Death Note the Musical’s soundtrack is full of brilliantly crafted pieces that perfectly encapsulate everything fans love about the animated series. The musical’s source material, the Death Note manga series, was written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. Furthermore, it was first serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump on December 1, 2003. Three years later, on October 4, 2006, the Death Note anime series aired on television in Japan. However, the iconic thriller also has a musical adaptation that few fans know about.

Based on the manga and anime series, Death Note: The Musical features a score by Frank Wildhorn, lyrics by Jack Murphy, and book by Ivan Menchell. The Japanese musical premiered on April 6, 2015, at the Nissay Theatre in Tokyo, Japan. The stage adaptation starred Kenji Urai and Hayato Kakizawa as Light and Teppei Koike as L.

However, the Japanese musical was originally written in English and later translated. To advertise the Japanese premiere, the 2015 Complete English Concept Album was released. The musical slightly alters a few aspects of the original plot, but the heart of the story remains the same, thanks to its astonishing soundtrack.

10

Overture

The “Overture” for Death Note: The Musical perfectly sets the tone for the rest of the story.

The “Overture” begins with the ticking of a clock, which many musicals and movies utilize as a story-telling device for foreshadowing. Perhaps the most famous example of clock-ticking in media is Jonathan Larson’s biographical musical: Tick…Tick…Boom! Throughout the film, a clock’s tick is heard during pivotal moments in the protagonist’s life, until it is cut short by an unexpected heart attack. Similarly, L hears church bells as he senses his life coming to an end. The ticking of clocks is also heard regularly in the anime’s soundtrack.

As the ticking continues, a chorus chimes in, ominously singing the name “Kira” repeatedly. The harmonic relationship of the vocals, coupled with the low-sounding horns, creates a cult-ish sound. First, the vocals are tightly-knit, with the bass in the forefront, imitating a chanting crowd. However, the higher harmonies soon emerge, resembling screams. This manipulation of harmony and vocal delivery exemplifies the duality of Light’s mission. While he has a legion of fiercely loyal followers, such as Teru Mikami, his search for justice has a darker, much more sinister side.

9

I’m Ready

Adrienne Warren brings a new spin to Misa’s character in “I’m Ready.”

“I’m Ready” is a surprising addition to the Death Note musical, adding a hint of pop and rap stylings and displaying Misa’s soulful vocal ability. In the musical, Light and Sayu, his younger sister, attend Misa Amane’s concert (instead of a supermodel, Misa is a popstar in the musical). The song serves as a message to Kira. Through the lyrics, Misa hopes to reach the anonymous justice-seeker and let him know that she is ready to stand by his side.

“But together we might find a place to belong, where together we’ll face the unknown.” – Misa

Misa’s voice in the musical is a complete departure from the anime voice actors. Shannon Chan-Kent, the voice of Misa in the English dub, gives Misa her famously high-pitched, youthful voice, matching the “ditzy blonde” stock character stereotype. In contrast, Adrienne Warren plays on Misa’s tenacious spirit, which is often overlooked in the source material. Misa has always stuck unwaveringly by Light’s side, which Adrienne perfectly captures “I’m Ready.”

8

Playing His Game

Light and L’s calculated tennis match is brought to life in “Playing His Game.”

“Playing His Game” brings one of Death Note’s most iconic scenes to the stage. In Episode 10 (Chapter 20 in the manga), rivals L and Light engage in a dramatized tennis match at Todai University. While they try to play it off as a friendly game, L and Light attempt to get inside information about their opponent’s personality and thought process. After the tennis match, L invites Light to join the Kira investigation.

“I’ll walk in his shoes, as long as it takes, ’til deep in my bones I’m sure I am winning my game while I’m saying I’m playing his game.” – Light and L

Their seemingly innocent game represents the mental battle they fight throughout the story. “Playing His Game” is the second duet performed by Jeremy and Jarrod in the musical following their first encounter at Todai University. In the live stage version, the song features atmospheric sound effects such as cheering from the crowd and the bouncing of a tennis ball. While the audience gets a glimpse of L and Light’s unique internal monologues, each solo is followed by several harmonized refrains, displaying the various similarities the two competitors possess.

7

They’re Only Human

Ryuk and Rem steal the show in their duet, “They’re Only Human.”

