Are you ready Havre de Grace? AYE-AYE, CAPTAIN! I can’t heeeaaar you! AYE-AYE CAPTAIN! Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? Appearing at Tidewater Players is he! If nautical nonsense be something you wish! Then get your tickets right now and have fun with the fish! At The SpongeBob Musical now appearing live, in-person on the Havre de Grace Opera House stage with Tidewater Players! Directed and Choreographed by Bambi Johnson with Musical Direction by Nathan Scavilla, this wondrous, amusing cartoon musical will delight young audiences and audiences young at heart. It’s just bubbling with fun and joy and all the uplifting things everyone in the world could use a healthy dose of right now.
If you think you’re just going out to another musical in another theatre, think again. Director Bambi Johnson sets an atmospheric immersion in her artistic vision for The SpongeBob Musical and the moment you enter the auditorium, you’ve gone under the sea into the depths of Bikini Bottom. Shimmery, tattered fabric swings suspended from the ceiling, creating the imaginative underwater effect so that everyone feels like they’re a part of the production, and as this production lends itself at times to audience involvement, this is the perfect way to extend the creatively imaginative scenic design out of the stage out into the house. There are glow-in-the-dark fish on the backs of chairs across the main aisle break; there’s even huge light-flowers on the walls, paying homage to the cartoon stylings upon which the musical is based. And that’s just Johnson’s signature ‘house work’, it doesn’t even begin to hold a candle to the creativity of the set.
The kelp is kelpier, the coral coralier, the whole undersea world that Johnson has fabricate on stage is just stunning. Gem-toned pool noodles, jewel-toned solo cups stacked in an artistic fashion, and interlocked silvery hula hoops make kelp, coral, and giant bubbles on stage in Johnson’s dreamland. There are huge scenic paintings, styled like Squidward’s house, Patrick’s rock, and of course— SpongeBob’s pineapple. The whole effect of the set, as it gently slips down over the edge of the stage and into the house is pure imagination, serving as a welcoming invitation to enjoy the show. And we can’t forget my favorite part- the illuminated jellybrellas! They’re just so magical! Johnson’s work is accented and augmented by Lighting Designer Thomas Gardner. The use of neon-dark-glow special effects is a full-on spectacle in the second act and is really dazzling, particularly the ‘Mt. Humongous’ noodles during “(I Guess I) Miss You.” Gardner has all sorts of wild and zany effects that are used with great frequency throughout the performance, particularly when layering a certain vibe over a big musical number or critical scene. The overall effect of Gardner’s lighting fits the bill for fun times and party-perfect musical.
And the only thing visually outdoing this incredible set and lighting design are the sensational, spectacular, handcrafted costume extravaganza imagined into existence and stitched vibrantly to life by Costume Designer Dickie Mahoney. Save a rainbow suit here or there ordered from the depths of the oceanic internet, Mahoney has given each fish, each sea creature, every supporting performer and principal character a unique and remarkably ingenious look, combining glamor, glitz, color, and sparkle to create a sumptuous visual feast for the audience. In following the practices of the Broadway production, Mahoney has delivered subtle nods to the characters’ origins of being a square, yellow sponge, a bright pink sea-star, underwater squirrel, etc. The iconic features of the principal characters are easily recognized without being over-the-top in the realm of heighted caricatureness. From Patchy the Pirate’s gem-crusted indigo pirate coat to the double-legged pants seen on Squidward, and everything in-between, Mahoney has outdone himself in the creativity and spectacle department.
Following the shimmering thread of well-blended campy cartoon fun, Sound Designer Gabriel Webster (also credited as the live, on-stage Foley Fish!) rides the current of cartoon homage in creating clever bonus sound effects featured throughout the show’s soundscape. When Pearl, Mr. Crabs’ Whale Daughter, thunders onto the stage (in her striking, sparkle-pink platform sneakers), each overt step is accompanied by a hilarious booming sound (to imply that the character is an actual whale…in the SpongeBob cartoon, she’s an animated beluga). The same is true for when Mr. Crabs scuttles across the stage or when Squidward and SpongeBob move around. Webster cleverly captures the soundbites familiar to anyone who grew up with the show on television (and still hilarious even if you have no point of reference) and utilizes these effects to bring an extra layer of comedy to the hilarious and enjoyable show. Webster’s work can be heard in other minute ways throughout the performance too; keep your ears out for the bubbles! Rounding out the audio-visual team perfection is Properties Creator & Master Eyvo. Keep your eye out for all his clever masterpiece contributions to the production, particularly those glow-in-the-dark representations of Sandy, Patrick, and SpongeBob for all of the scenes that happen at Mt. Humongous!
