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Or, well, Chappell Roan looks like Phoenix Wright, I guess

Back in 2009, Capcom and the Takarazuka Revue made history by collaborating on the theatre troupe’s first video game adaptation – Gyakuten Saiban: The Truth Reborn. The musical brought Phoenix Wright to the stage for the first time, under the direction of Suzuki Kei.

In case you didn’t know, the Takarazuka Revue is a collection of all-women theatre troupes from Japan that dates back to the early 1900s. The collective has produced hundreds of works throughout its legacy, including adaptations of… Pretty much everything from Anna Karenina, to The Importance of Being Earnest, to RRR, Aida, and of course, Ace Attorney. 

In fact, they’re responsible for four different Ace Attorney musicals, including one that naturally focuses on Miles Edgeworth. But, The Truth Reborn is particularly eye-catching for how Ranju Tomu’s Phoenix looks. Of course, the brilliantly blue suit, white shirt, and red tie combo is there, along with a short hairstyle typical of Phoenix’s usual get-up. But, there’s just… Something about the promotional picture makes me think that Phoenix might just be your ex’s worst nightmare.

Now obviously, one look won’t be influenced by the other. It’s just a fun coincidence. And it’s a look! Don’t fix something that isn’t broken. But the parallel is pretty fun. 

As well as the trilogy of Ace Attorney musicals, which do not directly reflect the original trilogy of games, plot-wise, Suzuki Kei has accrued a massive list of credits at the Revue. In 2025, Kei will be behind a Castlevania adaptation for the stage, so clearly the leap from games to musicals is working out pretty nicely.

Unfortunately, despite recordings of the Ace Attorney musicals existing, DVD and CD copies are tough to come by. It also doesn’t really seem like they’re being distributed widely, at least to an international market. Recordings of stage plays are few and far between, so we’re pretty lucky they were filmed at all. Even if it might be tough to find a legit copy these days.

Toni Oisin H.C. is the Head of Audio at QSO Media. Read more of his writing here.

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