Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon The Super Live v 2.0

✦ Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon – The Super Live (version 2.0) Review ✦

The “Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon The Super Live” is a traveling musical performance that has been performed all over the world, including Tokyo, Paris, New York, Washington DC, and Taipei.

The Super Live was first introduced to Japanese audiences back in 2018, where three different casts (referred as the ❤, ◆ , and ♪ teams) took the lead roles. Because it was conceived as a show for international audiences, it was originally more focused on music, dance, elements of Japanese kawaii/otaku culture and flashy attacks, performed with minimal dialogue and a loose interpretation of the manga’s first arc.

The new version of the Super Live (which I’ve nicknamed 2.0) has been completely renewed with new music by composers Tsuyoshi Sakabe and KYOHEI, a new script by Kaori Miura and choreographed by Satomi Toma. It is completely different from the original version which was last shown in 2023 in Taipei.

✦ Event Review ✦

Exciting times for Moonies from outside of Japan! The Super Live is NOW PLAYING for the first time in London! For this tour, there are way more performances in one location than we are used to, and with that, a lot more promoting that has to be done to bring fans into the theater. It was very exciting to spot these promotional posters in the legendary London tube!

In addition, the Japanese character goods shop ARTBOX were handing out flyers at their store. Don’t forget to stop by and grab them if you’re in the city while supplies last! HERE is a map of their location.

A few days before (and during the actual shows), the 5 main actresses from the Super Live have been spotted out and about in full costume at several touristy spots around London, both for pic ops as well as promotion for their 23 shows. These pictures have been shared in social media by their marketing team.

The London Super Live is being performed in two venue spaces: HERE at Outernet and KOKO. Please check out our main blog post HERE for more detailed information on tickets, dates and merch.

✦ HERE at the Outernet:

The first 3 previews (plus a regular show) were performed at the HERE at the Outernet. The Outernet is a cultural attraction that hosts a variety of entertainment experiences including music, theater and digital art. The entrance has an open installation with LED screens on every wall and even the ceiling! It normally projects different dynamic digital shows on a loop, however for the showings of the Super Live, they displayed a wonderful reel of Sailor Moon images and planetary symbols to welcome guests attending the event. It is located in a touristy part of London where there are many museums, musical theaters, restaurants and hotels.

The HERE is quite a small underground venue, but visitors were greeted by humongous screen with the main poster in bright, vivid graphics. The previews were pretty much the same as the main show, except for the audience being sprinkled with press, news media, influencers, and even a few UK Drag Queens who were invited to liven up the crowd.

✦ KOKO:

This venue is located in a different area of town that seemed like a residential neighborhood, but the KOKO theater itself is a historic building that has been recently updated, and therefore stands out among the scenery around.

Nothing really different about the shows at this theater, no screens or flashy graphics displayed anywhere, just a few stand up posters and photo ops for fans to enjoy. The venue is still gorgeous though, with its old world charm yet perfectly equipped to handle a modern show such as the Super Live.

Note: It’s worth to mention that KOKO (coincidentally) means “here” in Japanese, so it’s funny that both venues (the HERE and KOKO) mean “here”.

✦ The Super Live Musical Details ✦

Without getting into spoiler territory (yet), the Sailor Moon the Super Live (2.0) production seems to have moved completely away from its first iteration, so much so that it’s a completely new show. The Super Live (1.0) was also created by Nelke, yet nothing has been brought over to this new version, not the music, nor choreography, costumes or storyline. There seems to have been a complete break from the previous production team and they have had to move onto a different concept altogether.

The London cast is *mostly* new to the SL, but they are all extremely talented and fit the character dynamics to a T. No shade to any previous actresses, but there aren’t any particular powerhouse vocalists for the Inner Guardians that come to mind (villains are a different story). But this new cast is wildly talented, with Yui Yokoyama being one of the most talented Moons we’ve had, along with Marisa Yasukawa, who previously played Human Luna make this a stellar group.

Version 1.0’s idea was to bring a simplified portrayal of the Dark Kingdom arc to many different types of audiences around the world by making it high energy with flashy effects and minimal dialogue. This approach worked at the time, but it felt like a watered down musical experience as it was shorter than regular shows, the storytelling was choppy, the music was more like electronic BGM rather than actual singing pieces, except for two or three songs (give the soundtrack a listen for yourself to understand) and it wasn’t able to completely capture the essence of the series because of it’s lack of spoken lines.

