Some present-day musicals, such as “Dear Evan Hansen” and “A Bronx Tale” shine their spotlight on societal issues. Others like “Hamilton,” and “Come From Away” concern history. “SpongeBob Squarepants” has its own vision…to entertain in a psychedelic underwater world of neon colors. No strong message, but there are child-friendly hints of the value of friendship and of overcoming fear!
From its reconfigured auditorium space, to its quirky set and creative costumes, non-stop showstoppers, over-the-top farcical acting, and funky television storyline, everything points to escapist enjoyment.
The musical was conceived and directed by Tina Landau. It has songs by such artists as Sara Bareilles, Cindy Lauper and Rob Hyman, Lady Antebellum, John Legend, David Bowie and Brian Eno, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith.
It is based on the characters and themes of the “SpongeBob SquarePants” animated children’s television show, which was created by marine biologist and animator Stephen Hillenburg. It takes place in the fictional underwater city of Bikini Bottom.
The stage version opens as SpongeBob SquarePants wakes up one morning, in his usual wide-eyed happy mood, ready to face another wonderful day with his pet snail, Gary. He wanders through Bikini Bottom, greeting various people including his best friend, Patrick (a squid) and Sandy Cheeks (a human who lives in a bubble-like dome and possesses great scientific skills).
As the day progresses a violent tremor rocks the town. A television news report relates that a nearby volcano is about to erupt. Oh, what to do? Stay and be destroyed? Flee? Find a way to save the city by neutralizing the danger.
Hey, this is an escapist farce. There has to be a plot device that contains danger, a bad guy and a happy ending to fulfill the formulaic story requirements. So, off to climb the volcano, get rid of the danger (thanks to an invention by Sandy), and defeat an evil villain. And, of course, our hero has to be the title character—SpongeBob.
The process of saving the town is filled with lots of singing and dancing and visual delights including a couple of Rube Goldberg devices mounted on the side walls of the theatre to the right and left of the proscenium arch, climbing the walls of the volcano which are created of entwined and moving scaffolding, electronic graphics, flying characters, skateboarding rockers, and lots of properly overdone farcical acting.
All in all, there is visual and entertainment overload which, if the kid in front of me, who bounced in his seat, waved his arms until he was exhausted, is any indication, pleased the audience—adults and kids alike.
The cast is truly in tune with the right attitude for farce, and have the tap dancing, contemporary movement, and special skills needed to carry off the creativity of the director and choreographer.
Every once in while an actor and a role so meld together that forever the two are linked. Think Yul Brenner in the “King and I,” Carol Channing in “Hello Dolly” Julie Andrews in “My Fair Lady,’’ and recently, Ben Platt in “Dear Evan Hansen.”
Add Ethan Slater to that list. The talented young man “is” SpongeBob! He delights in his singing, dancing, line interpretation and character development.
Danny Skinner, as the chunky Patrick Star, has some wonderful musical moments in “BFF” (with Slater), “Super Sea Star Savor” and “(I Guess I) Miss You.”
Gavin Lee is wonderful as the multiple-legged Squidward Q. Tentacles, whose “I’m Not a Loser” brought prolonged audience applause.
Fine performances were also given by Lilli Cooper (Sandy Cheeks), Brandon Espinoza (Patchy the Pirate) and Brian Ray Norris (Eugene Krabs).
A special nod of approval to the Electric Skates (L’ogan J’ones, Kyle Matthew Hamilton and Curtis Holbrook) for their exciting skateboard routines.
Both David Zinn’s costumes and scenic design are Tony-nomination worthy! Peter Nigrini’s projections help flesh out the visual aspects of the dazzling production. Christopher Gattelli’s choreography adds to the delight, and director Tina Landau’s creativity shines through.
Of interest to 216ers: With “Spongebob,” the Araca Group, Cleveland natives Matthew Rego, Michael Rego, and Hank Unger, add to their ever-expanding list of Broadway hits, which include such smashes as “Urinetown,” “Wicked,” “’ night mother,” “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” and “Rock of Ages.”
Capsule judgment: “Spongebob Squarepants The Broadway Musical” is a wonder of neon psychedelic delight starring a character-perfect lead surrounded by a fun-centered cast which should delight adults and children of all ages!
What: “SpongeBob Squarepants The Broadway Musical”
Where: Palace Theatre—47th and Broadway
When: Open run
