Based on the game A3!, the player (director) must navigate through the simple plot about saving a theatre company (that's the Mankai Company) from the demolition of its "good ol' days", which specializes in 4 troupes that's named after the 4 seasons. Sounds simple enough? The anime also has that plot, but for the sake of time, the 1st cour here samples the Spring and Summer Troupes, with every troupe being unique and of itself that's based on the past experiences of the niche in talents.
Each and every troupe's group has a specialized theme, of which its 5 grandiose bishounen members must venture though high hell and back to cooperate with one another, and going through their hard-felt journeys of cohesive learning makes for one of the show's finest moments. The times where everyone couldn't see eye-to-eye, or have disagreements pertaining to personality or plain characteristics, all these are the hallmark of good and successful group camaraderie, and by the end of it, the groups are able to pull off their success "stories", which are the icing on the cake, and able to save Mankai Theatre from one step closer to shutting down for good. Different characterizations for all, and while generic, is still good.
Needless to say, the production for this series is quite horrid, but overall poor. A Studio 3Hz and P.A. Works collaboration (with 2 directors), the show really doesn't look any gorgeous, but it resembles ugly paintwork jobs all around, even for the character designs, which look at all decent to the honest eye. Originally set to finish in the Winter 2020 season, the production problems suspended the show for a postponed season (that is Spring), so that's that. Despite that, it's bearable to watch though.
Music? Of course. When it comes to "idol" shows (I'm not saying this is one), music helps a lot in gaining traction, and the songs here are fine though. From the OP to the season troupe's EDs, they sound fine really, nothing that will blow you away (that is if you've played the game and enjoyed for what it is).
Overall, a fine taste of what the series will be like for a start, since there's still the 2nd cour (comprising of the Autumn and Winter troupes) coming up this Fall (postponed from Summer 2020). But as for now: "The world is your oyster." To build the stage together and act their hearts out.
