Jake Aboyoun stars as the title character in "The SpongeBob Musical," presented by Celebration Theatre Company at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando. (Kevin Meza / Courtesy photo)
I didn’t think I knew much about the undersea realm of SpongeBob SquarePants, that two-decade stalwart of Nickelodeon TV, until I sat down to watch Celebration Theatre Company’s production of “The SpongeBob Musical.” Apparently I have absorbed some knowledge of the wacky inhabitants of Bikini Bottom — like a sponge, I suppose.
As Squidward in Celebration Theatre Company's production of "The SpongeBob Musical," Pery Salyer has the audience on his side. (Kevin Meza / Courtesy photo)
Patrick Star, Squidward Q. Tentacles, Mr. Krabs — I recognized them all in Celebration Theatre Co.’s breezy, good-natured and entertaining production of the Broadway musical.
If it plays like a cartoon, well, it’s supposed to. The dialogue reflects that.
“Is that something we should worry about,” wonders Squidward as the ground trembles to a rumbling sound.
“Breaking news,” immediately interjects a reporter. “That is something you should worry about.”
A series of fun sound effects, courtesy of music director/sound designer Jameson Boyce, also capture the cartoon source material — whooshes as the spotlight moves, the squish of SpongeBob’s footsteps and various other silly sounds.
But much of the appeal is in how the animated TV characters are transformed into live-action counterparts. Following Broadway’s lead, the costuming is evocative rather than literal — and costume designer Emogene Cronnell has put together vibrant outfits that let us know who is who, even in human form — a favorite touch: Patrick’s pink beanie and star earring.
Three friends on a quest: SpongeBob, Patrick and Sandy (Jake Aboyoun, from left, Brandon Muñoz-Dominguez and Jordan Grant) in Celebration Theatre Company's production of "The SpongeBob Musical." (Kevin Meza / Courtesy photo)
The show does reach greater depths than a simple cartoon. While the kids in the audience giggle, the adults see our own society reflected back at us — and especially how poorly we humans react when threatened by a crisis. Kyle Jarrow’s amusing book is not subtle on this point, but then, when was a kids’ cartoon ever known for subtlety?
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In the story, a volcano threatens Bikini Bottom, and the sea creatures all have different reactions: Mr. Krabs seeks to make a quick buck, the mayor looks to make political capital, some look to blame anyone who’s different, others look to religion to save them.
It’s our spongy hero who thinks teamwork, friendship, optimism and facts can save the day.
As Pearl Krabs, Marquise Hillman is the queen of teenage tantrums in Celebration Theatre Company's "The SpongeBob Musical." (Kevin Meza / Courtesy photo)
In an on-the-nose nod to reality, villain Sheldon J. Plankton sneers, “Do any of you actually believe science can save us?”
Sandy Cheeks, played with chipper spirit by Jordan Grant, sure thinks so. She has a scientific plan to save the town, but — oh no, Patrick and SpongeBob have fallen out.
This is all played lighter than a feather, as directed with a wink by Gabi Glidewell.
The other performers are appealingly in on the joke: Marquise Hillman wails comically as teen terror Pearl, Daniel Torres gives slimy Sheldon a European Bond-villain vibe, Patrick Clark superbly channels a second-rate kids’ TV host as Patchy the Pirate, and a delightful Pery Salyer has the audience rooting desperately for just one good thing to happen to poor, gloomy Squidward. (Spoiler: A very good thing does happen — he leads a big production number choreographed with gusto by Bobby Hall.)
But the relationship at the heart of the show is the fabulous bromance between BFFs SpongeBob and Patrick.
Brandon Muñoz-Dominguez never forgets that what Patrick lacks in brainpower he makes up for with heart — and he’s a hoot as a most unlikely spiritual leader. Jake Aboyoun, for his part, is positively buoyant as ever-cheerful SpongeBob.
Glidewell uses the stage well, but placing some scenes on the upper and lower tiers of the audience seating seems unfair to those seated in the middle tier — and craning their necks to figure out what’s going on. Hailey Osborn’s colorful set is inventive but strangely lacks a visual depiction of the challenge that lets SpongeBob ultimately become the story’s hero.
Among the familiar friends in Celebration Theatre Company's production of "The SpongeBob Musical" are Patrick (Brandon Muñoz-Dominguez, from left in the front row), Squidward (Pery Salyer) and the titular sponge (Jake Aboyoun). (Kevin Meza / Courtesy photo)
The recorded accompaniment tracks are lively and well-blended with the cast’s voices. A few missed microphone cues marred opening night, but ultimately nothing could dampen this lively and engaging trip under the sea.
Find me on Twitter @matt_on_arts, facebook.com/matthew.j.palm or email me at mpalm@orlandosentinel.com. Want more theater and arts news and reviews? Go to orlandosentinel.com/arts. For more fun things, follow @fun.things.orlando on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.