Since 1999, Nickelodeon's smash hit cartoon Spongebob Squarepants has entertained kids of all ages from every nation possible. It then spawned two big-screen feature films, theme park attractions, video games and a tidal wave of merchandise enough to fill a whole basement. Now, the Spongebob phenomenon finally invades Broadway in a new musical. Has civilization really lived us to this?
Well, my fellow theatregoers, you don't have anything to worry about. Thanks to Tina Landau's imaginative and perfectly creative direction, Spongebob (playing at the Palace Theatre) helps elevates adapted musical of an animated classic into pop art (as compared with The Lion King elevating it up to kinetic art) while being faithful to the free-wheeling spirit of the long-running and two-time Daytime Emmy winning series (which is still making new episodes in its nineteenth year on the cable airwaves).
In this musical, we see Spongebob (newcomer Ethan Slater) trying to have a regular, typical day doing the thing he loves best: making krabby patties for the good citizens of Bikini Bottom at the Krusty Krab. But soon, a volcano prepares to erupt in 48 hours, which would destroy the peace of Spongebob's beloved hometown. Now, it's up to the lucky Sponge and his best pals, Patrick (Danny Skinner) and scientist Sandy (Lilli Cooper) to stop the volcano and save humanity as they know it.
Director Landau has made a colorful atmosphere that enhances the environment of the Palace stage. The sets and costumes by David Zinn and Kevin Adams' lighting design delivers a splendid sight for the eyes. Kyle Jarrow has crafted a pleasant enough book, but the volcano plot seems a bit far fetched to me.
A typical Broadway score features the work of one or two people. But for this show, there are twenty-three people involved with the score. Among some of the famous names contributing to the show are John Legend, Sara Bareilles, Cyndi Lauper, the late David Bowie, gospel singer Yolanda Adams, Panic! At The Disco and Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith fame. Each of these songwriters lend their own styles to their songs, which helps create a first-rate musical score.
Making his Great White Way debut, Slater is delightfully gullible and winning as the yellow sponge as he leads a surefire ensemble. Cooper, Skinner and Brian Ray Norris (playing Spongebob's boss, Mr. Krabs) are all excellent. As the sinister Plankton (Mr. Krabs' rival), Wesley Taylor gives a fine comic performance. But the big show-stealer is Gavin Lee as Spongebob's six-legged and unfortunate co-worker and neighbor Squidward. In the second act, Lee wins over the audience with a sparkling tap-dancing number that dazzles with sheer pleasure.
At the performance, there were many children and Spongebob fans in the house excited to see their yellow hero come to life on Broadway. For the show's two hours and twenty minutes, parents and adults will be feeling like their younger selves and happily won't be embarrassed. Even those non-fans will enjoy jumping into an eye-popping sparkling spectacle that they'll hopefully won't regret diving in.
The Buzz on Spongebob Squarepants: The Broadway Musical:
Rating: *** (Very Good)
Bottom Line: Eye-popping and delightful, it delivers a tidal wave of pleasures for kids and adults alike.
Recommended Best for: Ages 5 and up. A worthwhile family musical.
Playing at: The Palace Theatre on 1564 Broadway (between West 46th and 47th Streets) for an open-ended run. For tickets, go to ticketmaster.com, todaytix.com/x/nyc or call 877-250-2929.
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