What’s a good musical without great choreography? Director and Choreographer Bambi Johnson showcases her diverse skills all throughout this production, adapting the dancers to the music and their skillsets to her routines. All around the choreography is punchy and energetic, often infectiously inviting the audience to clap along or stomp their feet to the beat. The number “When The Going Gets Tough”, featuring Plankton and his Crew (Maggie Donahue, Regan McComas, Leslie Perry, Stephanie Peterson, Marissa Price, Tigga Smaller) has the ‘jiggiest’ 90’s hip-hop vibe, throwing back fond memories to the cartoon’s origins (1999!) And when Squidward finally gets his big solo number, “I’m Not A Loser” he gets a full-on Broadway series of pinwheels, link-arm-rolls, and a kick line, performed brilliantly by the ‘Sea Anemones’ (Maggie Donahue, Regan McComas, Leslie Perry, Stephanie Peterson, Marissa Price, Tigga Smaller) whose visual inspiration is akin to the Muppet lovechild of Pepé the Shrimp and a feather boa, only adding to the sheer delight and hilarity of their appearance.) Johnson’s choreography has a consistent party-feel to it, which really wakes up the audience, brings the cast to life, and serves as an overall welcoming invitation to both the show and live theatre.
Musical Director Nathan Scavilla has done an exceptional job bringing together a cast full of stars, whose talent cannot be contained by the stage of the Havre de Grace Opera House. When The Electric Skates (Eric Bray, Stanley Evans, Regan McComas) rock out during “Bikini Bottom Boogie”, there is this— wait for it— electrifying sound that gives the raw grit of rock-n-roll without really compromising the musicality of the number. Scavilla brings powerful, superbly harmonized sounds together from the entire company during the Act I finale, “Tomorrow Is”, which in its own right as a song is trying to be “One Day More” from Les Miserables, and Scavilla deftly homes in on that nod to said iconic musical, giving the ensemble this incredible end-all, be-all energetic sound that just resonates clear and rocks strong through the house to give the conclusion of the first act just a hint of weight when it drops. Scavilla does an extraordinary job of finding the serene vocal blends during the show’s more emotionally weighted number, “(I Guess I) Miss You.” This production of The SpongeBob Musical has a seasoned musical director at the helm and it shows in the tremendous strength, perfect pitch, and overall well-blended and balanced sounds heard during each and every musical number.
Director Bambi Johnson has brought together a stupendous cast, making exactingly perfect casting calls, which will set the bar infinitely high for future productions of this show. Encouraging the balance between high-end camp and sincerity, particularly when it comes to some of the sillier characters, Johnson succeeds in getting a joyous production out of her cast. Her creativity knows no bounds, as witnessed in the scenery, atmospheric immersion, and overall conceptualization of the show. She even adds a few little audience involvement touches— but we don’t want to give them away or the Bikini Bottom police might have us arrested for dishing out spoilers! It’s a truly remarkable production, enough good things cannot be said about it; it’s the autumn must-see this year.
There are so many featured performers— like the insanely energetic Gabriel Webster, who opens the show and the top of the second act as Patchy the Pirate (anyone who remembers the cartoon will remember this character from the opening theme song). Webster is a scream, racing all through the house as the obsessive SpongeBob ultra-fanatic and even gets a chance to showcase his vocals during “Poor Pirate”, the hilarious (and seemingly “from-a-different-show”) musical number that opens the second act. Then of course there’s the dashing Perch Perkins (Eric Bray) who doubles up as the leader of The Electric Skates. Bray has that highly stylized ‘news-anchor’ charm, which is hilarious whenever he goes to deliver the epically disastrous news that Bikini Bottom is living at the end of days. The show is populated with little caricatures of characters— like the clearly corrupt Mayor of Bikini Bottom (Jessica Brockmeyer), the bodacious body builder, Larry the Lobster (Mikey Floyd) and Gary the Snail. (who is meowed with spot on perfection by Mikey Floyd, and crafted to visual identicalness by Heidi Pensell.)
With a whale of a voice that can belt through the Marianas Trench, Isabel Bray tackles the underserviced character of Pearl, Mrs. Crabs’ ‘whale’ daughter. Bray has vocal talent for miles, which is regrettably underrecognized in this production (no fault of her own or the producers; the show simply does not give the character of Pearl enough singing and solo material for anyone to appreciate Bray’s true scope of talent.) But when she does belt her face off during “Daddy Knows Best” and has a feature later during “Bikini Bottom Boogie”, hold onto your coral, because Bray is a vocal volcano ready to erupt with her magical voice. Her cantankerous crabtacular father, Mr. Crabs (Matthew Peterson) is the epitome of the money-grubbing greedy cartoon character we all loved to hate from the cartoon show. Peterson has the vocal affectation steamed down to a fine science and even gets Mr. Crabs’ laugh perfected. Peterson, like everyone with a wild vocal affectation in this cast (and that’s all the principals!) carries his vocal adjustments well into his singing voice and it makes his moments in song that much more enjoyable and ‘in-character’ for those truly hoping to see that crab sing.
A master of evil, a super villain that everyone loves to hate, Sheldon J. Plankton (Eyvo) does not disappoint in this production. Paired up with his sassy, snappy, Karen the Computer-wife (Lisa Standish), the two are diabolical monsters in that comical crackup sort of way. Eyvo masterfully delivers a playful villain who is a few cards shy of a full deck (exactly like the meddlesome, scheming Plankton from the cartoon) and his interactions with Standish, as Karen-the-Computer-Wife, are a scream. (And let’s all scream for that outrageous space-age outfit that is so over-the-top it’s fashionable.) Eyvo will blow your mind with his articulate patter, topping out Lin-Manuel Miranda with his lightning speed tongue during the rap-break of “When The Going Gets Tough”. His unctuous, oozy side slips through the rest of this number along with his superb dance skills. And Standish holds her own against this zany character, making her moments shine brighter than that neon chartreuse ensemble she’s wearing (and that’s saying something because that thing will melt UV-Ray-Bans.) The pair are made for one another, particularly when it comes to ‘freezing’ the scene with one of Plankton’s evil gadgets (shout out again to Thomas Gardner’s lighting design!)
