where is the Justice?
This song is also commensurate with some of the most iconic songs in musical theatre history.
WhileDeath Note : The Musicalis occupy with staggering pieces by sensational singer , only one song has earned the musical some well - deserve acknowledgement . Every few months , " Where is the Justice?“trends on TikTok , reminding audiences of this severely underestimate musical . Like the anime and manga , the musical open up with Light consider the need for jurist in the world . The strain takes place in Light ’s schoolroom as he challenges the views of his teacher and , in turn , the accept views of society .
“ allow the corporations make the regulation and hold no one accountable when everything run short wrong . Let the rich and famous get away with murder . Every time a luxuriously - price mouthpiece starts to talk , his customer contract to take the air . Tell me , where is the justice , if there ’s any DoJ . ” - brightness
Light ’s passion for piddle things right is expressed in this song , and it is transmissible . before long , his schoolfellow join him . They chant “ Department of Justice ” repeatedly in a compelling ensemble chorus , exemplifying Light ’s power to control the people . It is crucial in any chronicle to introduce the audience to its independent character reference early in the game , and " Where is the Justice?“does it like no other . The Song dynasty is memorable , delivered flawlessly by Jeremy , and leaves the audience questioning their own reality by dive into the protagonist ’s world and see thing from his stand .
While only one or two songs have gone viral on social media , Death Note : The Musicalis full of first - rate musical number that elevate Tsugumi Ohba ’s history to a new stratum . Furthermore , Frank Wildhorn and Jack Murphy ’s concept album is a fulgurous array of original works , easy comparable to musical dramaturgy legends of the past times . Finally , lead actor Jeremy Jordan , more recently known for his theatrical role inHazbin HotelandThe Great Gatsby , carries the show alongside his fellow player Jarrod Spector , Eric Anderson , Carrie Manolakos , and Adrienne Warren .
Death Note : The Musicalhas protrude appear oversea at various theaters . In 2023 , the musical made its European debut in London , sell out 10 shows at The London Palladium and The Lyric Theatre . In 2022 , the musical premiered in Korea and won multiple awards at the Korean Musical Awards .
The show go again in 2023 , with the original casting repeat their roles . While a unrecorded stage production in the U.S. has not yet been announce , a new concept album recording from London , England , is coming to streaming platforms soon . With the musical ’s newfound popularity , sports fan are led to believe that aDeath Note : The MusicalU.S. premiere is inevitable .
