SpongeBob or The Band's Visit

[Oak2]

Posted: 5/27/18 at 9:56pm

Hello posters. I'm taking another trip to NYC next month (with family this time around, as I got tickets for Anastasia for my mother for Christmas, and also seeing Avenue Q Off-Broadway with my brothers as one of them had never seen it and he's of the 'Avenue Q and Book of Mormon are literally the only musicals I have any modicum of interest in seeing" camp, along with other stuff. Just realized that near the end of the weekend I'll have time to myself as everyone else is leaving the city earlier, so I have enough time for a show, so I'm trying to decide what I'd like to see of the new batch. I'd rather not see any of the revivals (I'll catch MFL on tour). Of the new musicals from what I've heard and read Frozen and Mean Girls don't sound good enough to warrant seeing on Broadway rather than waiting for the tour, which means it's pretty much between SpongeBob and The Band's Visit.

My gut impulse has lately been pushing me towards SpongeBob mostly in basic disgusted reaction to some of the tones I've seen of a few people describing those who don't like The Band's Visit, but I thought I'd give it a fair shot here for people who truly believe that time would be better spent on The Band's Visit over SpongeBob. So essentially, feel free to sell me on The Band's Visit - however, please do not do so in any way that implies the extent of "If you don't like it, you're a sociopath/an idiot/an r-word/too stupid/lazy to understand it".  I've seen a lot of that among its fans and it's disgusted me and is what's been pushing me closer to never want to see it period out of spite if it's the kind of show that fosters such snobby elitism. 

Granted, for those who like SpongeBob more, I'd be open to reasons behind that being the better of the two for a night out as well. I really am torn despite currently leaning more towards SpongeBob. I've listened to the cast recordings of both and like both, though I do prefer SpongeBob's (I like Yazbeck, I especially adore the cast recording of Women on the Verge, but I didn't like what I have heard of TBV as much, though I didn't dislike it). 

In any case, if anyone can make arguments to help me decide either way, I'd appreciate it. I'm going to try to keep an open mind on this, as long as the fans remain similarly open/accepting.

 

[stlrod]

Posted: 5/27/18 at 10:05pm

I saw The Band’s Visit back in February while in town on business. I thought it was boring but there were some laughs and some of the music was beautiful. My wife I just returned home from a week. She didn’t have much desire to see The Band’s Visit so we saw Spongebob today before flying home. It was the absolute worst thing I have seen on a Broadway stage and I saw Enron. Why this show is getting love is inexplicable except for the fact that it’s a horrible season for musicals. It is an expensive children’s show, nothing more.

[stlrod]

Posted: 5/27/18 at 10:10pm

And I assume you are looking at Sunday afternoon. If so, Ethan Slater appears to be regularly  out on Sunday afternoons and he was out today. Mean Girls was a pleasant surprise and The Boys in the Band was very good. Once on this Island is definitely worth seeing on Broadway instead of touring.

Updated On: 5/27/18 at 10:10 PM

[VotePeron]

Posted: 5/27/18 at 10:10pm

I’ll be the only one who says this, but I’ll bite:

See Spongebob. TBV will tour and play regional performances nearly identical to its current form, but you will never, ever see a production of Spongebob at this scale again. It’s also a ton of fun, and just as full of heart and joy as TBV.
 

Updated On: 5/27/18 at 10:10 PM

[GeorgeandDot]

Posted: 5/27/18 at 10:14pm

See The Band's Visit. SpongeBob is a ton of fun, but it doesn't have Katrina Lenk's beautiful performance. TBV will also probably be this year's Best Musical winner.

[BalconyClub]

Posted: 5/27/18 at 10:15pm

Would you rather attend a cotton candy show or instead slowly sip a good wine?

[Jay Williams]

Posted: 5/27/18 at 10:20pm

See Anastasia...........a lot of people have dismissed this show............and while it is not An A, it is a solid B+ for Bway as the singing is delicious and the new leading guy  Zach  is gorgeous and sings better than most Bway guys.  And how lovely to see Mary Beth Piel at the top of her game.   The projections are simply beautiful.   Sweet show especially if you can get low price tix.  

[Someone in a Tree2]

Posted: 5/27/18 at 10:23pm

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND will never tour, and if it does, it will never resemble the sterling staging now on Broadway. Hands down for me, the best musical production to open this season. 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/27/18 at 10:33pm

Neither show is going to be the right show for any one person..  I can't speak to the Sponge as I haven't seen it, and my own friends have had diverse reactions to it: everything from it being an incredible amount of fun, all the way to stlrod's comments.