Eric Anderson and Carrie Manolakos bring the Shinigami duo to life in Death Note: The Musical. While some stage adaptations utilize puppets for non-human characters, such as Frozen or The Lion King, Ryuk and Rem maintain their black-and-white color palette, iconic hairstyles, and ghost-like clothing while highlighting the actor’s face and body movements. The Shinigami’s duet is the second song in the show (not including the “Overture”). Not only is it a playful introduction to the Shinigami realm, but it also foreshadows Light’s death and his futile fight for his vision of justice.

“They will pray, curse, live, die. Never knowing their truth is another man’s lie.” – Ryuk

“They’re Only Human” serves as the catalyst for the show. Ryuk complains about his boredom to Rem. To entertain themselves, they observe the human world, judging them for their beliefs and hope for a brighter future. Ryuk toys with the idea of sending a Death Note down to the human world. Finally, Rem, intrigued by the world’s concept of love, agrees with him. Thus, the story begins. While the song has a taunting, childlike tune, it holds a more profound meaning. Not only does it set the overarching story in motion, but it also exemplifies Rem’s interest in something more: love.

6

Stalemate

Death Note is known for its use of internal monologues, and the musical version is no exception.

“Stalemate” is made entirely of internal monologues from the three main characters of the musical: Light, L, and Misa. The song takes place as L confronts Light for the first time at the Todai entrance ceremony. The song is a combative duet between Light and L, as they commit to engaging in a war of the mind. Near the end of the song, Misa joins in at the end, promising to follow Light.

“All or nothing, so let’s get to it.” – Light and L

“Stalemate” begins with L singing along with a piano accompaniment, reminiscent of “L’s Theme” from the Death Note anime’s soundtrack. Suddenly, an electric guitar interrupts the solo, and a musical conversation commences between L and Light. The anime is known for Light and L’s lengthy internal monologues, and “Stalemate” provides just that. The two competitors size each other up, and then Misa joins in. She shares her plans for her brand-new song, which contains clues for Kira to tell him she is ready to be his partner and committed follower. However, Light is only concerned with L, which mirrors his indifference towards Misa in the original story.

5

The Way It Ends

L accepts his fate in the chilling ballad, “The Way It Ends.”

Unlike the original anime or manga, Death Note: The Musical ends with the death of L. However, the episodes following L’s death have received mixed reviews. Some say that the anime lost its likability after L died, considering he played such a pivotal role in the story. Thus, the musical’s alternation is the perfect solution for those who feel the same way. “The Way It Ends” is the second to last song of the show, just before L’s death. L realizes that he is being controlled by the Death Note, going through the motions according to its will before he dies. He accepts his fate in an emotional ballad with another piano underscore. Soon after, Light joins him.

“I’ve always stayed a step ahead, but you were with me all the way.” – Light

The ballad turns into a heartfelt duet as the two characters come to terms with L’s death. Just like Episode 25 in the anime and Chapter 58 in the manga, L and Light share a tender moment, realizing that their choices have brought them to this decision. To fulfill his destiny, Light must kill the one he has related to the most. On the other hand, L, who suspected Light from the beginning, must suffer the consequences of losing his game.

4

When Love Comes

“When Love Comes” expands upon Rem’s tragic love story.

“When Love Comes,” a passionate, vulnerable ballad, provides the audience with a unique perspective on Rem’s character. Near the end of the musical, Misa asks Rem to kill her because she has been in solitary confinement for an extended period of time. Instead of killing her or losing to L, Rem proposes the idea of surrendering the Death Note. Misa agrees and, as a result, loses her memories of the Death Note and Rem. In this song, Rem experiences the consequences of the love she yearned for in “They’re Only Human.”

“You’re the only part of me I’m certain will live on. All I ask of you is to remember love is never gone.” – Rem

While the anime and manga touch on her feelings for Misa, “When Love Comes” dives deeper into Rem’s redemption arc than either of them. In this solo piece, Rem admits her feelings despite the cold reality of the Shinigami. To do what is best for Misa, she must let her go. In turn, she discovers her humanity. Another contrasting element of the musical version is Rem’s actress. In the anime, she has a much lower voice. However, Rem is portrayed in the musical with a higher, younger-sounding voice. Carrie Manolakos’ powerhouse belt emits heartbreaking anguish, eliciting unexpected empathy from listeners.

3

The Game Begins

Death Note’s best character is flawlessly represented in “The Game Begins.”

