SpongeBob SquarePants, The Broadway Musical

SpongeBob SquarePants

The Broadway Musical

Palace Theatre

Photo courtesy of SpongeBob SquarePants, the Broadway Musical

Tina Landau has taken the one-dimensional characters and elementary humor of a popular Nickelodeon cartoon and transformed it into a Broadway spectacular.  SpongeBob SquarePants, the Broadway Musical is over the top fun!  Book writer Kyle Jarrow creates story arcs for each character as they hilariously struggle to achieve their goal.  The phenomenal cast personifies these under water creatures with strong physical and visual support by costume designer David Zinn and hair and wig designer Charles G. LaPointe.  The set, by David Zinn, explodes off the stage of the Place Theatre with imaginative shapes and vibrant color.

Danny Skinner, Ethan Slater, & Christina Sajous
Photo courtesy of SpongeBob SquarePants, the Broadway Musical

SpongeBob (played by Ethan Slater) starts his day at Bikini Bottom like any other.  We meet his friend Patrick Star (played by Danny Skinner), the cranky Squidward (played by Gavin Lee), Sandy Cheeks, the squirrel (played by Christina Sajous), Eugene Krabs, owner of the Krusty Krab where SpongeBob works (played by Brian Ray Norris), and his daughter Pearl (played by Jai’ Len Christine Li Josey).  They are all happy to face the day ahead, except Squidward of course.  Suddenly the ground shakes and there is a special report that a large and dangerous volcano, Mount Humungous, is ready to erupt and inevitably destroy Bikini Bottom.  Everyone goes into hysterics and is ready to follow the diabolical scheme of Sheldon Plankton (played by Wesley Taylor) and Karen the Computer (played by Catherine Ricafort) to flee for their lives, while unknowingly become hypnotized and under their power.  It is up to SpongeBob, Sandy, and Patrick to save the day.

Gavin Lee as Squidward
Photo courtesy of SpongeBob SquarePants, the Broadway Musical

The outstanding vocal characterizations and physical timing of the cast is fascinating.  It keeps the audience engaged throughout the show.  Ethan Slater is a phenomenon.  His amazing vocal range is only surpassed by his physical strength and dexterity.  Gavin Lee skillfully embodies the curmudgeonly Squidward.  He masterfully becomes one with his four-legged costume.  You can’t help but love and root for this downtrodden creature.  Danny Skinner is loveable as Patrick.  Christina Sajous is energetic and sharp as Sandy.  These four performers have a strong connection and genuine chemistry that builds as they face their outlandish and believable challenges.

Jai'Len Christine Li Josey as Pearl
Photo courtesy of SpongeBob SquarePants, the Broadway Musical

Jai’ Len Christine Li Josey is outstanding as Pearl.  She has a strong presence and powerful singing voice.  Brian Ray Taylor is a bold Eugene Krab, creating conflict and thankfully seeing the error of his ways in the end.  Wesley Taylor and Catherine Ricafort are positively evil.  Due to their amazing teamwork, their self-serving plan is raucously carried out with wicked detail and credible precision.   

SpongeBob SquarePants, the Broadway Musical is scheduled to close on September 16.  With choreography by Christopher Gattelli and a score composed by a long list of famous musicians, Tina Landau has created a wild and crazy fun night of imaginative theatre.  You have only a few weeks left to experience it.  Don’t miss out!

Domenick Danza