TAKARAZUKA, Hyogo Pref. (Kyodo) Takarazuka Revue Company's all-woman troupe recently staged a revival of "The Rose of Versailles," a musical set in the French Revolution that was a smash when it first came to the stage in 1974.

The musical is based on a narrative comic by Riyoko Ikeda, 58. Since its initial stage run, it has become a hit, drawing about 4 million viewers.

Tickets for the revival, which started in late February -- its first run in five years -- quickly sold out.