Sister Act or How to Succeed for 16 year old?

[Cathy L]

Posted: 6/24/11 at 10:44am

I am planning a 16th birthday trip to New York for my daughter’s birthday in August, with the goal of seeing as many shows as we can. I am really struggling with the choice of a final show to see, and the choice has really come down to How to Succeed in Business or Sister Act. Which would you experts recommend?

As background info, this trip was originally planned with the modest goals of seeing her two favorite things in life – Phantom of the Opera and Green Day (American Idiot). Kind of opposite ends of the spectrum, but that sums up her personality. Lucky for us, American Idiot will be touring our town in January. My daughter has some special needs, was born with mild CP and can have some Asperger’s-like tendencies. She is incredibly bright and an excellent writer, I think she will choose to study theatre/creative writing in college. That is, if we can convince her to go to college, she has trouble wrapping her mind around the idea of “growing up” and actually making her way in the world on her own. I’m hoping to give her a view of how complex shows can be, and that there are many ways you can be involved other than being an actor/singer. She really relates to Phantom because of the rejection and physical differences theme (she is adopted). She likes themes that go against society norms, is big on individuality, but really wants a happy ending. She was unhappy with the way Love Never Dies Ended, so she is currently writing her own sequel.

So far we have tickets (full price to be close to the stage) for Phantom, Wicked, Book of Mormon, and Hair. I choose Hair because it is one of the few shows playing on Monday, her actual birthday, and because of the invitation to dance on stage at the end. I am hoping to get discounted tickets to Billy Elliot on Sunday evening – just waiting for a discount to appear for my date. We still have room for a show on Friday, and this is where I need your help. She was a big Harry Potter fan, so I know seeing Danielle would be fun, but I would not base my decision on that alone. Would it be good to expose her to a more “traditional” show, or would the “sexist” tone I have read about irritate her? Is Sister Act overly religious? We already have plans to see Avenue Q and Anything Goes in local theatre productions in the upcoming months, so that is why they are not on my list. My sister, who is coming along, does not want to see Rent. I hope to get somewhat of a discounted ticket, but I think we will arrive too late to rush as we won’t arrive downtown until about 9 a.m. if the plane is not delayed. We are staying at the Westin – how long a walk is it from the Sister Act Theatre? Is there another show I should consider? Thanks for having the patience to make it to the end of this, and for any insights you might provide.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 6/24/11 at 10:52am

I would go with How to Succeed simply because it is inherently a better show that earned a Pulitzer. The sexist sensibility is deliberate and very much a product of the time which could spark some interesting discussion.

I saw Sister Act in London and was quite disappointed. The songs for the nuns are the only interesting scenes and I'm afraid once the show closes and the tour wraps up, it will be quickly forgotten.

I’m hoping to give her a view of how complex shows can be, and that there are many ways you can be involved other than being an actor/singer.

For that reason alone, I think you should consider War Horse instead of How to Succeed or Sister Act. The puppetry, lighting and staging are excellent examples of the artistry of stagecraft.

[uncageg]

Posted: 6/24/11 at 10:52am

Regarding RENT, the box office usually opens at 1:00pm so you might have time to rush it if you decide to see it.

Sister Act is not overly religious. It is a pretty feel good show with some good music. Very nice sets also. How to Succeed is equally as fun and it is a blast to see Radcliffe singing and dancing. I think you would be fine with either. I don't think she would have a problem with the sexist tone you read about. It really isn't that "in your face". It just reflects the time the show is set in.

[mallardo]

Posted: 6/24/11 at 11:00am

Either show would be fine. Of course How To Succeeed has a social and historical context that has to be understood re the so-called "sexism" - which is not to say that its themes are not pertinent today. And the Daniel Radcliffe factor is huge.

Sister Act is pure fun, almost thrillingly so. The music might be more to your daughter's liking even though its Disco sound has its own historical context. It's about nuns but it's not really religious in a negative way. It captures the spirit of the movie.

