New York theatergoers often have certain expectations when attending a Broadway show: enchanting Disney musicals, brilliant works by Stephen Sondheim, and performances featuring Hollywood stars. However, this past month, audiences were treated to something entirely different—a towering figure known as the Colossal Titan.
So, what exactly is the Colossal Titan? Imagine a gigantic, skinless humanoid being, its body a gruesome spectacle of red tendons and raw ligaments, with an insatiable appetite for human flesh. For fans of “Attack on Titan,” this description is familiar. The internationally acclaimed Japanese manga series transports its audience to a dystopian world where humanity is confined within enormous walls, protecting them from these terrifying creatures.
On the opening night of “Attack on Titan: The Musical” at New York City Center, approximately 2,000 enthusiastic fans—many adorned in costumes representing their favorite characters—filled the venue with excitement. While the fusion of anime and live theater may appear novel in the United States, this phenomenon is far from uncommon in Japan, where anime-based plays and musicals are a staple of the cultural landscape.
Following three sold-out performances, it became evident that the intersection of anime fandom and theater appreciation may not be as rare as it first seemed. Broadway has increasingly relied on pop culture and established intellectual properties to attract audiences, and the overwhelming success of this rendition of “Titan” suggests a promising future. It raises the question: could anime soon be recognized not as a niche interest but rather as a vibrant part of mainstream culture?
At present, witnessing a spectacle like this on stage is still a rarity. Each time a titan made its entrance, it was nothing short of breathtaking. Some titans were depicted using advanced digital backdrops, creating a vivid scene of destruction, while others were represented by massive puppets, skillfully maneuvered by a coordinated team of performers. The crowning moment was the appearance of the Colossal Titan, brought to life through an impressive inflatable head and arms that towered over the stage.
