"The several layers of the story and the pace at which that story is told could use greater precision...The intermission could be dispensed with and the staging might become more immersive. The moments when an anglerfish puppet glides through the audience are magical; there ought to be more of them. But the acting is never less than zesty and the use of projections, courtesy of Deco Dawson, is sometimes jaw dropping."
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"Dawson's beautiful projections are the highlight of this production...Francis and Miller are to be commended for challenging young audiences by staying true to Verne's larger vision...The story becomes muddled while trying to shoehorn these big ideas and exciting events into an hour and 45 minutes, including an intermission...Still, this trip on the Nautilus is worth the plunge. Kids, and adults too, will be mesmerized by the illusions."
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“Kidoons/WYRD Production of ‘20,000 Thousand Leagues under the Sea’ is an enjoyable and eye-filling multimedia stage version of a Jules Verne classic. Slanted more toward the adventure aspects than on the science fiction, it is perfect family entertainment for children and adults alike. It might even send the older folks back to the book.”
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"Verne's classic tale comes to life in the hands of director Rick Miller...All the adventure of the original book remains...The ocean's value is at the heart of this production...Verne's creation of Captain Nemo was so convincing that it's easy for an audience to find Nemo's inventions remarkable...Will today's audiences stop using plastic after seeing this production? One hopes so!"
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"It's not easy these days to get kids into the classics, let alone science fiction classics. The New Victory Theater has brought us an updated performance of Jules Verne's beloved book '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,' with cool special effects and a modern story line kids can relate to...Bringing up this [environmental] issue in a children's play not only adds another dimension and depth to the story; it makes the show more relatable and educational."
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"The style and visual presentation of the production is innovative, gripping, and supersedes any plot inconsistencies or liberties taken…’20,000 Leagues’ is not a great play in the traditional sense if you’re looking strictly at plot and writing…But as a multimedia and multi-sensory experience, it is wonderful. The visuals and action on stage should captivate younger viewers, whilst those of us a little longer in the tooth can appreciate the combination of the production and the acting."
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"At its best, this production shows us how current technology can be used in a theatre space. Perhaps that’s the intent. If entertainment is the goal, it fails at most levels. This is a show that will appeal to people curious about the potential of high-tech theatre, one that young people and, especially, children will find enjoyable. But 'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea' fails to inspire, evokes little emotion and offers little for an audience take home and ponder."
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