Courtesy of The Croswell Opera Home
Few tv reveals have loved the popular culture longevity of Nickelodeon’s beloved kids’s traditional “SpongeBob SquarePants.” Ask a gaggle of ten millennials, “Is mayonnaise an instrument?” and I’d guess at the least half, if not all of them, would instantly acknowledge the reference. That type of enduring cultural influence is what makes “The SpongeBob Musical,” now taking part in on The Croswell stage, really feel tailored for longtime followers. With a formidable music catalog that includes songs by Cyndi Lauper, Panic! On the Disco, Aerosmith, John Legend, and others, this feel-good present additionally has just a little one thing for everybody. It’s not only for youngsters.
The Croswell has gone all out in reworking its stage into the colourful, underwater world of Bikini Backside, residence to, amongst many others, SpongeBob, Sandy Cheeks, and Patrick Star. Beneath the course and choreography of Debra Ross Calabrese, the forged has introduced these iconic characters to life with an power and enthusiasm that feels excellent.
From the second the present begins, there’s little question that Steven Kiss IS SpongeBob SquarePants—the world’s most optimistic fry cook dinner, jellyfishing fanatic. Alongside him, Matthew Johnston nails the lovable, rock-dwelling starfish Patrick Star, whereas Sabriyah Davis dutifully captures Sandy Cheeks’ intelligence and resourcefulness. Jeffrey Beam’s Squidward Tentacles, Jeffrey King’s money-hungry Mr. Krabs, Maxwell Lam’s conniving, scene-stealing Plankton, and Meg Clark’s delightfully robotic Karen spherical out the important thing ensemble, and every actor completely embodies the spirit of their animated counterpart. The vocal performances are equally spectacular; when you closed your eyes, you may simply assume you’re listening to the unique voice forged.
The supporting roles are simply as sturdy. Michael Yuen brings infectious and large “breeeeeaaaaking information” power to the position of Bikini Backside’s information anchor, Perch Perkins, whereas Hallie Yuen reveals off a large vocal vary as Mr. Krabs’ teenage daughter, Pearl (who’s, oddly sufficient, a whale). Erin Yuen performs the Kelp juice-loving Mrs. Puff, and Kylie McElrath is completely forged because the SpongeBob-obsessed fanatic Patchy the Pirate. In a enjoyable little bit of meta-casting, Angie Heath, the mayor of Adrian, performs the mayor of Bikini Backside, who’s attempting to guide her city by an impending disaster.
With so many characters packed into an almost three-hour present, it’s spectacular how every one will get a second to shine. The ensemble additionally performs a significant position, bringing to life fan-favorite characters like Outdated Man Jenkins, the Flying Dutchman, and Mermaid Man & Barnacle Boy. It’s a blast watching the forged channel the playful, high-energy vibe that followers anticipate from a “SpongeBob” manufacturing.
The stakes are excessive, because the residents of Bikini Backside face an imminent risk: a volcano is about to erupt, threatening to destroy the city. Sandy has a plan to cease it, however Plankton has his personal sinister agenda—one that features a hilarious rap to the Bikini Backside residents, making an attempt to persuade them that his plan is the superior, extra sustainable choice. In the meantime, Squidward is organizing a profit live performance (which, at one level, entails a large tap-dancing quantity impressed by “A Refrain Line”), Patrick is being adored by a college of impressionable sardines, and Mr. Krabs is, predictably, attempting to revenue off the city’s impending doom.
Whereas facet plots can generally really feel like filler, “The SpongeBob Musical” makes them work by weaving them seamlessly into the principle storyline. All of those threads come collectively in a rousing finale that had each youngsters and adults on their toes for the enduring, now generational tune “Greatest Day Ever.” Vocally, below the course of Aaron Ross, and musically, below the management of Ray Novak, this forged delivers an unforgettable efficiency. The costumes, designed by Abbie Sage Corridor, are equally flawless, including a visible richness to the manufacturing.
A particular shout-out is deserved for the sound group, led by Karl Kasichke and foley operator Kylie Bushman, whose work brings the world of Bikini Backside to life—from SpongeBob’s squeaky footwear to Squidward’s tentacle actions. The projections, impressed by the cartoon, complement Leo Babcock’s scenic design, which authentically recreates iconic “SpongeBob” areas just like the Krusty Krab, the Chum Bucket, and the properties of Patrick, Squidward, and SpongeBob himself.
At its coronary heart, “The SpongeBob Musical” gives a strong message about overcoming adversity and staying true to your self. It’s a present for anybody who has ever felt like an outsider or struggled to really feel adequate. SpongeBob isn’t only a sponge with a love for Krabby Patties; he’s the embodiment of relentless optimism in a world that usually feels unsure. His unshakable positivity, paired with the assist of his greatest associates, is a reminder of the significance of pleasure and resilience. This colourful, heartwarming manufacturing is a celebration of these qualities, and with an unimaginable forged and crew, it delivers a joyous expertise from begin to end.
The Croswell’s manufacturing of THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL continues by Sunday, December 1st. Tickets might be bought at Croswell.org