Springtime at ASIJ is always special. As the winter winds give way to warmer weather, and the sakura trees begin to blossom, the Chofu campus seems to jump into a higher gear. Maybe it’s the run-up to AP season, the idea of new beginnings or just the changing seasons, but students suddenly seem more energetic. 

For me, however, Spring at ASIJ is encapsulated by the image of “theater kids” spontaneously bursting out into song while strolling down the hallway. The chance to see members of this rare species at work is akin to observing a peacock’s mating dance, with each song as beautiful as the bird’s brilliant plumage. These ASIJ birds are preparing for the HS musical.

One of ASIJ’s most elaborate productions, the musical employs over 100 people in a variety of roles—as cast members, pit musicians, stagehands, set designers, light and sound technicians, ushers, film crews, costumiers and more. 

This year, students staged an adaptation of “Me and My Girl” by Douglas Furber and L. Arthur Rose. Set in 1930s England, the play is a hilarious comedy about a low-brow cockney man who suddenly discovers that he is the Earl of Hereford, and as a result, now extremely wealthy. The show’s 1986 revival opened to much critical acclaim, going on to win three Tony Awards. 

ASIJ’s talented student performers staged four shows across two weeks in front of a full auditorium. A recording of the musical can be found at the link below. Enjoy!