Cast Members Joined Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen
Marc delaCruz and Alexa de Barr have joined the cast of the upcoming musical at The Night Egg.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Arts Theater — General
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Marc delaCruz and Alexa de Barr are set to join the company of Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen, the first manga ever adapted into an American musical. The production, written by Leah Nanako Winkler with music by Duncan Sheik, will debut this fall in New York City.
Why it matters
The production represents a significant milestone as the first adaptation of a manga graphic novel into an American musical. By utilizing the creative team of Rob Ashford, Scott Pask, and Catherine Zuber, the show aims to translate Moyoco Anno's source material for the stage.
The global manga industry, the source for this musical adaptation, is currently estimated to be worth $10 billion. The production will be staged at 530 W. 27th Street, the venue formerly occupied by the Twilo Nightclub and Sleep No More.
The players
Marc delaCruz
He is an actor who will portray the character of Sakae in the upcoming musical production.
Alexa de Barr
She is a performer joining the company of the musical as a swing.
Duncan Sheik
He is a composer and songwriter responsible for the music and lyrics of the production.
Leah Nanako Winkler
She is the playwright who authored the book for the musical adaptation.
Rob Ashford
He is a director and choreographer who is overseeing the development and staging of the show.
The details
Marc delaCruz will perform the role of Sakae, while Alexa de Barr joins the cast as a swing for the production. Directed and choreographed by Rob Ashford, the show is based on the manga serial published between 2013 and 2018.
Timeline
Performances begin on September 25, 2026.
The production holds its opening night on October 15, 2026.
The musical is scheduled to play through January 3, 2027.
Industry Dynamics
This story follows a pattern set by the manga graphic novel series by Moyoco Anno, which successfully translated Japanese serialized storytelling into a Broadway-caliber American production. As the industry looks toward international source material, this production marks a shift toward globalizing theatrical intellectual property.
Theatergoers can see the production starting in late September at The Night Egg in New York City. Tickets and access details for the scheduled run through January 2027 are expected to be available through the venue's box office.
The takeaway
This production signals an expansion of the American theatrical landscape into the world of Japanese manga. Audiences should expect future adaptations to leverage the massive popularity of international graphic novel franchises to fill seats.
Further reading
For more news on upcoming productions, visit the Arts Theater — General section.
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