 

I've seen Band's Visit 2x now (just having had seen it yesterday to see  Tony Shaloub.   It's a quiet and sophisticated show about the universality of  humanity's need to need each other.

 

What kind of shows do you like?  Hate?  How old are you?  I brought 50 teenagers to see TBV and they liked, but didn' love it.  (Except for my 17 year old son, who did.)  However,this is the same group that didn't consider going to see Spongebob for more than 1 minute.

[Oak2]

Posted: 5/27/18 at 10:33pm

Oh I'm sorry, I should have specified, this would be a Sunday evening. I'm able to get a bus back to DC overnight since I have Mondays off, while the rest of my family is leaving earlier since they have to work the next day.

JayWilliams - I'm already seeing Anastasia, but thank you for the compliments towards it!

BalconyClub - Cotton Candy, absolutely. I hate alcohol in all forms. If you're asking in terms of taste an such, that's kind of hard to describe since I feel like I enjoy a good variety. But if it helps, my Top 5 that come to mind  would probably be Gypsy, Kiss Me Kate, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Assassins, and The Drowsy Chaperone. 

The comment about touring makes sense. Thank you to Someoneinatree for suggesting Once On This Island - I have been considering that too but it wasn't as much in my thought. I'll give it some consideration as well! 

 

 

 

 

[Oak2]

Posted: 5/27/18 at 10:41pm

dramamama611 said: "Neither show is going to be the right show for any one person.. I can't speak to the Sponge as I haven't seen it, and my own friends have had diverse reactions to it: everything from it being an incredible amount of fun, all the way to stlrod's comments.



I've seen Band's Visit 2x now (just having had seen it yesterday to see Tony Shaloub. It's a quiet and sophisticated show about the universality of humanity's need to need each other.



What kind of shows do you like? Hate? How old are you? I brought 50 teenagers to see TBV and they liked, but didn' love it. (Except for my 17 year old son, who did.) However,this is the same group that didn't consider going to see Spongebob for more than 1 minute."

 I"m sorry, I should have included that. I'm in my early 30's but I am also autistic (Asperger's), so I have trouble detecting a lot of nuance and such in some expressions. Favorite shows are up above, though I should explain those are mostly from what I know about them/cast recording/watching legal prior recordings on BroadwayHD and the like. Of shows I've outright seen live (only made two previous trips), here's what I've thought:

Loved: Come From Away (favorite hands down of shows I've seen live), Ragtime, (both prior saw at Ford's Theatre rather than Broadway, should specify maybe), Matilda, School of Rock, Hello Dolly. Also loved the tours I've seen of Something Rotten, R&H's Cinderella, and A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

Liked but didn't really love: Fun Home, Aladdin, The Great Comet, Waitress, Groundhog Day, War Paint, 

Disliked: Dear Evan Hansen

Updated On: 5/27/18 at 10:41 PM

[CT2NYC]

Posted: 5/27/18 at 10:55pm

Looking at your lists, I can see The Band's Visit ending up as a show you "liked but really didn't love." Between it and SpongeBob, I'd have to give SpongeBob the edge. Do you really have no interest in Once On This Island? 

Updated On: 5/27/18 at 10:55 PM

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 5/28/18 at 12:04am

I’m pretty sure that Spongebob and The Band’s Visit won’t be having Sunday night performances when you’re there so your best bet would probably be Once on This Island. I had planned to see Spongebob next month (seeing eight shows; already saw and loved TBV) on a Sunday night until I found out they were discontinuing Sunday evening shows and I was able to move OOTI to my Sunday night slot (6/24) which will also be Lea Salonga’s final performance in the show. I'm still seeing Spongebob, but for Saturday matinee now.

[Oak2]

Posted: 5/28/18 at 12:20am

Miles2Go2 said: "I’m pretty sure that Spongebob and The Band’s Visit won’t be having Sunday night performances when you’re there so your best bet would probably be Once on This Island. I had planned to see Spongebob next month (seeing eight shows; already saw and loved TBV) on a Sunday night until I found out they were discontinuing Sunday evening shows and I was able to move OOTI to my Sunday night slot (6/24) which will also be Lea Salonga’s final performance in the show. I'm still seeing Spongebob, but for Saturday matinee now."

Wow, I didn't know that! Thanks a lot for that information. It just so happens 6/24 is the exact date I'm looking at too. I doubt I'll be able to catch a matinee that day (one of my brothers is choosing somewhere for us all to eat before they leave, and it'd be rude of me to ask that we do lunch early just so I could see 2 shows instead of one by myself!), so it's just that evening. I think at this point I'll probably see Once On This Island then! Hopefully both The Band's Visit and SpongeBob will tour and the tours will be as good as the originals!

