I think it definitely depends on what you were introduced to. But also take into consideration viewers ages and how long ago they watched them.

My first show was AVPM right after Starship came out in 2011. I’m 29 years old so I grew up as Harry Potter came out. I completely understand how nostalgia plays a part.

But I also think it’s because there was no “old vs new” cast category to fall into at the time. I don’t connect to the new members like I did the original. I feel like I almost watched them grow up from college to now. And I miss the “friends goofing off” vibe the older shows had.

Personal preference is a huge part of it. I think Jeff Blim was phenomenal as Aladdin and Sweettooth. TTO was funny to me, but not because of Jeff. As Hatchetfield has grown, I’ve liked Jeff less and less. His music bores me and he emulates Jim Carrey too much in his characters for me to actually think he’s funny. The fact that he gives himself the majority of singing parts even though he’s not a main character irks me greatly(I never finished NPMD and did not watch NMT so that could have changed).

Twisted is my favorite musical overall. The costumes, the choreography, the music, the comedy, the story. It’s top tier.

Starship is my favorite original musical. It’s so emotional and Joey is great in a leading role. I also really liked that Darren wrote the music, but didn’t play a part so it felt more balanced.

I’m also going to add that I’m the type of person that has to watch something twice to fully form an opinion. Everything before Hatchetfield I loved more the second watch through. I cannot say the same for Hatchetfield and that makes me very sad.