Personally, I would go for Sister Act.

[uncageg]

Posted: 6/24/11 at 11:04am

And God can those "nuns" sing!

[broadwaydevil]

Posted: 6/24/11 at 11:05am

Sister Act is NOT religious haha. That would be like saying that How to Succeed is like attending a business meeting. Just because the show involves a church doesn't make it a religious musical at all. I think Sister Act is more of a feel-good show, certainly not groundbreaking, but it doesn't purport to be. It's a lot of fun and the production is fun (Patina Miller and Victoria Clark are brilliant and the score is one of the best of the season.)

How to Succeed, on the other hand, is a classic and is certainly a better show if you're interested in "classic" theatre. I agree with other posters that it's not fair to rule it out because of sexist undertones. However, I think this production of How to Succeed is pretty lackluster, there's nothing really fresh or exciting about it, other than Daniel Radcliffe.

I won't make the decision for you but if she loves Daniel Radcliffe, she'll probably be happier seeing How to Succeed. If that's not a huge factor, I'd go with Sister Act, a newer, fresh, more exciting show.

[trentsketch]

Posted: 6/24/11 at 11:06am

Sister Act isn't overly religious. The references to religion are mostly played as broad jokes that anyone can laugh at. The movie is a lot more religious than the musical.

I would say How to Succeed is the better choice because of the book. If you want to spark her interest in writing, I think that will go a bit further than Sister Act. However, if she really likes the outsider character angle, Sister Act has the really nice arc with Mary Robert coming into her own as a person through the power of the music.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 6/24/11 at 11:26am

How to Succeed. Hands down. It's a better book, and a better score. (and there's nothing wrong with wanting to see it for Daniel Radcliffe.)


PS....I brought my HS drama club to see H2S (among other shows) and they adored it through and through.

Updated On: 6/24/11 at 11:26 AM

[LuminousBeing]

Posted: 6/24/11 at 11:34am

I also vote How to Succeed, for the reasons the above posters have stated. Have fun!

[tking001]

Posted: 6/24/11 at 11:39am

As far as I know Rent has a lottery so you wouldn't have to be there when they open

Also both Sister Act and how to $ have a rush so you could save a bunch of money if you are willing to get up early
How to $ is $30 each
Sister Act is $26.50 front row center orchestra

[uncageg]

Posted: 6/24/11 at 11:58am

You are right. RENT has a lottery for $25.00 tickets. No rush.

[EvelynOakleigh]

Posted: 6/24/11 at 1:42pm

Between those two shows I would defiantly choose H2S, only because it's such a great show it has one of the best scores in my opinion. Now I know you said not Anything Goes because it's going to be playing at a community theatre near you, but I really think you should reconsider as it is one of the BEST broadway revivals I have seen. Also Sutton Foster and Joel Grey are hilarious, but that's just my opinion.

[Luv2goToShows]

Posted: 6/24/11 at 1:51pm

I would choose How to Succeed over Sister Act,. I think your daughter will get a kick out of seeing Radcliffe on stage and playing a totally different character. The Hirschfeld Theater is closer to your hotel. The Broadway Theater is on B'way and 52nd, 9 blocks up and one block over, a decent walk.

Rent is another great show, not knowing how the new cast will be, I'd still choose it over both above. I love Rent so my opinion is biased. LOL! Have a great trip and a great stay, enjoy your shows.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 6/24/11 at 2:03pm

gotta love how the OP specifically stated they aren't interested in seeing Rent, but people keep telling her things about Rent.


for the person that suggested AG....that's pretty hard to get tickets for.

[ljay889]

Posted: 6/24/11 at 2:12pm

I saw Sister Act in London and was quite disappointed. The songs for the nuns are the only interesting scenes and I'm afraid once the show closes and the tour wraps up, it will be quickly forgotten.