Also I'm sure I'll enjoy OOTI - the main reason I originally didn't consider it is that I kind of got it in me that I wanted to see at least ONE of the new musicals this season - but there's always tours or return visits. As was said previously, it sounds doubtful OOTI will tour, and Circle in the Square is my favorite of the Broadway theatres I've been to, so I'd love to see another show there. Thanks again for all the advice!

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 5/28/18 at 12:30am

I’m looking forward to OOTI. I’m especially psyched to see Lea Salonga finally. I think it will be especially memorable as it’s her last night in the show. I have read (there’s a whole thread devoted to it) that it is probably best to avoid the 400 section. I’m sitting in the even 200s but others have also commented positively about the odd 200s and the 100s.

[Oak2]

Posted: 5/29/18 at 12:43am

So things have changed once again, and it's now possible I may be able to see TWO shows on that Sunday. So the dilemma returns for the Sunday Matinee. If that is the only showing on a Sunday is it still likely or not that Ethan Slater would be out for SpongeBob, and if he is would the show still be worth it? 

Also I generally rely as much as possible on TKTS and Rush if I can to save money. However, it sounds like that might be too risky for the evening show? I've seen that Once On This Island shows up on TKTS a lot, but I'm not sure if that might change and it might not be on TKTS by showtime due to it being Lea Salonga's last performance combined with OOTI apparently being one of the few shows actually doing an evening performance on June 24th. Is this one where I should bite the bullet and just try to buy a ticket beforehand? Or would it be safe enough to still try for TKTS? I'll probably Rush either SpongeBob or The Band's Visit for the matinee - still haven't decided - though if I'm doing OOTI in the evening I might do SpongeBob just due to the settings of both shows, because that appeals to my mind in a way.

 

 

[RippedMan]

Posted: 5/29/18 at 1:05am

Well, this is after the Tonys. The Band's Visit will likely win the Tony, so tickets might be scarce. That said, Once on This Island does an-in-person lottery, and when I was there basically every was offered at ticket from $40-60. I mean, that is a risk, considering it's right after the Tonys so you never know. If you an afford to, I'd buy in advance. And OOTS is worth it. It's an interesting show - racially - given a beautiful production. 

[Matt Rogers]

Posted: 5/29/18 at 8:14am

Spinach salad or Captain Crunch?

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 5/29/18 at 8:33am

Oak2 said: "So things have changed once again, and it's now possible I may be able to see TWO shows on that Sunday. So the dilemma returns for the Sunday Matinee. If that is the only showing on a Sunday is it still likely or not that Ethan Slater would be out for SpongeBob, and if he is would the show still be worth it?

Also I generally rely as much as possible on TKTS and Rush if I can to save money. However, it sounds like that might be too risky for the evening show? I've seen that Once On This Island shows up on TKTS a lot, but I'm not sure if that might change and it might not be on TKTS by showtime due to it being Lea Salonga's last performance combined with OOTI apparently being one of the fewshows actually doing an evening performanceon June 24th. Is this one where I should bite the bullet and just try to buy a ticket beforehand? Or would it be safe enough to still try for TKTS? I'll probably Rush either SpongeBob or The Band's Visit for the matinee - still haven't decided - though if I'm doing OOTI in the evening I might do SpongeBob just due to the settings of both shows, because that appeals to my mind in a way.

By all reports, one can walk up to Spongebob’s Palace Theatre right now before showtime and they still have rush tickets available. Of course, that could change with summer tourists and also after the Tony Awards if it wins more than just technical awards. I saw An American in Paris in this theater. I get the sense that this a fairly cavernous theater (I can’t really recall because I sat side orchestra and don’t remember looking up behind me) with lots of seats which helps explain why it has a hard time selling lots of its tickets at full price. So, even if Rush isn’t available, I’m fairly confident it will still be at TKTS. 

I have heard Slater’s understudy (stand-in? I can never seem to get the terms correct) is also excellent. 

From what you’ve said, it sounds like Spongebob might be more up your alley. I’m seeing it on 6/23 (matinee). But I feel like I’d be remiss if I didn’t put in a plug for The Band’s Visit. It shares some of the same themes as Come From Away (your favorite): the kindness of strangers, differences in cultures, loss. Personally, I loved TBV much more than CFA, but it is a much quieter, intimate, nuanced show and I would only recommend seeing it from front Orchestra (that’s where I upgraded my seat to based on recommendations and because people who sat in mezzanine said they didn’t feel as emotionally connected and had trouble hearing). Because of that and with the likely post-Tonys box office boost, I’d recommending buying ahead of time if you decide on TBV. 

