Kiss Me Licia turns 40, becomes a musical in Milan

The Japanese anime series Kiss Me Licia, which debuted on Italian television in September 1985, is being adapted into a musical to celebrate its 40th anniversary. The original manga by Kaoru Tada was turned into an anime by Toei Animation in 1983 and aired on Italia1 in 1985, becoming a massive hit that spawned a live-action series starring Cristina d'Avena. The musical is produced and directed by Thomas Centaro, who also stars as Mirko. It will be staged on March 21 and 22, 2025, at the EcoTeatro in Milan. The show features period-accurate props and a soundtrack of 1980s hits by artists such as Spandau Ballet, Queen, and Cyndi Lauper. The cast includes Silvia Romeo as Licia, Andrea Bonati as Marrabbio, Annalisa Longo as Andrea, and Pietro Ubaldi reprising his role as the voice of Giuliano the cat. Centaro first produced a version titled Kitsch Me Licia ten years ago.