The SpongeBob Musical – Youth Edition is one of the best things I have seen at The Court Theatre in recent times. Those are words I never thought I would say.
Taking our seats, the excitement is palpable. Are you ready kids?! I can’t hear you!
The happy-go-lucky and ever-optimistic yellow sea sponge SpongeBob SquarePants, his friends Patrick and Sandy, and the rest of Bikini Bottom, discover that Mt. Humongous, a nearby volcano, will erupt within the next 48 hours and completely obliterate this close-knit community. SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save everyone.
The set and lighting design is fabulous with colour, movement and fun everywhere. From an enormous neon cake for Patrick, to jellyfish recreated with white translucent fabric floating above large fans, this delightful adventure just doesn’t slow down.
A dancing Squidward (with extra legs of course) supported by sequined tap dancers present an impressive show-stopping number. The harmonies and chemistry of Eddie Keenan as SpongeBob, Ben Camm as Patrick in the number “BFF” are delightful to watch and listen to.
The entire cast is incredibly talented. They easily transport us out of our seats to a pineapple under the sea – and all that we know goes with it. Director Tim Bain has really hit this one out of the park (or should that be, the sea) drawing the very best from these talented performers. His focused and clever direction of this madcap, colourful romp shows he knows theatre, the audience and his cast. On the way we learn the importance of helping one another, while others around us try to profit, controlling and destroying others. As relevant as ever.
The costumes are fabulous (with some of the most incredible headgear I have ever seen), the dancing, the acting, the singing, the flawless accents (even some regional American – not JUST American), the lighting, the timing, the teamwork – did I mention the singing? Wow!
There are two casts – Pink and Green – and when you see what these young performers are doing, you’ll understand why they need to share the workload. There aren’t two backstage crews though, so full credit to the work they are doing for every show – they did not put a foot wrong.
In the Pink cast, I must mention Eden Taylor (Sandy Cheeks) and Alex Johnston (Squidward) – both wonderful to watch. Taylor’s work has me believing that her tail really is her tail, and Johnston captures the miserable Squidward to a T.
Brooke Wright (Pearl Krabbs) absolutely owns her father’s song “Daddy Knows Best” – one of the highlights.
The standout for my young dates Freddie and Jed? SpongeBob, of course.
The last word must go to nine-year old Freddie who says somewhat incredulously as we are walking back to the car, “how do they get kids to do that?”
Review by Ali Jones