First there was SpongeBob SquarePants, the television show that debuted on Nickelodeon in 1999 and is still running today. Then, from 2017 to 2018, there was the Broadway show: SpongeBob the Musical playing at the Palace Theatre in New York City. On Friday, July 7, SpongeBob the Musical opened at Chicago’s Chopin Theater. Directed by JD Caudill, the show is an ebullient celebration of friendship, community and living each moment to the fullest.
Actor Frankie Leo Bennett’s SpongeBob somersaulted onto the stage Friday night in a yellow short-sleeved shirt and brown corduroy shorts and declared it “the best day ever!” Patrick, played by Isabel Cecilia Garcia; Squidward, played by Quinn Rigg; Sandy, played by Sarah Patin; Mr. Krabs, played by Tommy Bullington; and others joined him on stage for the first song, “Bikini Bottom Day,” written by Jonathan Coultan.
A rumble interrupted their joy, and a newscaster announced that a volcano was about to erupt and destroy their home. As citizens panicked and the government struggled to get the crisis under control, Plankton, played by Parker Guidry, and Karen the Computer, played by Amy Yesom Kim, hatched an evil plan to take over the world. In the confusion, a hero must rise up, stop the disaster and bring everyone together again. It’s a storyline developed by Kyle Jarrow for the Broadway show.
The SpongeBob Musical3(front, center)Quinn Riggwith (back, l to r) David Lipschultz, Quinn Simmons, Shane Roberie, Maddison Denault, Nicky Mendelsohn, Kelcy TaylorandTommy BullingtoninKokandy Productions’The SpongeBob Musical. Photo by Evan Hanover.
At the Chopin, was a live band playing music written by Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, the Flaming Lips, Cyndi Lauper and John Legend among other notable names. A foley designer was also onstage and visible to the audience making squishes, squeaks, bubbles and slide whistles timed perfectly with the action.
There were many laugh-out-loud moments for the audience, which was mostly adults. It was a hilarious, fun performance fueled by actors’ energy, dancing, colorful costumes, wigs and makeup. The unexpected creativity in the set and use of simple props and the analog music and sound effects made the entire experience memorable. As for the kids in the audience, there was an effort to include them in the fun, but with the lack of young performers and child characters, many of the jokes might have gone over their heads.
I recommend the show to anyone looking for an evening of laughter and positivity, especially if you watched and enjoyed the TV show as a kid or with your kids.
The show runs through September 23, 2023
Chopin Theatre
1543 W. Division St., Chicago
Tickets are $25-$50
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