A highlight of every trip I make to New York City is always seeing my favorite shows on Broadway. This year, when my grandma told me she bought tickets for us to see SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical, I was skeptical about whether or not it would do the original TV series justice.
Based off the hit Nickelodeon show and the book by Kyle Jarrow, this production takes place in the underwater town of Bikini Bottom, filled with cheerful chuckles and shining smiles from SpongeBob SquarePants (Ethan Slater), Patrick Star (Danny Skinner), Sandy Cheeks (Lilli Cooper), and many more of my favorite childhood characters which were brought to life.
I was drawn to the glimmering stage on my way down to our front-row seats, and I knew then that I was in for a treat. I had a clear view of all the actors on stage, which was surrounded by elaborate structures on the two opposite walls of the theater. It was a packed house filled with adults and children, and pirates could be seen greeting guests as the band set up for the show. I had no idea what to expect for the next two hours.
From the opening note until curtain call, I was grinning with nostalgia during one of the most energetic performances I have seen in my entire life. Ethan Slater, who earned a Tony nomination this year for his role as SpongeBob, embodies the yellow sea creature I grew up with in every way imaginable, from his high-pitched giggles to his goofy but spot-on dance technique. The actor transitions from a childish nasal voice to a mature baritone singing voice, which helps make his performance even more unpredictable and thrilling. Additionally, Slater’s incredible vocal skills added to the impressive choreography and staging; who do you know that can climb up 7-feet tall metal structures while also harmonizing with his fellow actors on stage? You need to see it to believe it. The New York Times stated Slater’s performance was a “once-in-a-lifetime match of actor and character.”
Along with Slater’s starring role as SpongeBob, his two partners-in-crime illustrated how teamwork can win the day. Danny Skinner brought Patrick Star to life in a hilariously unsophisticated fashion, while Lilli Cooper, who played Sandy Cheeks, was the type of angelically powerful female lead the show needed. Gavin Lee, who had a grim frown while playing Squidward Tentacles, also had a tricky task—Lee’s costume included two extra legs which were used for extreme squid tap-dancing, which, to me, was far more entertaining than any dance a human could ever pull off. The musical also features classic characters including Eugene Krabs, Pearl Krabs, Mrs. Puff, Karen the Computer, and even Patchy the Pirate.
The variety of song genres also kept me on the edge of my seat. From R&B, to rap, to pop, and even a taste of country, I could not take my eyes off the stage during any of the musical numbers. For example, when Wesley Taylor (Plankton) had his musical solo, I was blown away because I had never imagined tiny Plankton diving into any musical genre, much less rap, but it only added to the show’s creativity.
The most memorable song of the show came at a pivotal moment in Act II, when all hope seems lost for Bikini Bottom. It is SpongeBob who ultimately unites the town in song and dance with the anthem “Best Day Ever,” which was an original song played during the credits of the first SpongeBob SquarePants movie. Although the first few lines of the Broadway version were new, the writers stayed true to the series by playing the same boppy organ instrumental that had the crowd moving to the beat. Sitting in my seat, absorbed in the cast’s performance, I couldn’t help but tear up watching a song I used to listen to on repeat being performed on the Broadway stage.
Although the acting, set design, and extra sound-effects based off the original series were stellar, I felt the costumes could have been more thought out and arranged to look more like the animated characters, rather than simply having props like crab arms and flowers to symbolize the character in their entirety.
Although some have called this show the “death of Broadway,” I can assure you that this musical is worth your time, especially if you grew up watching the original show. If nothing else can convince you to bother seeing SpongeBob on the big stage, just remember that this musical tied for the most Tony nominations this year, with 12 nominations total, including Best Musical. I recommend parents and children all see this show, because it might be your best day ever.