Mastering the deadpan, sarcasm, and overall apathy of Squidward Q. Tentacles, Rob Tucker slays as the grumpy squid who gets slapped in the middle of calamity and charm, beleaguered by his too-peppy, too-perky neighbor and co-worker, SpongeBob. Tucker brings a raw edge to Squidward, which is just slap-your-thigh, gut-busting hilarity in action. His freeze-frames, which happen every time he’s about to start a number but gets thwarted in his efforts, are uproarious. His overall physicality, everything from the stooped slump of his frame when he walks away in dejection to the expressive facial features bring such joy to everyone watching, it’s indescribable. And when he finally gets his big hoorah, “I’m Not A Loser”, Tucker pulls out all the stops, showcasing his brilliant vocals (while simultaneously carrying that Squidward-affected sound into his singing voice) and tap-dancing all through a wild routine with his Shrimpanemones; it is quite the spectacle to behold.
If Squidward is the epitome of sarcasm embodied, then Patrick Star (Bobby Mahoney) is the embodiment of simplicity. Every bit the starfish of the cartoon, Mahoney really digs his fins into this character, making each of the ‘less-than-brilliant’ ideas that Patrick has sheer comic genius. Mahoney understands the nuances of the character, not simply making Patrick a ‘big, dumb starfish.’ And when he’s adored by his followers, The Sardines (Anna Perry, Jude Mahoney, Korie Mitchell, Lincoln Olsen, Kyle Perry; with Anna Perry and Jude Mahoney being the spearheading Sardine Leaders who really shine during the big sardine-singalong number, “Super Sea-Star Savior”), Mahoney basks in all the glory being lauded upon the Patrick character. You get to hear Mahoney’s vocals crystal clear during “(I Guess I) Miss You” and it tugs at your heartstrings to hear the bonds of true friendship ringing through his half of the duet.
Chopping her way to the top, there’s no doubt that Lindsay Rosser will karate kick her way into your heart as Sandy the Squirrel. With a flawless Texas accent, which again carries sublimely into her singing voice, Rosser delivers a plucky, punchy Sandy, delighting the audience with her determined nature and overall gumption. She’s got powerful vocals to lend to both her solo feature in “Hero is My Middle Name” and during her duet with SpongeBob, “Chop to the Top.” There is an undeniable edginess to Rosser’s Sandy; she’s rowdier than a bunch of Texas Hush Puppies at a chilidog cookoff. Rosser has fun with her karate moves too and shows everyone she means business when it comes to standing up for what her character believes in.
Anything but a simple sponge, Tyler MacKay White is the trifecta of perfection when it comes to performing as the title character of SpongeBob Squarepants. With a mastery of the laugh (so much so you’d think you were listening to a Tom Kenny laugh-track) and an exuberant and felicitous energy that is SpongeBob incarnate, it is difficult to imagine anyone else in this role but White. His physicality alone brings laughter by the barrel, particularly when it comes to those high-flying flipped-out footwork features that you see whenever SpongeBob is seized by the urge to dance. There is a lightheartedness about White’s portrayal of SpongeBob that is truly amazing; it is juvenile in a spirited and enjoyable sort of way, making you love White’s SpongeBob more than the cartoon itself. White tempers what could easily be the annoying and overdone characteristics of SpongeBob with a sincerity that just melts your heart. And when White starts to sing, again carrying that SpongeBob vocal affectation crisply and cleanly into the musical numbers, you can’t help but burst into a huge smile. His voice is pitch-perfect, powerful, and brings all the joy (or in the rare instance that it occurs, moving sorrow) in the world to his enthusiastic singing. Simple words might do a simple sponge justice, but Tyler MacKay White is a super-extraordinary SpongeBob out living his best SquarePants life. A true triple threat with dancer’s talent, vocal prowess, and acting chops beyond compare, Tyler MacKay White owns this role as sure as SpongeBob is yellow.
Hold onto your bottoms as you dive down to Bikini Bottom over these next two weeks; this is the area community premiere of The SpongeBob Musical with a sensational cast, a superb series of creatives at the wheel, and one heck of a good time to be had by all. You will not want to miss out on this extremely rare opportunity to see a show (before it floods the surrounding theatrical market) that is so perfectly executed you’ll want to see it again and again.
Running Time: 2 hours and 40 minutes with one intermission
The SpongeBob Musical plays through September 26, 2021 with Tidewater Players, the resident theatre company of the Cultural Center at The Havre de Grace Opera House— 121 N. Union Street in historic downtown Havre de Grace, MD. For tickets call the box office at 667-225-8433 or purchase them online.
