By Town Crier Staff Report

Starting this week, TheatreWorks presents a 25-year anniversary production of Stephen Sondheim’s musical “Pacific Overtures,” chronicling the westernization of Japan.

Composer/lyricist Sondheim and author John Weidman combine elements of traditional Japanese theater with the dazzle of Broadway.

Robert Kelley will direct “Pacific Overtures,” which runs today through Sept. 23 at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St.

Based on the true events of 1853, “Pacific Overtures” recounts the epic arrival of Commodore Matthew C. Perry and the USS Powhatan, which forced Japan to reevaluate its ancient ways. It was written as a Japanese conception of what a Broadway musical might be, if presented from the traditional Japanese theatrical viewpoint.

The musical stars Michael Kang-Sik Lee and Scott Watanabe, who have appeared on Broadway, plus Lawrence Thoo and Mikio Hirata.

Kelley, who founded TheatreWorks in 1970 and has been its artistic director ever since, has received dozens of awards.

Previews are at 8 p.m., today through Friday. Friday’s opening night performance is also at 8 p.m. Other evening shows are set for 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays (except Sept. 18); 8 p.m., Wednesdays through Saturdays; and 7 p.m., Sundays, Sept. 9 and 16. Matinees are set for 2 p.m., Saturdays, Sept. 15 and 22; and 2 p.m., Sundays (except Sept. 9).

Tickets are $22-$40, with discounts available for youth, students, seniors and members.

For tickets and more information, call 903-6000.