We love going to play productions as a family. It is such a fun experience for all of us and it is a great way for us to talk to our kids about how much effort goes into the behind the scenes to make such a fabulous production. It is good for them to see just how much can be achieved when we imagine it and work towards making it happen. The value of the arts in teaching children life lessons and in inspiring them to dream big can not be overstated. It is really wonderful to be able to catch Broadway performances at our very own Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) in Nashville. Naturally, I was excited to receive a media invite to the opening night of the Nashville premiere of ‘The SpongeBob Musical’ and I am pleased to share my review with you here.
Nashville Premiere of ‘The SpongeBob Musical’
A Show For All Ages
In case you are wondering about the appropriateness of the show for certain age groups, you need not worry that it will be just for kids or just for adults. ‘The SpongeBob Musical’ has that kind of humor that kids enjoy but that is smart enough to stimulate the minds of adults too. The beautiful, colorful set and costumes will pull in young children but be just as enjoyable for adults. I really enjoyed hearing some of the kids in the audience reacting to the show with huge laughs of joy. Some were even shouting out, “I love you!” to their favorite characters.
The plot and messages are inspirational for kids and adults alike. In fact that is one of the real beauties of SpongeBob Square Pants. He has the ability to remind adults that we are all alike deep down. That even simplistic stories for kids have powerful lessons that we adults often need to remember- like staying positive and being quick to forgive when a sincere apology is offered. ‘The SpongeBob Musical’ experience is lively, colorful and fun. The set, costumes, sound effects, and songs really capture your eyes and ears the whole time. You forget about everything else as you just watch, listen, and enjoy.
Tristan McIntyre as Sheldon Plankton and Caitlin Ort as Karen the Computer in The SpongeBob Musical
Photo by Jeremy Daniel
I was surprised at how ‘The SpongeBob Musical’ was able to take non-human characters and and allow you to accept the person that played them completely. Through clever props, costumes, and amazing acting, they win you over instantly. Plankton was the perfect example of this and I just loved his performance. Wow!
Spongebob Musical Tour Dates
You can be transported to Bikini Bottom with ‘The SpongeBob Musical’ here in Nashville, November 5-10, 2019. You can find national tour dates here.
SpongeBob Production Music
The ‘The SpongeBob Musical’ is right at home in Music City! The show features an original pop and rock-infused score by several Grammy® Award-winning songwriters. You will enjoy original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Nashville’s own Lady Antebellum, Cyndi Lauper & Rob Hyman, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants, T.I., Domani & Lil’C and songs by David Bowie & Brian Eno, and by Tom Kenny & Andy Paley. Additional lyrics by Jonathan Coulton. Additional music by Tom Kitt.
The songs were all so fun and natural. It never really even felt like there was an awkward moment where they break into singing. It was seamless and flowed effortlessly.
Musical Reviews
“SpongeBob SquarePants is a bubbly musical delight” – Palace Theatre, New York, review
‘SpongeBob SquarePants,’ a Watery Wonderland on Broadway- The New York Times
The SpongeBob Musical Official Synopsis
“Wonders pour from the stage in a ravishing stream of color and invention” (Time Out New York). Broadway’s best creative minds reimagine and bring to life the beloved Nickelodeon series with humor, heart and pure theatricality in a neon-sparkly “party for the eyes and ears” (Daily Beast). Be there when SpongeBob and all of Bikini Bottom face catastrophe—until a most unexpected hero rises to take center stage. This “creative explosion” (Broadway.com) is “nothing short of genius” says Theater Mania. Bring the entire family to celebrate friendship and cooperation, and learn the power of unity and inclusion.
SpongeBob Musical Tickets
Get your SpongeBob Musical tickets at TPAC or thespongebobmusical.com
My 12 year son and I just loved our night out to see ‘The SpongeBob Musical’. We talked about who are favorite characters were and what our favorite parts were the whole way home. It is a memory we will always treasure having shared together. We look forward to catching more Broadway at TPAC shows too!
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