It was announced today that actor Shirota Yu (25) landed his first leading role in a musical. Shirota will play the part of Romeo in the Japanese version of the famous musical,�"Romeo & Juliet".�He will be sharing the part with actor Yamazaki Ikusaburou (25).

Shirota's acting in last year's "Elizabeth" was held in high esteem, and in December,�he received the rookie award from the Agency for Cultural Affairs Arts Festival. Since then, his theater appearances have garnered a great deal of attention.

He commented, "It would be wonderful if we can give the viewers energy, courage, and motivation through the power of singing and drama." Yamasaki also said, "I'm really looking forward to it."

The show will run in Tokyo from September 7th to October 2nd at the Akasaka ACT Theater, and in Osaka from October 10th to 20th at the Umeda Arts Theater.

Source: Yomiuri