20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
The New Victory Theater presents an inventive reimagining of Jules Verne's classic sci-fi novel.
Plunge deep into the pages of Jules Verne's 'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea' and get swept away. Follow Jules, a modern-day raconteur, as he finds himself transported into his favorite story. When he climbs aboard the Nautilus, helmed by the infamous Captain Nemo, he sets off on a fantastical aquatic action adventure. Brought to stunning life through a mix of multimedia magic, eye-popping projections, and interactive technology, this time-honored tale considers humankind's place in the world and illuminates the mysteries that lie in the vast expanse of the ocean deep. Best for ages 8 and up.
- Official Site
- 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Already closed
- The New Victory Theater (Midtown W)
Cast & Creatives (15)
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Reviews (18)
7 Critics' Reviews
"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." Full Review
"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." Full Review
“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.” Full Review
"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." Full Review
"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!" Full Review
for a previous production "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." Full Review
for a previous production "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." Full Review
11 Members' Reviews
See it if you want a zany, inspired story with great staging, multimedia & live actors For kids and adults
Don't see it if you want a traditional experience. Language may be sophisticated for youngsters but they all seemed riveted
See it if You enjoyed the original story, love adventure, enjoy kids' shows or have kids, love original and multi-media staging
Don't see it if You get confused by quick scene changes and get annoyed with a not very cohesive story
See it if You want a twist on the book; you enjoy stories about fiction and survival; you want to see an entertaining show
Don't see it if You are more into huge, broadway shows; you do not enjoy predictable stories; you want to see something showy
See it if you want to see a show that entertains both adults and children without operating on two separate levels or talking down to kids.
Don't see it if You're not interested in family-friendly shows.
See it if Great.
Don't see it if Not great.
See it if You want to join the zany group
Don't see it if You need a nap
See it if You are intellectual
Don't see it if You are not intellectual
See it if You have kids who love adventure, and what kid doesn't? The staging is wonderful, and it's a very interesting take on the classic!
Don't see it if I can't think of a reason, honestly...
See it if You enjoy classics brought to life!
Don't see it if You do not enjoy mystery or suspense
See it if You have kids and you like detailed explanations
Don't see it if You don't like shows that aren't fully put together
See it if you enjoy fun, irreverent takes on classics.
Don't see it if you don't have a sense of fun and adventure.