SpongeBob or The Band's Visit- Page 2

[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

[Mediamaven2]

Posted: 6/9/18 at 11:07am

To me, with all due respect, this question is such a no-brainer. Go see The Band's Visit.

 

[broadwaysfguy]

Posted: 6/9/18 at 11:09am

there couldnt be two more different shows on broadway right now...

as a previous poster said, if you liked come from away you will probably like bands visit.

i honestly got bored during parts of spongebob, and was riveted by every moment of the bands visit.

i cared about the characters in TBV, and respected ethans performance very much but didnt feel a connection to him or the other characters

TBV is very low key in a number of ways, and spongebob is over the top in your face most of the time.

TBV has an extraordinary cast, and a tour cast will likely not be nearly as good. i think spongebob is a safe bet on tour 

[Oak2]

Posted: 6/9/18 at 5:12pm

Thank you all for your suggestions. It sounds like the bands visit is the most suggested, but now I'm concerned that it's not for me if it's as subtle as you all suggest. Most times subtle does not work for me at all because of my autism. I can't pick up on subtle expressions and such, and have very low tolerance for slow pacing, and now I'm worried if it's as subtle as you imply I'm more likely to just fall asleep during it. I like things that can still entertain me while making me think if it's going to do that. Re come from aways manipulation, I think I personally need something like that to be invested. Left on my own with only subtlety my default reaction will probably be "I don't care about these people or what happens to them". If I'm wrong with these fears please let me know, otherwise I'd rather save a risky show like that on a cheaper tour ticket and pay the larger money for something that has a higher chance of me enjoying it. While SpongeBob now sounds more for me, as I adore over the top, high energy, and especially love anything camp or kitsch.

Updated On: 6/9/18 at 05:12 PM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 6/9/18 at 6:06pm

Well then, Spongebob it is!!

[Miles2Go2]

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

Oak2 said: "Thank you all for your suggestions. It sounds like the bands visit is the most suggested, but now I'm concerned that it's not for me if it's as subtle as you all suggest. Most times subtle does not work for me at all because of my autism. I can't pick up on subtle expressions and such, and have very low tolerance for slow pacing, and now I'm worried if it's as subtle as you imply I'm more likely to just fall asleep during it. I like things that can still entertain me while making me think if it's going to do that. Re come from aways manipulation, I think I personally need something like that to be invested. Left on my own with only subtlety my default reaction will probably be "I don't care about these people or what happens to them". If I'm wrong with these fears please let me know, otherwise I'd rather save a risky show like that on a cheaper tour ticket and pay the larger money for something that has a higher chance of me enjoying it. While SpongeBob now sounds more for me, as I adore over the top, high energy, and especially love anything camp or kitsch."

Considering all the above, it pains me to say you should probably skip The Band’s Visit, which I dearly love. It is subtle and shares some of the same qualities of other shows (DEH, Fun Home) that you either detested or weren’t blown away by. I’d rather you not spend your time and money on a show I adore only to report that you did not have a good time. 

So now that My Fair Lady has been added into the mix....hmmm.... I haven’t seen either, (I’m seeing both in 2 weeks - yay!) but I’m inclined to recommend My Fair Lady. I’m sure you’d enjoy Spongebob, but My Fair Lady is an American classic that by most accounts has received a stunning revival. Also, since it’s a musical from the “Golden Age”, it’s not likely to be too subtle for you. It won’t be over-the-top like Spongebob, but it’s emotions will be clear. And you already love the cast recording. 

However, I am almost certain MFL will tour. And Sher’s The King and I touring production has received strong reviews. I’m not certain Spongebob will tour and if it does, it will probably not be able to feature the reportedly awesome set it has on Broadway. And there will likely be no Ethan Slater. 

Also, after I bought all my tickets (9 shows including the two parts of Angels in America!) ahead of time, I quit paying attention to what is listed at TKTS. I’m sure even if Slater wins best actor tomorrow night, it will still be easy to get a relatively cheap ticket through TKTS or possibly via box office. Unless things have changed, I don’t think the same can be said for MFL. 

Whatever you decide I’m sure will be the right decision for you.  

Updated On: 6/9/18 at 06:18 PM

[Oak2]

Posted: 6/9/18 at 6:19pm

dramamama611 said: "Well then, Spongebob it is!!"

Or my Fair Lady, but nobody's spoken of that. Now deciding between those two as to which to see on Broadway and which on tour. Also just to clarify no disrespect is meant to those who did suggest bands visit. I'm sure it's great and I will try it at some point. Just difference in tastes based on the descriptions given. I truly do appreciate all who spoke of exactly why they supported such shows.

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 6/9/18 at 6:24pm

Another thought. Both Spongebob and My Fair Lady will likely perform at the Tony Awards tomorrow night. Watching may help you decide between the two.

[CT2NYC]

Posted: 6/9/18 at 6:58pm

Don't second-guess yourself about The Band's Visit. I thought it was pretty obvious, based on your likes/dislikes, that it might not be the best choice for you. I sort of understand why someone would compare it your favorite show, Come From Away, since they both explore the theme of people from different backgrounds connecting with each other. However, that's where the similarities end. As productions, they're nothing alike. Now, as far as SpongeBob and My Fair Lady are concerned, have you checked availability for the date you're looking at, since I'm assuming My Fair Lady's is pretty limited?

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 6/9/18 at 7:06pm

^^^ he makes an excellent point. Just out of curiosity, I just checked the dates for my trip (6/19-26) on Telecharge. Not one ticket was available. Glad I caught my orchestra ticket when I had the chance.

So it seems the decision has been made for you. Spongebob it is!

Updated On: 6/9/18 at 07:06 PM

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 6/24/18 at 9:45am

I’m seeing Lea’s final performance tonight. It’ll be my first time seeing the show and the last show of my 9 show trip. I know on one of these threads some of us who will be there talked about saying hello tonight. Can’t find that thread now but did hear from one person. Anyway, message me or post here if interested! I plan to get there early to enjoy the pre-show. Anyone know if they open the doors earlier than 30 minutes prior? I’ll have about 90 minutes between end of The Iceman Cometh and beginning of OOTI. I know we discussed OOTI so posting this here too.

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 6/25/18 at 8:07am

Oak2, just curious what all you ended up seeing and what you liked best.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 6/25/18 at 8:21am

Oak2 seems to have deleted his account.

[CT2NYC]

Posted: 6/25/18 at 8:42am

dramamama611 said: "Oak2 seems to have deleted his account. "

As far as I can see, his account is still active.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 6/25/18 at 9:42am

All of his posts are gone.  (at least on this thread -- which doesn't make a a lot of sense if he's still around.)

[Elfuhbuh]

Posted: 6/25/18 at 9:49am

Huh? All of his posts are showing for me.