The Karate Kid The Musical arrives in Oxford this June, bringing the 1984 film that became a global cultural phenomenon to the stage in a new musical adaptation.
Running at New Theatre Oxford from 09 to 13 June as part of its UK tour, the production retells the story of Daniel LaRusso and Mr Miyagi, focusing on themes of discipline, mentorship and personal growth.
Before becoming a stage musical, The Karate Kid began life as a 1984 film starring Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and Pat Morita as Mr Miyagi.
The film follows a teenager who learns karate from the unassuming maintenance man Mr Miyagi, developing both physical skill and personal discipline through an unconventional apprenticeship.
The film was both a critical and commercial success, with Pat Morita receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
It went on to become a defining coming-of-age story of the 1980s, spawning three sequels, a 2010 remake starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan, and more recently the Netflix series Cobra Kai, which revisits the original characters decades later.
A new feature film, Karate Kid: Legends, was released in 2025, continuing the franchise’s long-running legacy.
The stage adaptation builds on this cultural footprint, translating the story into a live theatrical format that uses movement and music to tell Daniel’s journey and his relationship with Mr Miyagi.
The cast includes Adrian Pang as Mr Miyagi, Gino Ochello as Daniel LaRusso, Abigail Amin as Ali Mills, Joe Simmons as Johnny Lawrence, Matt Mills as John Kreese, and Sharon Sexton as Lucille LaRusso.
The production features music and lyrics by Drew Gasparini, with a creative team including director Amon Miyamoto, choreographers Keone and Mari Madrid, scenic designer Derek McLane, and lighting designer Bradley King.
Written by Robert Mark Kamen, who also wrote the original screenplay, the musical continues the story’s long-running legacy, reimagined for the stage by a team of international theatre creatives.
The Karate Kid The Musical will play at New Theatre Oxford for a limited run from 09 to 13 June.