Version 2.0 is by all intents and purposes a proper musical theater experience. While it is still a shortened and simplified depiction of the first arc, it still feels like a more complete experience because dialogue gives the characters more gravitas and presence, making them feel more real. The entire performance is in Japanese, but the large screen behind them shows subtitles for both spoken lines as well as the songs. The lyrics are animated with cute and bouncy effects or with stern and serious appearance to reflect the mood of the scene.

The wardrobe is an interesting topic for this one; the previous costumes were shiny and plasticky all over, but had a great shape to them that resembled the anime designs. They really caught the eye because they resembled modern superhero outfits. On the other hand, 2.0’s costumes are not new at all, they have been recycled from the “Beloved of Princess Kaguya“ and “Musical Festival Chronicle Concert“. Tweaks and updates have been made to the fuku to accurately represent the Guardians at this point of the story, but they still keep their gorgeous shape and flowy sparkly nature that reflecting Naoko-sensei’s manga style.

Nelke has been involved in the revival of the musicals since 2013, and gained a plethora of knowledge and experience from their previous productions, clearly they have pulled elements from their asset arsenal to make the Super Live an even better experience. Tunes and garments are of course wonderful, but they’ve also added visual effects, digital projections, stunts, and props to create a fun spectacle.

On top of this, no other musical (of Broadway caliber) really celebrates their fandom as the Japanese do, with a mini-concert at the end where we can use our colorful pen lights, characters getting their own solo performance, actresses running through the audience, and allowing fans to record, sing and feel part of the magic. VIP guests are rewarded with extra pieces of merch and the delightful experience of getting high fives from the cast. All this excitement is packed in a little under 2 hours, so if you plan to attend, be mentally and spiritually prepared for it!

– SPOILER WARNING –
Honestly, the show deserves for everyone to watch without any expectations, specially because there are some wonderful surprises in there, but if you really want to know everything, we will gladly share.

✦ Story ✦

The musical opens with a performance by the 5 Inners in full Guardian get up of the “Beloved of Princess Kaguya” signature theme “You’re my Universe”. Immediately afterwards we get a slideshow of animated Sailor Moon manga panels introducing each character synchronized to “Moonlight Densetsu”.

The very first surprise happens here! A group of masked thieves are running around the streets of Tokyo carrying duffel bags full of their stolen bounty. Suddenly a figure emerges in the background and it’s none other than Sailor V herself! We have never had Sailor V appear in any other musical before so right off the bat, we’re getting a wonderful throw back to the girl who started it all. She fights off the robbers and retrieves the stolen goods. Her figure is shadowed and Ikuko mama then appears on scene. Ikuko mama does not have spoken lines but she holds up a newspaper that has a report on Sailor V’s heroic actions while she mimics yelling at Usagi that she will be late for school.

Usagi runs down the stairs and sings her first cute and perky song about her morning woes. She sneaks into school only to be immediately caught by Haruna sensei and promptly sent to the stand in the hallway. This scene all flows as expected with Usagi feeling distressed about her low grades and being bad at English, math and science. She then reveals she has already been approached by Luna (Luna only appears on the screen behind animated as a regular cat) and has already undergone her transformation into Sailor Moon.

Usagi is handed a failed test which she throws away and it offstage hits Mamoru on the head. Mamoru then comes into view and their usual banter begins. They both pause because a weird energy flows between them, and subtle hints to the Moon Kingdom appear on screen.

The scene cuts to a crazed crowd at the Osa-P jewelry shop, with students and shoppers going wild over the discounts being offered. Ami and Rei walk into the chaos and start singing about the suspicious nature of what’s going on. They are not Sailor Guardians at this time, but were just walking by the area and felt like things aren’t right.

As they walk off stage the tone changes to a scary mood where the Osa-P employees turn into youma to attack the shoppers. Sailor Moon appears and says her iconic “Oshioki yo!” line and fights the bad guys as best she can. Of course Tuxedo Mask appears right on time and prompts her to fight back. She throws her Moon Tiara Boomerang and defeats the enemy. The screen changes to the Dark Kingdom and Queen Beryl comes on stage singing about their mission to find the Legendary Silver Crystal to conquer the world. She orders her minions to find it as she realizes there are Guardians protecting the planet.

