based on the short stories “Honey Pie” and “Superfrog Saves Tokyo”
from the novel after the quake by Haruki Murakami
adapted for the stage by Frank Galati
directed by Amy Rummenie
May 6 – 21, 2011
People’s Center Theatre
Junpei still loves his best friend’s wife. When the Earthquake Man haunts her young daughter, the timid writer searches for the courage they need. He tells the story of Katagiri, a simple man recruited by a talking frog to do battle against the giant monster burrowed beneath Tokyo! These threads weave together in a tender and fantastic exploration of life after a disaster by bestselling Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami.
Cast
Production Team
| junpei | Eric Sharp* | director | Amy Rummenie |
| sayoko | Katie Bradley | set | Steve Kath |
| takatsuki/katagiri | Kurt Kwan | costumes | Andrea Gross |
| narrator/frog | Brant Miller | lighting | Peter Mitchell |
| sala | Natalie Tran | sound | Montana Johnson |
| props | Jennifer Probst | ||
| live cello | Cory P. Grossman | stage manager | Sarah Holmberg |
| assistant director | Ben Share | ||
| * appearing courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association | asst. stage manager | Katy Clanton | |
| publicity image | Whittney Streeter | ||
| David Pisa | |||
| photography | Dan Norman | ||
Reviews
This is rich, subtle material, its romantic sweetness nicely balanced by its deadly serious intention… There is something else going on, something mysterious, and it keeps us riveted… The performances are pitch perfect.
— John Olive, HowWasTheShow.com
“Rummenie and her creative team bring an understated touch to these stories…”
— Rohan Preston, Star Tribune
“The five actors and the backstage team have worked together to create a seamless, striking tale.”
— Ed Huyck, City Pages
“A 90-minute, uninterrupted performance flows gracefully with outstanding acting by a small but experienced cast and a rock star production team”
— Betsy Gabler, TC Daily Planet
