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They're fighting evil, and putting on a show, by moonlight. Many Americans know Sailor Moon from the '90s anime and manga, which depicts teenage girls fighting space villains using cosmic-level powers while wearing bejeweled outfits. But in Japan, the show is a cultural phenomenon鈥攊t is one of the best-selling mangas of all time, been translated into 17 languages, and has inspired numerous stage shows (even a theme park ride). Now, one of those stage shows is touring in America for the very first time, and it's a musical.

"Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon isn鈥檛 about extraordinary girls鈥攊t鈥檚 about ordinary girls living ordinary lives who grow stronger through love and friendship," says Kaori Miura, who is the book writer for Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live, which is currently touring the U.S. this month after a London engagement. Its final tour stop is the Palladium Times Square in New York April 24鈥�26. The show features music by Go Sakabe and KYOHEI, and choreography by Satomi Toma.

This new Sailor Moon stage show is for fans and newcomers alike. The musical is a condensed version of the first arc of the story, which sees a schoolgirl named Usagi Tsukino, who discovers magical tokens that allow her (and her friends) to transform into powerful guardians, who can defend the Earth against the forces of evil. There's also a tuxedo-clad love interest and a villainess with fabulous hair.

"To be honest, it was quite a challenge," says Miura when asked how he condensed the story into a 90-minute run-time, which is performed entirely in Japanese. "There are actually many more fascinating characters in the story, but I made a conscious effort to significantly reduce the number of characters and focus the narrative." Miura says he also kept the dialogue minimal to focus on the musical numbers and the fight scenes鈥攖he show even ends with a "megamix" medley of songs, where the audience can sing along.

When asked if there are future plans for the show, Miura responds: "Of course we鈥檇 love to bring it to Broadway!" While he didn't share any next stops, Miura has been inspired by the fans who have already seen it: "Everyone experiences hardships and moments of sadness in their daily lives. But if, under the same sky, we can fight like Sailor Moon and join hands with people around the world, there鈥檚 nothing more wonderful than that." 

Below, meet the cast members in Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live (in the style of '90s Sailor Moon trading cards), all of whom have had prior experience in other Sailor Moon shows.

Riko Tanaka (Sailor Moon / Usagi Tsukino)

First Sailor Moon experience.
Riko Tanaka: It all started when I was around four or five years old and discovered it at a rental video store. From then on, going to rent the next video each week became something I looked forward to.

Is the Guardian you're playing the one you most relate to? 
Actually, I鈥檝e loved Sailor Jupiter since childhood. Rather than just relating to Makoto, I鈥檝e always strongly admired her for having both a gentle heart and incredible strength. I might have a similar trait in that I also feel the urge to do things for others.

What have you've discovered about yourself doing the show?
In this production, there are a lot of scenes in the main story where I fall or hit the ground. The fact that no matter how many times I land on my knees, there's absolutely nothing wrong with my bones is pretty surprising! (Haha) It really made me realize how physically strong I actually am.

Kanon Maekawa (Sailor Mercury / Ami Mizuno)

Past Sailor Moon experience.
Kanon Maekawa: I had the opportunity to perform as Sailor Mercury in the musicals Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Lover of Princess Kaguya and Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon 30th Anniversary Musical Festival -Chronicle-.

Is the Guardian you're playing the one you most relate to?
Compared to Ami-chan鈥檚 reserved personality, I have a cheerful personality. However, I truly respect her dedication and sincerity in pursuing what she loves, and I strive to be that way myself.

What have you've discovered about yourself doing the show?
I may just be an ordinary girl who can鈥檛 control water or save people like in the story鈥攂ut through the Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live, I have the chance to move the hearts of those who come to see us. In my own way, I hope that I, too, can be a Sailor Guardian鈥攕omeone who鈥檚 able to help or uplift someone, even just a little.

Rei Kobayashi (Sailor Mars / Rei Hino)

First Sailor Moon experience.
Rei Kobayashi: I remember being around five years old, watching the Sailor Guardians on TV. At the time, I told my mother that I wanted to be the red girl鈥擲ailor Mars. I feel that I share a similarity with Sailor Mars in the way she calmly thinks things through.

