Shonentai member Noriyuki Higashiyama (42) has been cast in his first solo starring role in a musical since 2001. He will be headlining Japan's first production of the hit "Curtains," which opened on Broadway in 2007.

Higashiyama plays the part of Lt. Cioffi, a police detective who is also a huge fan of musicals. When the lead actress of a musical is murdered on opening night, it's up to Cioffi to solve the case. In the original Broadway run of "Curtains," the character was played by Hyde Pierce, who earned a Tony Award for his performance.

Marcia, Ran Ohtori, and Kenya Osumi are among the supporting cast. "Curtains" will run at the Tokyo International Forum on February 6-24, 2010.