It has been announced that the new musical will open at New Wimbledon Theatre on the 28th April 2026.
The Karate Kid -The Musical is adapted from the 1984 film starring Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita which led to multiple films. The latest instalment in the franchise, Karate Kid: Legends, featuring Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, was released earlier this year.
Written by obert Mark Kamen, who penned the original 1984 film, with music and lyrics by Drew Gasparini, this musical adaptation first appeared on stage in St Louis in 2022.
At its heart is the powerful bond between Daniel and Mr. Miyagi, who teaches that karate isn’t about fighting, it’s about balance, dignity, and respect.
Talking about the project, writer Robert Mark Kamen said: “William Goldman said about Hollywood ‘No one knows anything.’ He was right. Who knew that 43 years after I wrote the original script for The Karate Kid, we would see these very same characters acting and singing on the British stage in a story that is as fresh and universally relevant as it was four decades ago.”
The production is set to be directed by Amon Miyamoto with choreography by Keone and Mari Madrid. The creative team also includes scenic design by Derek McLane, costume design by Ayako Maeda, lighting design by Bradley King, sound design by Kai Harada, projection design by Peter Nigrini, orchestrations by John Clancy, music supervision and arrangements by Andrew Resnick, and wigs and hair design by Tommy Kurzman. It is produced by Naoya Kinoshita, Kumiko Yoshii, Kenny Wax and John Gore. Casting will be announced at a later date, while select stops will be on sale later today.
For further information visit: https://www.thekaratekidthemusicaluk.com/