Past Sailor Moon experience: 
Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Lover of Princess Kaguya, Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon 30th Anniversary Musical Festival -Chronicle-. And now, with my involvement in Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live, this marks my third time performing in a Sailor Moon production!

Why do you think Sailor Moon is so beloved worldwide?
Ordinary girls in everyday life who transform into Sailor Guardians, fighting and growing stronger along the way鈥攖hat journey naturally makes you want to cheer them on, admire them, and be inspired by their strength. I think that鈥檚 what draws people in鈥攖he coolness of these brave girls. And I鈥檓 definitely one of those people, too!

Kisara Matsumura (Sailor Jupiter / Makoto Kino)

First Sailor Moon experience.
Kisara Matsumura: I was around three years old. I fell in love with it thanks to my mother, who is a huge fan. I believe it鈥檚 a work that is loved by people of all generations and will continue to be passed down forever. 

Is the Guardian you're playing the one you most relate to?
When it comes to loving cute things and cherishing my friends鈥攚e鈥檙e definitely the same in that way! As for her domestic skills鈥� that鈥檚 something I鈥檇 love to learn from her. (Haha)

What have you've discovered about yourself doing the show?
Before becoming involved with the Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon musical, I had no experience with action scenes. But as I started studying how to do cool kicks and punches like Mako-chan, I found myself growing more and more interested in action. I began attending workshops and watching films that feature a lot of action to learn more. Through this production, I discovered a new side of myself鈥攁nd I鈥檓 excited to keep learning and growing in this area!

Marin Makino (Sailor Venus / Minako Aino)

First Sailor Moon experience.
Marin Makino: My older sister had Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon merchandise, and I often received her hand-me-downs. I also remember watching the anime reruns, so Sailor Moon has always been a close presence in my life since childhood!

Is the Guardian you're playing the one you most relate to?
People often tell me that I share Minako-chan鈥檚 energetic and cheerful personality, and I feel the same! She鈥檚 the character I relate to the most.

What have you've discovered about yourself doing the show?
Both in creating this production and within the story itself, the happiness and joy of having precious cast mates to work hard alongside truly gives me strength. Having those companions by my side makes me feel like I can multiply my own power many times over鈥攁nd I鈥檝e come to realize that鈥檚 one of my greatest strengths.

Sayaka Okamura (Queen Beryl)

Is the character you're playing the one you relate to?
Queen Beryl is the character I relate to the most. While I can鈥檛 justify her actions, I deeply understand her feelings.

What have you've discovered about yourself doing the show?
I have a lot of insecurities, and there are many times in my daily life when I feel overwhelmed by negativity or a sense of helplessness. But through this experience, I鈥檝e come to realize once again that because I feel those things so deeply, I can channel them into my role鈥攁nd even turn them into a source of strength.

Why do you think Sailor Moon is so beloved worldwide?
These girls aren鈥檛 perfect鈥攂ut they face their struggles with their hearts and stay true to love. That unwavering spirit transcends age and nationality, offering deep courage and hope to anyone who watches. Another powerful charm of the series is how much love and care the author, Naoko Takeuchi, shows even toward the villains. That depth makes the story all the more meaningful.

Riona Tatemichi (Tuxedo Mask / Mamoru Chiba)

Past Sailor Moon experience.
Riona Tatemichi: I first appeared in the Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon musical series in 2014 as Rubeus. After that, I played the roles of Hawk鈥檚 Eye and Sailor Star Maker / Ko Taiki. Since 2018, I have been performing as Tuxedo Mask / Mamoru Chiba in Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live.

Most challenging moment in the show.
The performance of Tuxedo Mask vs. the Youma is a key moment for me. Since it relies entirely on physical expression, I constantly think about how to convey the story in the biggest, most impactful way鈥攚ithout using any words.

Why do you think Sailor Moon is so beloved worldwide?
It has the one-of-a-kind, captivating world. Watching the girls grow stronger and come into their own makes you want to cheer them on鈥攁nd before you know it, you鈥檙e gaining strength from them, too. I absolutely love Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon!!!

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Photos: Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live North American Tour

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