Frozen or Spongebob

[DramaTeach]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 7:10pm

Every year I take my students to a show, and it's an easy decision.  This year's options aren't as exciting, and our best bets are Frozen ($79 in the balcony) or Spongebob ($65 in the orchestra).  I know Frozen is the hotter ticket, but that balcony is high for $79, and I worry that it's a bit too girly. Spongebob's seats are better, but I don't know if the show itself is worth it.  I know these have both been open already out of town, so any input is appreciated.

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 7:11pm

For 65 I'd say spongebob is worth it

[Jarethan]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 7:31pm

They are both unknown quantities re final product on Broadway, although Spongebob did get mediocre reviews in Chicago.  Are your students male, female, a mix?  If female, I'd go for Frozen, no contest. Yeah, it is the second balcony, but I have seen many shows from the balcony and have discovered a truth: if there show is great, I will love it in the second balcony; if it stinks, I will hate it.  Same thing applies to orchestra.  

Slightly to contradict myself,  I am betting that Frozen will be a monster hit and run for years.  Good source material, Disney is spending a fortune, the cast has a lot of talented people.  Just not sure re Spongebob, based on Chicago, and tickets are not selling like hotcakes.  I'd go with Frozen.  Even if it is not great, it will be an event.

(Not to be too altruistic, I still enjoy a great show more from great seats, doesn't matter much with a crummy show...in fact, I am generally less annoyed if a show is bad when I didn't pay much...I only wasted my time).

Updated On: 8/30/17 at 07:31 PM

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 8:18pm

Where are you finding $65 orchestra seats for Spongebob?!

[dramamama611]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 8:35pm

And here I am praying my students won't pick either one.  (although I doubt we'll be able to get group discount tix for Frozen.)

[DramaTeach]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 9:28pm

^ Truth be told, I'm not super excited about either, but they're 12-14, so those seem like the best options.  Band's Visit will go over their heads and I worry about Once on This Island still being open by the time we actually go (I hope it proves me wrong).  

Spongebob's sets seem interesting, and I've heard great things about Gavin Lee (I'm a fan).  The casting in Frozen is not my favorite, but with all the work they're doing to the theatre, I'm sure it'll be an experience.

Broadway Concierge, $65 ticket for Spongebob are only available for students. The school has to send a letter to verify.

[Jarethan]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 9:32pm

DramaTeach said: "^ Truth be told, I'm not super excited about either, but they're 12-14, so those seem like the best options. Band's Visit will go over their heads and I worry about Once on This Island still being open by the time we actually go (I hope it proves me wrong).

Spongebob's sets seem interesting, and I've heard great things about Gavin Lee (I'm a fan). The casting in Frozen is not my favorite, but with all the work they're doing to the theatre, I'm sure it'll be an experience.

Broadway Concierge, $65 ticket for Spongebob are only available for students. The school has to send a letter to verify."

Do you think that the 12 -14 year olds are going to care about Gavin Lee?  They will go into Frozen already familiar with some of the score, and will be able to discuss how the show is different from the movie, what they liked more and why, etc.  Seems like a no-brainer to me.

 

[DramaTeach]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 9:47pm

Wasn't sure if the story of sisters would alienate my boys (they already get a bit of a hard time for performing at that age), but I guess not.  

[KJisgroovy]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 9:55pm

Spongebob is not an unknown entity to 12-14 year olds and affords the same kind of discussion. To my surprise, I adored Spongebob in Chicago and I appreciated the amount of theatrical imagination that went into the staging. I think I'd like Frozen too, but it appears to be the movie on stage. If these are theater students, there's more to discuss in regards to Spongebob. 

While not ecstaticic,the reviews in Chicago were better than mediocre... especially for a work in progress. 

http://www.theatreinchicago.com/the-spongebob-musical/reviews/7952/ 

I mean. They'll be excited about Frozen too. It's definitely a solid, safe choice. 

