The SpongeBob Musical

Bristol Musical Youth Productions BMYP       The SpongeBob Musical

As seen by Debi Weaver (NODA Southwest District 13/16) on Friday 21st October 2022 at The Redgrave Theatre.

DIRECTOR/Choreographer: Vicki Klein                       ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Chris Parlow

MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Brendan Casey

Well…. this was a new one for me The SpongeBob Musical, based on the Nickelodeon’s long-running animated children’s cartoon by Stephen Hillenburg. The Musical was conceived by Tina Landau, with book by Kyle Jarrow. A range of musical acts of different genres provided the music, including such names as Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, and Panic! At the Disco.

Set in the colourful, under sea town of Bikini Bottom, a volcano is about to erupt, threatening to destroy the town. Everything descends into chaos as the colourful and quirky residents try to decide whether to stay or go and who is to blame. Eternally optimistic SpongeBob teams up with his BFF, Patrick Star and Sandy, a Texan squirrel to save the town.

This was also my first visit to BMYP and what a talented bunch of young performers they are. Welcomed at the start by the French Oceanographer doubling up as the sound effects man, the opening number set the scene perfectly, introducing all the characters of the town. The actor playing SpongeBob captured the enthusiastic and ever optimistic character brilliantly, and what a fabulous voice as well. I loved Patrick Star; he demonstrated some lovely facial expressions and great dance moves. The relationship between these two was both funny and endearing. Squidward the frustrated performer was a delight, “I’m Not A Loser” was a highlight for me including the tap-dancing anemones. Sandy the squirrel clearly an accomplished dancer with a lovely voice. Mr Krabs embodied the greedy owner of the Krusty Krab, and his daughter Pearl demonstrating a strong character. Whilst his competitor the scheming Plankton and Karen the computer were suitably evil, plotting to hypnotise the whole town. His number “When The Going Gets Tough” another highlight. The Bikini bottom Mayoress, delivered her very politically apt lines very well. A couple of politicians came to mind when watching her performance. All the featured roles and ensemble performed with great enthusiasm and character. The wide range of musical genres in this show enabled BYMT to demonstrate their strong dance abilities to full effect and in many different styles.

The set, made from recycled objects from the local community, combined with fantastic lighting design, and projections brought the town of Bikini Bottom to life brilliantly. The use of inflatables etc for the volcanic tremors worked particularly well. Congratulations to the costume team/designer, the costumes were inventive, bright, and perfectly enhanced the setting.

Director and Choreographer Vicki Klein, Chris Parslow as assistant director, and Brendon Casey as Musical Director should be immensely proud of what they have achieved with this production.

Thanks for a wonderful evening of joy and pure escapism, I am really looking forward to seeing your next production of We Will Rock You.

 These comments solely reflect the view of the Representative and can only relate to the performance seen.

 

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