The Show Must Go On
1994, Japanese. Directed by Koki Mitani.
They're a terrible bunch.
Recorded on 15th April 1994 at Kinokuniya Hall, Tokyo. This play is what brought media fame to Koki Mitani back in 1991, performed by his theatre group Tokyo Sunshine Boys. It was adapted into a television special in 1992 and then in 1994 (the run the released DVD recording captures) they did another run. It was broadcast on NHK-BS2 on 26th May 1994, identical to the TV release but with differences in music. It is Mitani's typical farcical comedy where the characters follow only one rule: 'No matter what happens. Once that curtain rises. It must not be lowered until we finish our performance.' Koki Mitani said of the play 'They are outrageous people, but deep down, there is a firm principle running through their veins: "Once the curtain rises, no matter what happens, there is an ironclad rule." For stage performers, the phrase "the show must go on" essentially means you can't take the show off.'
- Runtime
- 2h 14m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- Japanese
- Rated
- Check local
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Where to watch The Show Must Go On
The Show Must Go On isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 26 May 1994.
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Cast & crew
- Koki MitaniDirector
- Masahiko NishimuraShindo (Stage Manager)
- Toshihito ItoKido (Assistant Stage Manager)
- Rieko TakahashiNoe Banba (Assistant Stage Manager)
- Yoshimasa KondoKoichiro Ose (Owner of the Lodge)
- Kazuyuki AijimaJunichi Kuribayashi (Author)
- Kenji AnanHeiji Yashiro (actor)
- Isao NonakaAzusa Kuno (actress)
- Takashi KobayashiTakio Sadojima (Father of Governer)
- Masahiro KomotoTatsuo Nakajima (Yakuza Lookalike)
- Naoto HoriShichiemon Kuroki (Master Prop Maker)
- Saito KiyokoAsako Shindo (Shindo's Wife)
- Masato ObaraJohnny (Assistant)
Details
- Released
- 26 May 1994
- Original title
- ショウ・マスト・ゴー・オン
- Written by
- Koki Mitani
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News & fan talk
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The Show Must Go On: quick answers
Is The Show Must Go On worth watching?
The Show Must Go On doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is The Show Must Go On?
The Show Must Go On runs 134 minutes (2h 14m).
Does The Show Must Go On have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Show Must Go On. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Show Must Go On parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for The Show Must Go On yet.
Which OTT platform is The Show Must Go On on?
The Show Must Go On isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 26 May 1994. (Checked 12 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Show Must Go On?
If you liked The Show Must Go On, try Adam Sandler: Love You, Chris Rock: Kill the Messenger, Chris Rock: Never Scared.
Who directed The Show Must Go On?
The Show Must Go On (1994) was directed by Koki Mitani and stars Masahiko Nishimura, Toshihito Ito, Rieko Takahashi.