Revue Starlight

Starlight centers on a legendary stage show that has inspired generations. As children Karen and Hikari promise each other they will one day perform on that shining stage together. Years later Karen is a fiercely devoted student who trains constantly to keep that promise alive, while Hikari has moved away and gone to a different school. Fate pulls old friends back into each other, and Karen, Hikari and several other aspiring Stage Girls enter an enigmatic audition process where surreal, theatrical competitions decide who will be welcomed into the revue. The series leans into spectacle, rivalry and the emotions that drive young performers, without revealing the secrets behind the auditions.

Created by Tatsuto Higuchi, the anime debuted in 2018 as part of a broader multimedia effort. It was presented as an original television series rather than a direct adaptation, and it quickly led to live stage adaptations and music releases tied to the cast.

While it did not win mainstream international awards, the show earned a strong following among anime and theater fans. Cast performances and the stage productions based on the series have been frequently highlighted by niche outlets and event programmers, contributing to the franchise's visibility.

Revue Starlight left a notable mark by bridging anime and live musical theater. Its staging choices inspired fans to attend both screenings and theatrical performances, and the franchise expanded into concerts and stage plays that use the same songs and choreography. The show's imagery and the idea of ritualized duels have been echoed in fan art and cosplay, making it a recurring presence at anime and theater conventions.

Critical response leaned positive, reflected in a user vote average near 7.9 out of 10 from community polls. Reviewers and viewers often praised the show for its striking visual design, theatrical set pieces and musical numbers, while some pointed out that the tone can shift sharply between melodrama and surreal action. Major themes include ambition, friendship strained by competition, and the costs of performing, all presented through the lens of theatrical metaphor and stylized combat.