Theater Review: Nautical Nonsense Abounds in ‘SpongeBob the Musical’ At Cape Rep

 See all your favorite characters from “SpongeBob Squarepants” come to life in the Broadway production of “The SpongeBob Musical, the Youth Edition” in the outdoor theater at Cape Rep. 

In the musical, SpongeBob and his friends Sandy Cheeks, Patrick Star, Squidward and Plankton are trying to save their home, Bikini Bottom, from a volcanic eruption. Based on Stephen Hillenberg’s cartoon series, the book is by Kyle Jarrow, conceived by Tina Landau, with original songs by many different artists including Steven Tyler, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend and Yolanda Adams. 

 A volcano is going to erupt and destroy all of Bikini Bottom, according to computer calculations. What is the town going to do? Move? Sandy Cheeks has an idea but it involves bravery and skill: drop an “eruptor interrupter” into the volcano's crater. SpongeBob to the rescue! 

 Chelsey Jo Brown emulates the frenetic SpongeBob perfectly. Alex Mai Murray is adorable as sidekick Sandy Cheeks, and Anthony Teixeira plays Patrick with just the right amount of angst. Ari Lew is a great Squidward (loved the costume!) and Sam Billman’s Plankton is rub-your-hands-together diabolical. The kids in the audience were delighted to see crabby Mr. Krabs (Hannah Carrita), too. Rounding out the cast is Hailey Deltano as the Mayor of Bikini Bottom, Jack Martin as Mrs. Puff and Emily Shafritz as Karen the Computer. With over 13 song and dance numbers, the hour and a bit flies by and will delight and captivate even the most fidgety members of your family. The cast walks all through the audience at times and engages with the children often; plus, after the show they stay and chat and sign autographs. 

 Director Holly Erin McCarthy does it again. A knack for children’s shows that are also entertaining for the parents is her forte. For this show, McCarthy’s team is musical director Ben Colgan, set designer Ryan McGettigan, and lighting by Susan Nicholson. The fabulous costumes were designed by Robin McLaughlin and McCarthy, the prop and puppet design also by McCarthy and Brielle Whalen is the final piece of the puzzle as stage manager.

 The creative set, the outdoor setting and the contagious energy of the cast all adds up to a delightful experience.