Back in Tokyo, Usagi tells us 4 of the Guardians have come together and how they are living their school days. They break into song presenting each one of the girls, their skills and their Guardian name. They briefly mention how Tuxedo Mask may be their enemy because he’s also looking for the Silver Crystal, when all of a sudden they sense some danger approaching. They transform (off stage) and Tuxedo Mask realizes who Sailor Moon is.

Queen Beryl talks about the importance of gathering energy for Queen Metallia while her minions terrorize the city. All 4 Guardians arrive to the scene, and begin fighting. Sailor Moon finds herself in Tuxedo Mask’s arms and they have a quick exchange about possibly being enemies, but how they feel a connection between them when they look into each other’s eyes. She uses her silver colored Moon Stick to save the day, but immediately falls unconscious in exhaustion into Tuxie’s arms. He kisses her on the cheek and the both disappear off stage.

Ami, Rei and Makoto (out of Sailor fuku) sing a song about being different, protecting the world and loving Sailor Moon. The scene changes and Usagi finds herself in Mamoru’s apartment (with a view of the Tokyo Tower). She realizes Mamoru’s broken Moon phase watch is in her pocket when he walks into the room. They have a conversation about why his alter-ego is Tuxedo Mask, about the loss of his childhood memories and subsequent dreams he’s been having. Mamoru sings a melody wondering if they’re friends or enemies, but Usagi becomes nervous rushes out of the apartment. She accidentally takes Mamoru’s watch and puts it in her breast pocket.

The girls catch up with Usagi as the city is under attack once again, but they’re quickly saved by Sailor Venus, who presents herself as the leader of the Sailor Guardians, but is a regular girl just as they are. She then explains she has been battling the Dark Kingdom on her own but it’s time they all come together to protect their Princess.

Beryl appears and monologues yet again about stealing the Silver Crystal, but this time hints at her ulterior motives. Just then Tuxedo Mask jumps into action and fights against the youma. He finds himself in a rough spot when the Sailor Guardians arrive to the scene. More fighting and takes place, and Tuxedo Mask is overheard promising himself he will protect Sailor Moon this time, and places himself between Queen Beryl and Sailor Moon to block the attack.

As he lay unconscious, a montage of Princess Serenity, Prince Endymion and memories of the Silver Millennium start playing on the screen. Only vague white silhouettes are shown, so we don’t get to see their garments, but interestingly enough, Princess Serenity appears to be wearing a traditional Japanese kimono instead of her usual empress gown. The 4 Inner Guardians sing a melancholic tune about their past lives and the tragedy they have now remembered about. We see a flashback of Beryl in her back and white dress (also a first for musicals!) battling the guardians and then the Silver Crystal appears from Usagi’s chest.

Queen Beryl takes advantage of the distraction to take Mamoru with her and disappears. The girls vow to bring him back and save the world. Their new battle theme starts playing. “Justice, Intelligence, Passion, Courage and Love”. It’s a wonderful upbeat song that embodies the spirit of the Inner Guardians! It is only during this song that the Senshi yell out their signature attacks.

We are immediately immersed back into the Dark Kingdom with a jazzy, cabaret style number. Queen Beryl sings about their mission and how happy she is to have Endymion by her side now. Evil Mamoru appears and Usagi is immediately drawn to him. He sings a song trying to seduce her but the Inner Guardians come rushing to warn her to stay away from him as he is no longer the man she once knew.

They all begin attacking evil Tuxedo Mask, but he is way too strong for them. When everything seems lost, he has flashbacks to his previous encounters with Usagi which makes him question his loyalties. He is not completely convinced though and the fight continues. Sailor Venus calls upon her sword and stabs Queen Beryl. This unfortunately awakens Queen Metallia who appears in the screen above sensing the power of the Guardians and the Silver Crystal. Mamoru, who is still being controlled is ordered to kill Sailor Moon. He takes Sailor Venus’ sword and tries to strike her multiple times but she manages to escape. She blocks one last swing of the sword and as they remained locked in the struggle, Sailor Moon sings a sad melody about loving him yet having to repeat their tragic history. She takes the sword from his hands, strikes him, kisses him, stabs herself and falls next to him. The power of the Silver Crystal is released and Queen Metallia absorbs their limp bodies while the Guardians try desperately to bring them back.

