sailor-sqoozh:

Zack and I are going to start watching the musicals soon, but we’re a little confused about how they should be watched. 

We’re running under the assumption that we only need to watch the most recent versions of any story to get everything down since we’re trying to get through the musicals and the live action show before the start of the new anime in July, but I’m wondering if there are any exceptions to this.

Can anyone answer these questions for us?

• Are there any musicals with revisions in which both the original and the revision should absolutely be watched to get the most of the experience?
• Are there any musicals with revisions in which the original is decidedly better?
• Is the Third Stage remake of Kaguya Island decidedly different from the Second Stage originals? Is one version preferred over the other?
• Are there any musicals that Sea of Serenity hasn’t finished translating yet that are easily accessible and recommended that we watch sooner rather than later?

And of course, we know La Reconquista is different. 🙂

Thanks for any help and advice!

I agree with most of what Live-and-in-living-color said in their reblog, but I wanted to offer an alternate viewpoint on a few things.
For Sailor Stars, I recommend the original. I think it flows a lot better, and makes more sense. (The revision is still worth a watch if later you decide to go back and watch them all, though.)
For Eien Densetsu, I recommend watching the original and then the final performance of the revision (which I believe can only be found streaming on Sera Myu Antics). The original has some plot elements that got cut from the revision, but the revision, especially the final show, has more emotional power (not only from the fact that it’s the last show, but also from some of the changes written in) (plus there are some fun improv scenes).
I’m going to recommend the original Black Lady Musical, even though I think most fans prefer the revision. I think the music is a lot better, and the actress for Black Lady is beyond perfect (right down to the fact that she played Chibiusa in the first stage).
And then for Shin Kaguya Shima Densetsu. I have to say I really like both. Neither is as good as the second stage revision, but they never could be and they’re still a lot of fun (and they honestly do a scene or two with the Inner Senshi better). I’m not sure which I’d recommend, but the original is much clearer on a few points.

Whatever ones you choose to watch, though, I hope you enjoy them!