Matthew Letourneau as SpongeBob in The SpongeBob Musical at KMC Onstage, Germany (SrA Kyle Kostner)
Comedy? Yes.
Musical talent? Yes.
Just for kids? No.
Whether you love or hate the screen versions of the world’s best-known yellow sponge, the KMC Onstage production of The SpongeBob Musical is an unmissable ocean of entertainment for both kids and adults. Even before you find your seat, the show has started in the lobby where two security guards need help finding a pirate.
This fun frenzy of a musical, directed by Naythen B. Rinehart, follows the cartoon’s cast of characters on a regular day in Bikini Bottom, the underwater town where they all live, until an impending volcanic eruption spews the world into chaos. As in the show, our protagonist (absorbent, yellow and porous is he) steps into the role of unlikely, but well-meaning hero.
““Brains, brawn and even though I don’t have a special skill, I’m coming too!””
— SpongeBob
Billy Bryan as Patrick Star, Kassandra Gonzalez as Sandy Cheeks and Matthew Letourneau as SpongeBob in The SpongeBob Musical at KMC Onstage, Germany (SrA Kyle Kostner)
The role of SpongeBob SquarePants seems created for actor Matthew Letourneau who has the energy, comedic timing and singing talent needed to make us all love someone who is more than “just a simple sponge.” Of course, SpongeBob joins forces with his best friend, Patrick Star (Billy Bryan) and Texan squirrel scientists Sandy Cheeks (Kassandra Gonzalez) to tackle the volcano. And things go awry.
If you don’t know the show’s characters, don’t worry about it and just swim along for the ride. Instead of attempting to mimic cartoonlike costumes, actors are colorfully dressed in clothes, hair and makeup that nod at their animated counterparts. The multi-level bamboo-covered set is colorful, with the general ambience of the sea and magical blue lights. Props and set pieces represent our favorite locations – the Krusty Krab, Jellyfish Fields and the Chum Bucket.
Maddie Turner as Plankton in The SpongeBob Musical at KMC Onstage, Germany (Capt. Lisa Rivera)
Yes, the perfect villain, Plankton (Maddie Turner) and his supercomputer wife Karen (CPT TJ Thompson) commands the stage as he plots an evil scheme to get more people to the Chum Bucket restaurant. Plankton’s fantastic rap number is one of many full-cast high-energy songs. The show is, in fact, full of incredible music written by a star-studded list that includes David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Steven Tyler, T.I. and more. The musical received 12 Tony Award nominations when it debuted.
In Bikini Bottom, more troubles come when Patrick is lured away by the adoration of a group of sardines in a large, incredibly comedic, gospel-style musical number. There is a large talented cast in this show, and we are more often than not treated to a full stage with new interesting costumes and choreography for every song.
The SpongeBob Musical at KMC Onstage, Germany (Capt. Lisa Rivera)
The KMC Onstage production of SpongeBob the Musical has is all. There are laughs galore, a touching moment or two and a never-ending lineup of colorful song and dance numbers. This show is a show for everyone – adults and kids alike – so help the security guards find Patchy the Pirate (Kandel Baxter) and sing along… Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?
I highly recommend booking tickets ahead of time online at webtrac.
Show dates:
May 10 at 7 p.m
May 11 at 7 p.m
May 12 at 2 p.m.
May 17 at 7 p.m.
May 18 at 7 p.m.
May 19 at 2 p.m.
Pirates in The SpongeBob Musical at KMC Onstage, Germany (Capt. Lisa Rivera)