Also, not to muddy the waters further, but have you seen Hello, Dolly!, yet? It seems like it fits in with some of your favorites. And with Bernadette, you’d be seeing a Broadway legend plus it is listed at TKTS with often awesome seats. 

 

Updated On: 5/29/18 at 08:33 AM

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 5/29/18 at 10:06am

Also, there are discounts codes on BroadwayBox app or website for OOTI (and Spongebob and Hello, Dolly!), but not TBV.

[Oak2]

Posted: 5/29/18 at 10:36am

Thank you so much for the advice! Miles2Go, I have actually already seen Hello Dolly - I saw it the last time I was at Broadway for Memorial Day Weekend last year and saw it with Bette. I had jumped to buy tickets for that the day they went on sale. That was a wonderful show, but I don't think I want to see it on Broadway again. I'm probably going to take my mother to see it when it comes to Baltimore or DC on tour.

The more I'm hearing, it sounds like between the two, The Band's Visit sounds more like the show I'd be more likely to enjoy just as much on tour, while SpongeBob would possibly lose some of its spectacle without its current Broadway level of sets and such. I'm definitely going to keep a lookout for how the Tonys might change things, but the current plan is most likely Rushing or doing TKTS for SpongeBob for the matinee, and probably buying a ticket beforehand for OOTI in the evening.

 

 

[Oak2]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 9:00pm

Sorry for the bumping, but after listening to the cast recording (which I adored), and from seeing some other conversations about how great this performance is, I've now re-added the revival of MY FAIR LADY to my list. At this point I'm DEFINITELY going to try to see ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, so there's one slot open. It really boils down to this, between MY FAIR LADY, SPONGEBOB, and THE BAND'S VISIT, I'm going to see all 3 of them in some form - but only one of them on Broadway with its OBC - the other two I'll see when they visit Baltimore or DC on tour. So at this point the advice i'm really asking for is: between those 3 shows, which is the one where it's the most vital to see it in its current state and cast, where I'd definitely be losing the most by seeing it on tour instead? Thank you in advance or anyone who could help with this.

[bwayrose7]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 9:12pm

I can speak the most to TBV, since I've seen it in person, as opposed to just promo clips and cast albums for the others. For me, it was one of the most exquisite evenings I've spent in the theatre. It's very small and quiet. You know how, in a lot of theatre, it feels like the characters are human but a polished sort of human, like the fact that they're written characters really shines through? In TBV, for me at least, they felt real. I went in with moderate expectations and by the end found myself in tears and feeling this hope and connection. I'm sure that it will be performed beautifully on tour and eventually in regional productions, but I honestly cannot imagine anyone being as mesmerizing as Katrina Lenk or a supporting cast as perfectly pitched as Stachel, Benson, Kantor, etc. (Tony Shalhoub was out when I saw it). 

A side note as well, that may or may not be relevant to you: I have light-sensitive migraine issues, and some of the in-theatre pictures and videos that have surfaced were uncomfortable for me to watch because of the onslaught of visuals and neon. That's just my own experience but something that I feel is worth mentioning.

[Impossible2]

Posted: 6/9/18 at 10:47am

If you liked Come From Away I am sure you would like The Bands Visit. I thought they were both pretty similar experiences.

The main difference between the 2 is that CFA is very emotinally manipulative and TBV is more subtle in that it simply presents the story without being manipulative.

It is very similar to the difference between Hollywood films and independent films in that Hollywood films tell you how you should feel, whereas Indie films will present the situation at hand and you decide how you are going to feel about it.

For me The Bands Visit fed my soul and was just beautiful. 

Spongebob is highly entertaining also and visually spectacular, but it is a totally soulless, yet joyful experience.

[South Fl Marc]

Posted: 6/9/18 at 10:58am

I would see "The Band's Visit". SpongeBob won't lose a thing on tour. "The Band's Visit" however will. It is a small off Broadway show that managed to keep its charm when moved to Broadway because it is in one of the smaller Broadway theatres. I cannot imagine it in the larger, mostly too large, touring venues, especially The Hippodrome - which despite the fact I live in the DC area, I will not go to. Not to mention the fact that "The Band's Visit" is aboslutely BEAUTIFUL.

On a side note , since you live in the Baltimore/DC area, I hope you take advantage of the fact we have a lot of theatre in the area that is equal to or better than what is on Broadway. Just right now alone: The Scottsboro Boys at Signature, "The Remains" at Studio Theatre, "Camelot" at Shakespeare and "The Invisible Hand" at Olney are all brilliant productions.

Updated On: 6/9/18 at 10:58 AM