From Bikini Bottom to Broadway, the Spongebob Musical Is on Its Way
Spongebob Squarepants is one of our all time favorite Nickelodeon shows filled with hilarious gags and heartwarming friendship.
But this ragtag gang of friends (and foe… sorry Squidward) is about to breach out of Bikini Bottom and land on Broadway this fall.
The musical will premiere at the famed Palace Theatre in early November with an official opening night on Dec. 4.
Are you ready, kids? Get to know all of the (so far released) details about the newest and goofiest Broadway musical below:
Writer: Kyle Jarrow
This Bikini Bottom book was written by Kyle Jarrow, a writer and musician who epitomizes the question, "What can't he do?" Spongebob Squarepants is his latest theatrical project, but it certainly isn't his first. This award-winning writer has a handful of plays up his sleeve as well as a new television show, Valor, set to hit the CW this fall. As if these credits weren't enough, Kyle is also the lead member of the rock band Sky Pony. In the words of Spongebob, "I'm ready! I'm ready! I'm ready!" to see how this writer has turned our favorite television into theatre.
@WhisperHouseLDN, baby! Gotta love a good marquee. pic.twitter.com/c1FHpkEs3X
— Kyle Jarrow (@landoftrust) April 4, 2017
Director: Tina Landau
Spongebob director Tina Landau has been in the theatre game for years, earning herself many awards and nominations for her work. Some of this writer-director's most notable work includes Superior Donuts and Floyd Collins, written by Tina and awarded the Lucille Lortel Award for Best Musical. In the theatre scene this expert is known for her large-scale and ensemble-inclusive work, which makes her the perfect contestant for tackling the residents of Bikini Bottom.
Original Music By Stars
This musical will feature original works by some of the biggest names in the industry. From Sara Bareilles—who has another musical on Broadway, Waitress—to Steve Tyler of Aerosmith to John Legend and T.I., it seems hard to find a huge name in music who isn't involved in the Spongebob musical. Possibly the most exciting song to be featured in this adaptation is an original piece written by David Bowie who was a huge fan of the Nickelodeon cartoon. He even appeared in a 45-minute-long episode special of the show, "Atlantis SquarePantis," as the character Lord Royal Highness.
While you may be thinking that this track list is comprised of favorite songs by these artists, you'd be wrong. Playbill points out that each song was written specifically for the musical and the artists were assigned plot points from the playbook to write original music that fit the story.
Choreography: Christopher Gattelli
This Tony Award-winning choreographer is probably best known for his work on Newsies, which earned him numerous accolades. Other credits include musical staging for the 2008 revival of South Pacific and choreography for 13, a coming-of-age comedy centered around teens. This professional has been in the dance scene since he was a kid and if there's one thing his past credits make certain, it's that Christopher has a way with bringing humor and entertainment to his choreography.
Cast: Newcomers and Names
While the entire Broadway cast hasn't yet been announced, we know the actors bringing life to our four favorite title characters: Spongebob, Patrick, Sandy and Squidward. Spongebob will be played by Broadway newcomer Ethan Slater. Best friend forever, best friend forever, Patrick will be played by Danny Skinner who is also making his debut on the famous stage. Spunky Sandy Cheeks is played by Lilli Cooper who is anything but new to the scene. You may recognize this Broadway beauty from her roles as Elphaba in Wicked and Martha in Spring Awakening. Now for Squidward, played by Gavin Lee, who is surprisingly best known for his charming role as Bert in the staged adaptation of Disney's Mary Poppins.
Excited for more screen to stage adaptations? You have to find out everything we know so far about the Mean Girls musical HERE.