REVIEW: The Karate Kid - The Musical

© Manuel Harlan

A much-loved martial arts film from the 1980’s has been turned into a musical and is now kicking and punching its way to Birmingham.

Karate Kid - The Musical is now playing at The Alexandra Theatre.

A film called The Karate Kid released in 1984 with a budget of $8million became a worldwide hit with box-office takings that breezed past the coveted $100million mark, and with each passing decade it’s gained more fans with the release of a hit television show called Cobra Kai that continues the adventures of the film’s main protagonists.

The success of this martial arts film has now spawned a musical which will delight newcomers and ignite the memories of fans who saw the original film back in the 1980’s. 

Instead of choosing the easy route of a jukebox musical that could evoke a nostalgic atmosphere this show has the courage to forge ahead and deliver new music and songs. The book for the show is by Robert Mark Kamen while Drew Gasparini provides music fizzing with passion.

This classic underdog story is about a teenager named Daniel LaRusso who moves from New Jersey to an apartment in Los Angeles with his mother. The handyman of the building is an immigrant from Okinawa and he soon strikes up a warm friendship with LaRusso. The old man, whose name is Mr. Miyagi, becomes LaRusso’s mentor and trains him in the art of self-defence  when the boy is mercilessly bullied by Johnny Lawrence who is a student at a karate dojo run by a ruthless and bloodthirsty sensei called Kreese.

Love is thrown into this mix when both LaRusso and Lawrence both try to win the heart of Ali, a cheerleader who used to date Lawrence.

Things come to a head when the innocent and upright LaRusso is challenged to a karate completion and face the bully Lawrence who can’t wait to defeat LaRuuo and take back his girl.

The performers in this show have to be extra-special and extra-gifted because they need to be able to sing, dance, act and tap into serious levels of stamina throughout the show.

Gino Ochello (LaRusso) conveys a warm and positive energy that contrasts like Ying and Yang to Joe Simmons (Lawrence) who brings simmering rage and arrogance to the role. Talking about rage, the role of Kreese is taken by Matt Mills who is villainous in everything he does which contrasts with the gentle and positive vibe projected by Adrian Pang (Mr. Miygai). Abigail Amin (Ali) has a delicate and ethereal quality that brings a beautiful ambiance to her scenes with LaRusso.

Special mention goes to Sharon Sexton who plays LaRusso’s mother Lucille. When she sings ‘If I Could Take His Pain Away’ every mother in the theatre will feel the emotional ache that Lucille feels for her son.

The electrifying choreography by husband and wife team of Keone and Mari Madrid is next level thrilling and full of high-octane energy. Each sequence uses movement that expresses the mood and emotional flow of the narrative.

Bradley King’s lighting design makes this production look like a Hollywood film come to life on a stage. Neon reds pulse and dance with bright blues while yellows float and dance like summer butterflies across the action packed stage.  

The production design by Derek McLane combines elements of East and West. The moving and interchangeable sets are a perfect blend of Oriental sliding screens and Californian apartments. The stage comes alive with details that engage the senses.

The Karate Kid - The Musical delivers high powered kicks and nostalgic drama.

Verdict: ★★★★★

The Karate Kid - The Musical is now running at The Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham until Saturday 25^th July 2026