With all due respect. You have said this many times on the board. But you DO realize the show has been significantly revamped for Broadway? The book has been completely rewritten and the score has some big changes too. So I'm not really sure it's fair to give advice to people on the Broadway production.
Updated On: 6/24/11 at 02:12 PM

[Cathy L]

Posted: 6/24/11 at 2:37pm

Thank you to everyone who has added to this discussion thus far. Your comments are so helpful, and I especially like the insights regarding the messages in each musical. I never really considered going to a play, but watching the Tony's we were amazed by the puppetry in War Horse. We watched some of the trailers since I posted my thread here, and my daughter is very interested. I think I have revised my question to "How to Succeed" or "War Horse." I think that if Sister Act tours we would be more likely to see it locally(Detroit) than How to Succeed without Radcliffe. How do you feel about this choice?

I can get front row center tickets for War Horse with my Amex card. I can get discounted tickets for How to Succeed, row P left orch. aisle(seat 1) for about $33 less per ticket. How does War Horse end? My daughter is vegetarian based on her empathy for animals, and the horse dying would not go over well. Not looking for specific plot spoilers, just generalities. Thanks again for all your guidance, we may have to make this an annual trip!

[tking001]

Posted: 6/24/11 at 2:40pm

You can save a bunch of money on how to succeed and just rush (if you don't mind getting up a bit early)
$30 each orchestra seats

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 6/24/11 at 2:42pm

But you DO realize the show has been significantly revamped for Broadway? The book has been completely rewritten and the score has some big changes too.

I'm sure the book changes are significant, but the score changes really aren't. Anyway, I'm just giving my two cents on what I saw and I explained I saw it in London, not on Broadway. No biggie.

How does War Horse end? My daughter is vegetarian based on her empathy for animals, and the horse dying would not go over well. Not looking for specific plot spoilers, just generalities.

The first act ends with something of a jarring downer, but it's safe to say it is NOT a sad or depressing show in the end. I don't think you will have to worry. The show is essentially about empathy for the animals.

[uncageg]

Posted: 6/24/11 at 2:43pm

Haven't seen the show but I hear a lot of people are crying at the end. Along with Book of Mormon it is also a very hot ticket.

Someone may want to chime in on this but I am wondering if Sister Act will scale the sets down for the tour. The sets were cool for the most part.

[Calvin]

Posted: 6/24/11 at 2:43pm

Cathy L, without giving anything away, the ending is definitely an upper, not a downer.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 6/24/11 at 2:44pm

I hope you are aware that HAIR not only includes drug use, suggestive lyrics and language but male and female full frontal nudity (not particularly dimly-lit, either).

[dragonlp86]

Posted: 6/24/11 at 2:51pm

We were fortunate enough to see How to Succeed...during our trip into the city last week. Both my friend and myself enjoyed it FAR more than we thought we would. By intermission, we were already raving about just how fun the show really was. So I would definitely recommend that one if you get the chance at all. Daniel Radcliffe is actually superb in the role, and John Larroquette is quite hilarious as well.

[tking001]

Posted: 6/24/11 at 2:57pm

See Hair over how to Succeed just sayin'

[hmpeterson]

Posted: 6/24/11 at 3:20pm

HOw to Succeed is the way to go!!

[dreaming]

Posted: 6/24/11 at 3:32pm

I loved both shows for different reasons.

Sister Act was a very pleasant surprise, I must say. I can't wait for the cast recording that is rumored. The music is really good, actually. And I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would.

I did enjoy How to Succeed (more than Anything Goes, actually). I had fun at both and can see how a 16 year old would like either. If you had two slots open to see both, you could rush them both. (Sister Act line forms very early and they have very few seats. I loved the front row for the show. It's a lot of fun being that close for it. How to Succeed I got to at 7 and was third or fourth on a 2 show day and the first person for the evening. They have a lot more seats than Sister Act.)

Good luck! You can't go wrong either! (I think Sister Act might have a slight edge in my opinion but either would be great.)