One of the most beloved characters in anime history receives an equally iconic song in Death Note: The Musical. L Lawliet receives a solo song, which begins with a piano arrangement of “L’s Theme” from the Death Note anime. Like the leitmotifs in the anime’s soundtrack, there is often a noticeable piano underscore whenever L’s character sings in the musical. The musical maintains the original anime and manga’s aura, making it an essential addition to any Death Note fan’s playlist.

“The game begins the same way. The chase is on. The die is cast. I sift a thousand pixels, until I chase you down at last.” – L

L is characteristically soft-spoken, except for his occasional outburst, as seen in Episode 12 of the anime. Jarrod Spector’s unique, slightly nasally voice is ideally suited for L. The brilliant detective is a bit of a wild card. He’s a recluse but unafraid to leave his comfort zone to accomplish his goals. “The Game Begins” introduces L to the audience, as he discovers that Kira must be a high school student. Not only does it stay true to the rarities of L’s personality, but it takes the character to new heights. The song doesn’t only succeed as L’s musical debut, but it also leaves listeners wanting more.

2

Hurricane

Jeremy Jordan’s interpretation of Light’s yearning for justice is nothing short of spectacular.

“Hurricane” is one of the most hauntingly beautiful songs in the entire show. Jeremy Jordan is known for his limitless vocal range and ability to evoke genuine emotions from any song. His portrayal of Light Yagami is no exception to these expectations. Once again, the song begins with a light piano accompaniment. This time, however, low bass notes sound on every few downbeats, giving a sense of impending doom, and rightfully so. “Hurricane” takes place as Light discovers the Death Note’s abilities. He considers the god-like powers of the notebook. However, instead of feeling intimidated, Light takes the opportunity to change the world.

“There’s nowhere to run to once the name is penned. Take what fortune grants you. Use it while you’ve got it. Once you have begun, you write it to the end. Elegant solution. Flawless execution. Righteous retribution on the way.”- Light

Throughout the song, Light accepts his position as god of the new world, which he plans to shape into his idea of justice. He is the mighty hurricane. Jeremy’s vocals are expertly suited to the song’s highs and lows. It begins softly as Light embraces his calling. Then, it steadily increases in passion and volume until the piece ends in a thundering forte. The song is one of the best in the album, as it gives the audience a window into the protagonist’s heart and his all-consuming hunger for power.

1

Where is the Justice?

This song is also commensurate with some of the most iconic songs in musical theatre history.

While Death Note: The Musical is filled with astonishing pieces by sensational vocalists, only one song has earned the musical some well-deserved recognition. Every few months, “Where is the Justice?” trends on TikTok, reminding audiences of this severely underrated musical. Like the anime and manga, the musical opens with Light considering the need for justice in the world. The song takes place in Light’s classroom as he challenges the views of his teacher and, in turn, the accepted views of society.

“Let the corporations make the regulations and hold no one accountable when everything goes wrong. Let the rich and famous get away with murder. Every time a high-priced mouthpiece starts to talk, his client gets to walk. Tell me, where is the justice, if there’s any justice.” – Light

Light’s passion for making things right is expressed in this song, and it is contagious. Soon, his classmates join him. They chant “justice” repeatedly in a compelling ensemble chorus, exemplifying Light’s ability to control the masses. It is crucial in any story to introduce the audience to its main character early in the plot, and “Where is the Justice?” does it like no other. The song is memorable, delivered flawlessly by Jeremy, and leaves the audience questioning their own reality by diving into the protagonist’s world and seeing things from his viewpoint.

While only one or two songs have gone viral on social media, Death Note: The Musical is full of first-rate musical numbers that elevate Tsugumi Ohba’s story to a new level. Furthermore, Frank Wildhorn and Jack Murphy’s concept album is a dazzling array of original works, easily comparable to musical theatre legends of the past. Finally, lead actor Jeremy Jordan, more recently known for his roles in Hazbin Hotel and The Great Gatsby, carries the show alongside his fellow actors Jarrod Spector, Eric Anderson, Carrie Manolakos, and Adrienne Warren.

Death Note: The Musical has started appearing overseas at various theaters. In 2023, the musical made its European debut in London, selling out 10 shows at The London Palladium and The Lyric Theatre. In 2022, the musical premiered in Korea and won multiple awards at the Korean Musical Awards.

The show ran again in 2023, with the original cast reprising their roles. While a live stage production in the U.S. has not yet been announced, a new concept album recording from London, England, is coming to streaming platforms soon. With the musical’s newfound popularity, fans are led to believe that a Death Note: The Musical U.S. premiere is inevitable.