The residents of Bikini Bottom sing and even tap in "SpongeBob: The Musical." The show, which is currently having its world premiere in Chicago, is based on the popular Nickelodeon franchise.
The musical was co-conceived and directed by Tina Landau. Landau, who was originally hesitant to take on the property, says once she said yes, "SpongeBob" has made for the ultimate theatrical sandbox.
"One of the early shows SpongeBob and Patrick get a TV in a cardboard box, and they throw out the TV and they have a wild, fun playtime with the cardboard box itself. And I always thought that’s what the show should feel like,” Landau says.
Actor Ethan Slater plays the title character, and has been attached with the musical for four years now.
"So SpongeBob and town of Bikini Bottom are faced with the impudent eruption of Mount Humongous, which is a humungous mountain and volcano, and they have to find a way to save the day,” Slater says.
The score is comprised of original tunes written by Sara Bareilles, John Legend, Cyndi Lauper and other notable artists.
“When I was first thinking about the project, I had this notion that the score should feel like music does on the TV show which is a whole mashup of genres and styles,” Landau says.
SpongeBob: The Musical" is set to wrap up at The Oriental Theatre in Chicago on July 10th, and according to sources, the show will most likely end up in New York as early as the 2016/2017 Broadway season.