Musical Help for High School Journalism Class

[RW3]

Posted: 7/24/13 at 7:39pm

Hi All,
My journalism class in November will be going to the Columbia Scholastic Press Conference. During our time in NYC, we will have the opportunity to see 1 Bway show. However, the only day that is available is Monday. Listed below are the shows that we can see and the details about my class and based off that, what show we see.
Class Details:
Medium-sized
Mix of boys and girls
Ages 15-17
Shows We Can See:
Rock of Ages
Newsies(Saw last year)
Let it Be
Mamma Mia
Chicago
The Phantom of the Opera

Thanks!

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 7/24/13 at 8:03pm

Considering the guys in your group, Phantom of the Opera and Rock of Ages will probably appeal to them the most. Rock of Ages moreso than Phantom of the Opera.

[sephyr]

Posted: 7/24/13 at 8:06pm

Would Mamma Mia be the most age appropriate one (besides Newsies)? I'd chose that one for your group or Phantom for your group.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 7/24/13 at 8:09pm

If chicago is in a good period, the guys will like it. Scantily clad sexy women, intrique. (And for any guys that might be gay, it's campy and delicious.)

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 7/24/13 at 8:19pm

Chicago. It's sleek, sexy, kinky, and campy. A local critic described the touring production as "a rock hard sparking diamond". That's what it is too.

[ggersten]

Posted: 7/24/13 at 8:22pm

and Chicago does have a theme about journalism...so it has that educational quality to it...if anyone questions your choice.

Looks like Peter and the Starcatcher is playing on Mondays in November. It's now "off-broadway" but was on"broadway".

Where are you coming from? Do national equity tours go through your town? Is there a show that your group would not otherwise likely be able to see?

[RW3]

Posted: 7/24/13 at 8:35pm

ggersten, we are coming from outside of Washington dc. Yes,tours do come to DC, but the Kennedy center's broadway season is full of closed shows, except Peter and the Starcatcher, Bway-bound Flashdance, the revival of Side Show, and The Lion King. The National Theatre broadway season is also full of closed shows, except the world premiere of If/then.

[jnb9872]

Posted: 7/24/13 at 8:55pm

MAMMA MIA would certainly be more age appropriate than CHICAGO or ROCK OF AGES, but then so would LET IT BE and PHANTOM, which are also better shows in my opinion, but it depends on what you're looking for.

I'd also chime in to add that if there's anything off-Broadway that strikes their fancy more (BLUE MAN GROUP or STOMP sometimes fit that bill) there's no shame in seeing something smaller (and cheaper). I just shudder to think of field trips where kids are seeing the minimally-acceptable compromise choice just for the sake of seeing a show. But that's me.

[Queen of the Night]

Posted: 7/24/13 at 9:12pm

I agree that Chicago is a good choice if you want to explore with your students the theme of the power of the media and its creation of celebrities as well as influence on public opinion including the justice system. Mamma Mia and Rock of Ages are great choices if you just want something fun for that age group.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 7/24/13 at 9:36pm

Mamma Mia is about a very promiscuous woman and her bastard child. Go to church and pray you heathens.

[orangeskittles]

Posted: 7/24/13 at 9:38pm

Mamma Mia will be at the National Theatre next March. Phantom will probably be a snooze for all the boys especially.

I would say Rock of Ages but are you sure the parents would approve?

And I hope you're not the journalism teacher if you think "full of closed shows" means "3 out of 7" re: the Kennedy Center's season.

Updated On: 7/24/13 at 09:38 PM

[RW3]

Posted: 7/24/13 at 9:50pm

orangeskittles, I agree with you. I have no clue why I thought Flashdance was an old musical when it is coming to Bway this season (groan)

[justincharacter]

Posted: 7/24/13 at 10:02pm

Rock of Ages. You guys are high schoolers, it'll be OK.

[DEClarke]

Posted: 7/24/13 at 11:10pm

I usually wouldn't champion CHICAGO, but considering the age group I'd say that's the best bet.

However, I'm really fond of checking the Off-Broadway circuit too. My best experiences in NYC theaters have been Off-Broadway.

Lastly, not to be disparaging, but I'd avoid FLASHDANCE at all costs. I strongly disliked that show.

[madbrian]

Posted: 7/25/13 at 7:51am

Chicago