Canadian Premiere of The Karate Kid - The Musical – Tickets on Sale June 1
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: John Karastamatis, Sue Toth, Erin Nantais – Mirvish Productions
THE KARATE KID - THE MUSICAL
BASED ON THE COLUMBIA PICTURES MOTION PICTURE
THE KARATE KID WRITTEN BY ROBERT MARK KAMEN
Book by Robert Mark Kamen
Music & Lyrics by Drew Gasparini
CANADIAN PREMIERE
SEPTEMBER 29 – NOVEMBER 1, 2026
PRINCESS OF WALES THEATRE
TICKETS ON SALE JUNE 1, 2026
MIRVISH.COM
David and Hannah Mirvish and producers Naoya Kinoshita, Kumiko Yoshii, John Gore, Kenny Wax, Michael Wolk, Jack Lane and Leo Stages are thrilled to announce that tickets for the Canadian premiere of the UK premiere production of THE KARATE KID – THE MUSICAL will go on public sale on June 1, 2026.
THE KARATE KID – THE MUSICAL will play the Princess of Wales Theatre, September 29 – November 1, 2026.
Tickets will be available at 10AM on Monday, June 1, 2026, at mirvish.com or by calling 1.800.461.3333.
This new production, which is currently on a twelve-city UK tour, began on April 28, 2026, and includes engagements in Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Oxford and Liverpool, has received wonderful reviews.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
'BIG-HEARTED, NOSTALGIC AND FULL OF FEEL-GOOD ENERGY'
Cheshire Mix 96
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
'ELEGANT, EMOTIONAL AND REMARKABLE'
Out and About Manchester
'A ROUSING CROWD-PLEASER - YOU'LL BE WAXING ON ABOUT IT!'
I Love Manchester
'A REAL TREAT. THIS HAS A MIYAGI MAGIC FEEL'
North Manchester FM
Based on the 1984 smash hit Columbia Pictures motion picture, this new stage adaptation features a book by Robert Mark Kamen, screenwriter of the film, and original music and lyrics by Drew Gasparini.
The original film, which starred Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and Pat Morita as Mr Miyagi, was a global box office success and critical triumph, earning Morita an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The story fast became a cultural phenomenon, launching a major global franchise that has included three movie sequels, a 2010 remake starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan and the hit Netflix series Cobra Kai (2018 – 2025). Most recently, Karate Kid: Legends starring Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio was released in cinemas in 2025.
About the Stage Musical Cast
Adrian Pang, who received accolades when he starred in the Stratford Festival of Canada production of Salesman in China, stars as Mr. Miyagi. Making his professional stage debut is Gino Ochello as Daniel LaRusso. Also starring are Abigail Amin as Ali Mills, Joe Simmons as Johnny Lawrence, Matt Mills as John Kreese, Sharon Sexton as Lucille LaRusso – who starred in Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical in Toronto in 2017 and Finley Oliver as Freddie Fernandez.
The ensemble includes Ambra Caserotti, Johndeep More, Ria Tanaka, Elena Breschi, Aden Dzuda, Elliott Evans, El Haq Latief, Isaac J Lewis, Emily Rose-Davis, Aaron Archer, Dylan Blake-Colbet, Serenar Douch, Esme Rothero and Sok-Ho Trinh.
THE KARATE KID - THE MUSICAL received its world premiere at STAGES St. Louis, USA in 2022, playing to sold-out houses and critical acclaim.
Honouring the roots of the timeless story, this new musical celebrates resilience, mentorship, and the quiet strength that bridges generations.
Daniel is the new kid in town trying to fit in until he becomes the target of Cobra Kai’s relentless star student, Johnny. Underestimated and outmatched, Daniel struggles to find his footing, until Ali, Johnny’s ex, sees something in Daniel that no one else does. As Johnny refuses to step aside, teenage rivalry turns into something more sinister. Daniel discovers guidance from Mr. Miyagi who teaches him that karate isn’t about fighting, it’s about balance, respect and that the greatest victories are won from within.
Featuring a Tony Award®-winning design team and an electrifying new score, this coming-of-age masterpiece is reimagined for the stage with stunning artistry and ground-breaking choreography.
Written by Robert Mark Kamen with music and lyrics by Drew Gasparini, THE KARATE KID - THE MUSICAL is directed by Amon Miyamoto, with choreography by Keone and Mari Madrid, 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, wigs and hair design by Tommy Kurzman, orchestrations by John Clancy, music supervisor and arrangements by Andrew Resnick. Produced by Naoya Kinoshita, Kumiko Yoshii, John Gore, Kenny Wax, Michael Wolk, Jack Lane, and Leo Stages.