Death Note the Musical FULL SHOW REACTION (part 2 of 4?) *read description π
OK, I need your help, we're up to the point right now where we are in the anime, and I stopped there and didn't spoil any of the future stuff. Should we keep going with the musical next week or should we put a pin in it until we get further into the anime?
In other words, do you want me to discover the story for the first time in the musical or in the anime? Let me know in the comments!
If we are changing trajectory on which musical we are going to do then I need recommendations in the comments!
Comments (9)
Apologies if this has already been discussed elsewhere, but are you planning on returning to the musical any time soon? It could also be interesting to check out the English versions of the songs you've already heard so far (from the concept album)
There are movies, drama series too. And all of them have different aspects and verious endings. So I think it would not really matter which to watch first. But it will be easier to understand what happens in musical if you watch anime about 2/3 first.
Also adding that Japanese stage musicals based on anime are quite common. There's entire years long series of sailor moon musicals, Prince of tennis. I'm particularly fond of the bleach musicals. And so many more that I personally haven't seen. That's a whole nother rabbit hole you could go down As for another musical I might put in for the west ends production of "Next to Normal" with Caissie Levy and Jack wolfe. Tho as a heads up it covers a lot of heavy topics
While I'm definitely here for the musical, I think you'll enjoy the anime more not spoiling yourself. Im really just waiting for the reactions to the English version concept album with Jeremy Jordan and Jarod Spector. That album lives rent free in my brain and all the vocals on it are so incredible. And since it never got officially produced there aren't so many reactions to it, especially such thoughtful ones. But death note is such a unique and interesting experience I wouldn't want you to feel like you lessened your experience by watching the musical first when it really is just a condensed version of the anime/manga
The actor playing the father is Takeshi Kaga, take a look at his wikipedia page if you have the time! He starred in early Japanese productions of JCS, West Side Story, Les Mis, and Jekyll & Hyde, and he was the host of the original Japanese run of Iron Chef. Sounds like an interesting career to me! Apparently he also played this same role (Light's father) in the Japanese live action Death Note films from 2006, so his performance here is kind of an interesting continuation of that character's legacy
You've definitely nailed the pronunciation of 'shinigami,' congrats! Regarding L's posture - as you'll no doubt see in the anime shortly, that's how he's portrayed in the anime and manga - something that was done to highlight that L is neurodivergent. As for pausing, I think you should go with your gut on this one. Just one point to add - the anime basically has 3 main story arcs, each of about 12 episodes. From what I can tell, the musical only covers the first two, so through episode 24 or so.
I think watching the anime first is the way to go. I would like to recommend 'The guy who didn't like musicals'. It is a horror comedy musical with great jokes and some good songs. It is free to watch on Starkids YouTube channel. It will be useful to make a separate post aswell for more options
I second the Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals recommendation, that whole Starkid Hatchetfield trilogy would be an amazing watch. There would be a lot to talk about vocally, and the shows are really dark and fun, with some great songwriting
I personally think you should watch the story unfold in the anime since there is more time for the story to develop.