[Notreallysilent 2]

Posted: 8/30/17 at 10:58pm

Hmm this is a though choice. I think frozen would appeal more to everyone tbh thoufh. I loved spongebob, and it pleasantly surprised me, but most people going in I imagine thought it wasn't going to be so good. I imagine that'll be the thoughts of your kids as I'm guessing they don't have a choice to pick between spingebob or frozen. Maybe try doing a survey on the first day to see which option the kids like better. I'm not sure if you have to do it right now, but I think asking the kids first would be better. I'd keep in mind though that frozen is selling pretty well, so definitely book those as soon as you decide if you choose frozen. Does it have to be a show from this season? You could bring them to another show maybe that you didn't see last year or the year before that.

Updated On: 8/30/17 at 10:58 PM

[finebydesign]

Posted: 8/31/17 at 9:53am

I'd say Spongebob for three reasons.  1.)  The Palace theatre is terrific landmark and really educational.  I'm not sure if they do tours but there is a neat Judy Garland entrance in the back of the theatre.  2.) Spongebob is more of an interesting amalgam of many creators so it should be fascinating seeing how if it works.  3.)  The eclectic inventiveness of the costumes and sets should be really inspiring to schools who have limited resources.   

The reviews suggest they need to tonally update Chicago production, hopefully that can be accomplished.  Frozen looks expected and literal.  Unless Spongebob opens to stellar reviews it will probably serve as overflow for Frozen unfortunately.  If you have the luxury of time, I would wait until the Denver reviews come our for Frozen.  My gut tells me Frozen might make you more popular but there is soooo much more to talk about what the heck is going on with Spongebob.  

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 8/31/17 at 11:05am

SpongeBob is a much, much better pick for theater students. 

 

It's a very theatrical and inventive production. 

 

Frozen isn't. 

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 8/31/17 at 12:48pm

SpongeBob is a much, much better pick for theater students. 
It's a very theatrical and inventive production. 
Frozen isn't.
 

You saw both?  I'm curious to know how Frozen is less theatrical and inventive and what you feel was superior in Spongebob in comparison to Frozen.  Was it specific visuals and staging?  Effects?  Design?  What made Spongebob more theatrically and inventively effective to you?

I saw Spongebob and was underwhelmed.  The book was a huge mess that requires a ton of editing and focus.  One or two fun bits of staging but other than a couple of interesting set pieces and one clever costume, I didn't find it all that inventive.  A handful of fun tunes in the score. The cast was great and did they best they could with what they were given.  12-14 year-olds familiar with the show might love it, though.  

[wonderfulguy]

Posted: 8/31/17 at 6:36pm

I am amazed and shocked that no one is mentioning Cursed Child!

I felt I am missing something !  

But no mention to why its not being mentioned. My ocd is spiking u

Updated On: 8/31/17 at 06:36 PM

[haterobics]

Posted: 8/31/17 at 6:43pm

wonderfulguy said: "I am amazed and shocked that no one is mentioning Cursed Child!

I felt I am missing something !

But no mention to why its not being mentioned. My ocd is spiking u"

If someone asks, "should I pick A or B?" why would C be the right answer?!

[DramaTeach]

Posted: 8/31/17 at 7:25pm

I ruled Cursed Child out because it's two parts, and I can't take them for that long (or for two days).  Seems like people on this board are actually leaning more toward Spongebob.  I know it shouldn't be a big deal, but I want them to have the best experience possible.

[Jarethan]

Posted: 8/31/17 at 7:36pm

Scarywarhol said: "SpongeBob is a much, much better pick for theater students.



It's a very theatrical and inventive production.



Frozen isn't."

And you know that because?????????

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 8/31/17 at 8:12pm

Because I've seen both.

[Robbie2]

Posted: 8/31/17 at 10:21pm

boys and girls would prefer SpongeBOB that age

[Cesare2]

Posted: 9/1/17 at 12:36pm

Is MY FAIR LADY an option?  That's the first live musical Peter Filichia saw at around the age of your students.

http://www.theatermania.com/new-york-city-theater/news/04-2002/remembering-my-mother_2083.html

[DramaTeach]

Posted: 9/1/17 at 11:04pm

^ I guess all shows are technically options, but I haven't been thrilled by the rumors of Ambrose as Eliza.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 9/2/17 at 3:13pm

Because I've seen both.

Oh, good!  I'm curious to know how Frozen is less theatrical and inventive and what you feel was superior in Spongebob in comparison to Frozen.  Was it specific visuals and staging?  Effects?  Design?  What made Spongebob more theatrically and inventively effective to you?