SpongeBob SquarePants Theatre Review; The Musical for Everyone?

Who lives in a Pineapple under the sea?!

SpongeBob SquarePants, the hit Nickelodeon TV series, has become a global phenomenon. Eleven seasons of nautical nonsense, thousands of viewers, two hit movies, a theme park roller-coaster, and what next? A rainbow spectacle on Broadway in the Palace Theater.

Most people cringe at the idea of having a cartoon about a sponge become a musical. How could you make a successful show out of a cartoon show aimed at young audiences? With all the articles stating that the TV series can 'rot your brain', you would think a Broadway show based off the series would be hard to sell. And your right.

The night after I attended the splashy bombardment of colors, it was revealed that the Broadway show will be set to close on September 16, 2018.

I wasn't surprised by the announcement. It's hard to draw a diverse crowd to this show. If a tourist sees the title on the TKTS board and isn't familiar with the TV series, it's a slim chance that they would actually take a chance and go see it.

Those who choose not to attend this musical truly miss out. This is a once in a lifetime kind of spectacle. With a stunning DIY set kind of effect, you are fully immersed and transported to a new, 3D version of Bikini Bottom that you have never seen before.

The set enough is reason to go see this show. With rube Goldberg like contraptions that go off and steamers that fly into the audience, it's a very magical experience.

This musical, hard to believe, does have a plot that works. The story begins as soon as SpongeBob's alarm clocks goes off on a typical day in Bikini Bottom. Turns out, it's not an ordinary day. When it's revealed that a volcano will erupt destroying Bikini Bottom and bringing 'the end', the town is thrown into chaos. SpongeBob, of course, with his high level of positivity and optimism, refuses to give up and decides with the help of his friends they will stop the eruption from bringing the fall of the world they know.

What intrigues me about this musical is that all though this a completely new plot than any SpongeBob episode air, the show will give the nostalgic feeling of watching a SpongeBob episode on TV. The jokes have the same cheesy but hilarious tone, and the characters, though in human form, feel familiar and like old friends. It may not look like the Bikini Bottom you know, but it is a newly designed town that won't disappoint fans.

The cast is led by Ethan Slater as the yellow sponge, and they couldn't have found anyone better to play the role. With constant energy and optimism, he creates the cartoon character in an incredible way. Even though we're looking at a human onstage, his physicality and movements create a sponge in front of your eyes. His performance is so amusing and fun to watch!

Danny Skinner plays his sidekick, Patrick Star, hilariously. Bringing the not so smart sea star to life in a new unique way. Like Slater, it's easy to see him as a star onstage and not a human. Complete with hair that's pink and shaped like a triangle, he is a starfish.

Lilli Cooper joins them both as Sandy Cheeks the squirrel, her round afro serving as her round helmet that she would usually wear in the TV show. She brings the cartoon squirrel to life in a way that makes the character very admirable with courage and independence.

Finally, the fabulous Gavin Lee plays the squid, Squidward Q. Tentacles in a very memorable performance! His tap dance number the second act is pure Broadway magic and is a complete showstopper. He steals the show in act two.

The whole cast does a tremendous job of keeping the energy and excitement in the theater up. There is not one dull moment in this musical.

Though this show is a complete spectacle, the messages hidden inside it are ones that we can all take from in today's world. With topics that include fake news, discrimination, and more, you can learn a lot from this show.

This show is very enjoyable and adults will find it just as amusing as the children in the theater do. The jokes tend to appeal to all ages. At it's core, this show is about staying positive in the hardest of times and finding hope in those around you. This message is effective and during the number "Best Day Ever" (TV series fans will remember the song) the theme is clear.

So is SpongeBob SquarePants really the musical for everyone? Yes, everyone can take something away from this production and leave wanting to be just as positive as the hero of the story, the sponge. Not only that, but everyone who goes leaves the theater smiling and radiating the same energy that the cast held onstage.

Don't miss out! Go catch this show and it's outstanding cast before they leave Broadway on September 16!