The puppet-filled stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s ‘Spirited Away’ will come to L.A.

The acclaimed stage production of one of the world’s most beloved animated films is making its way to Los Angeles—and not many other cities.

The original Japanese stage adaptation of Spirited Away will play the Ahmanson Theatre in September and October 2027, marking the show’s only announced U.S. engagement as part of a limited international tour. The production will kick off Center Theatre Group’s 2027–28 season before heading to London for a return engagement in 2028.

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Adapted from Hayao Miyazaki’s 2001 animated masterpiece, the stage version has become a phenomenon in its own right. After selling out across Japan, it transferred to London’s Coliseum in 2024, where more than 300,000 people saw the production during its 17-week run. It went on to win Best New Play at the 2025 WhatsOnStage Awards before selling out in Shanghai and Seoul.

If you’ve ever wondered how an animated movie (one filled with soot sprites, dragons and spirits, no less) could possibly work onstage, well, that’s kinda why it sells out. Directed by Tony and Olivier Award winner John Caird (who co-adapted with Maoko Imai), the show combines elaborate sets, intricate puppetry, lavish costumes and a live orchestra performing Joe Hisaishi’s iconic score. The production is performed in Japanese with English captions.

The story follows 10-year-old Chihiro, who stumbles into a supernatural world while moving to a new home with her parents. After they’re transformed into pigs by the witch Yubaba, Chihiro must navigate a bathhouse populated by unforgettable spirits in hopes of rescuing her family and finding her way back home.

“We are honored to bring the wonder of Spirited Away to the Ahmanson Theatre for an exclusive U.S. engagement,” Center Theatre Group producing director Douglas C. Baker said in a statement. “We cannot wait to share Spirited Away with Los Angeles.”

Tickets aren’t on sale just yet. Center Theatre Group says the production will first be available to season subscribers in late spring 2027, while single-ticket buyers can sign up now for priority booking notifications through the organization’s website. Considering the show’s sold-out runs everywhere from Tokyo to London to Seoul, don’t expect tickets to linger once they finally become available. The upcoming tour starts later this year in Taiwan before heading to Japan, Toronto and then eventually here in L.A. at the Music Center campus.

For more information or to join Center Theatre Group’s membership program, click here.