Inside Metallia, Sailor Moon’s heart is beating and she realizes that even though she stabbed herself she survived because Mamoru’s Moon phase watch blocked the blade. She is heartbroken to see Endymion’s lifeless body next to her, and realizes she’s all alone.

She performs a powerful solo number about her determination to keep fighting. Sailor Moon summons the Silver Crystal to bring Mamoru back to life and as he reawakens, they both duet the same song. Metallia attacks them again but Sailor Moon remains strong as she begins to sing the an incredible acappella snippet of “You’re my Universe”. All 5 Guardians join in and then “The Starry Heavens” plays as they launch a Sailor Planet Attack towards Queen Metallia and Sailor Moon seals her away.

Everyone is reunited and they sing a beautiful hymn of happiness, triumph and returning home under the same starry skies.

✦ Fin ✦

As is customary of each Sailor Myu performance, there is a concert portion at the end of the musical where fans can bring out their pen lights to support their favorite guardians, showcase the talents of the cast and sing along to the most popular songs. Background dancers, Queen Beryl, Tuxedo Mask, and the Sailor Guardians all get a chance in the spotlight. Version 1.0 of the Super Live had a section right smack in the middle of the show dedicated to promote Japanese culture highlighting otaku/gamer/kawaii culture mixed with traditional matsuri and yukata elements. For 2.0, this entire block has been moved to the end portion of the performance (where it really belongs) and has been completely renewed. The whole show ends of course with “Moonlight Densetsu” and the 5 Guardians and Tuxedo Mask walking through the audience.

✦ Extra songs performed:

– Background dancers: Music only performance
– 5 Inner Guardians: La Soldier
– Tuxedo Mask: Baby I Want You (song name unconfirmed)
– 5 Inner Guardians: Twinkle Twinkle (song name unconfirmed)
– Background dancers: Traditional Japanese style performance
– 5 Inner Guardians: Kira Kira Tokyo (song name unconfirmed)
– Queen Beryl: Burn up the Dance Floor (song name unconfirmed)
– 5 Inner Guardians: The Starry Heavens
– Entire Cast: Moonlight Densetsu

✦ Final thoughts ✦

While version 1.0 of the Super Live undoubtedly had it’s own kind of magic, I believe that it was approached with too much uncertainty about how international audiences would react to it, thus tying their own hands to make something they thought would be easier to digest. The flashy props and high energy performances were fun, but the heavy burden they put upon on themselves weighed on the entire show.

Version 2.0 however was optimistic about their audience and confidently approached it as what it is: A SAILOR MOON MUSICAL. It’s exactly what we needed. The full experience. Letting the show unapologetically exist first and worry about language barrier later allowed for the creative team to use their ingenuity, imagination and experience to keep the story streamlined yet engaging. The music is delightfully spunky and the choreo fun to watch. Overall a highly recommended musical!

✦ My personal standouts:

✦ Yui Yokoyama

Yui is new to the Sailor Moon musicals, but has a strong singing and performance background as she was part of Team 8 from the AKB48 group. I believe (IMO) she’s one of the best Usagis we’ve had in terms of looks, physicality, mannerisms, etc. but what impressed me the most was the incredibly high pitch she could hold during her more intense solo songs.

✦ Marisa Yasukawa

This is Marisa’s third time being part of a SM musical ensemble. She was in the both the “Beloved of Princess of Kaguya” and “Chronicle Music Festival” as Human Luna. Marisa has such a gorgeous, clear, distinct voice, that she always stood out as the strongest in any team up piece.

✦ Yuu Nakanishi

Silliness and bad-assery are top tier qualities in my book, but capturing both isn’t easy which is why I tend to favor Venus’ actresses. Yuu appeared in The Super Live v 1.0 and Shining Moon Tokyo and has perfected all of Minako’s quirks which make her one of my favorite performers of this show.

✦ Mayu Tsuyuzume

Mayu is incredibly young yet she gives off the aura of a seasoned stage performer because of how grandiose her presence is and how rich her voice is (even though she herself is tiny, ironically).