Review By Ariel Elise, Front Row Reviewers
SpongeBob The Musical, put on by Spanish Fork Community Theatre is an absolutely delightful production filled with laughter, heart, and incredible performances that will leave you feeling lighter than when you arrived and grinning all the way home.
From the moment you set foot in the theater, it is clear that you have entered a slightly wackier version of the world, if only for a few short hours. Patchy The Pirate (Jessica Chapneys) is sure to get you in the mood for the production with her infectious energy and spot on vocals will have you smiling before the curtain rises.
Grey Randal’s exceptional portrayal of the titular character SpongeBob captures all of the positivity and charm of the cartoon character while also adding an amazing depth of emotion to the beloved sea sponge. His vocal range is incredible and he will absolutely charm the square pants off of you with his impeccable balance of over the top expressions, capturing the aesthetic of the original cartoon, and nuanced moments of emotion that sets it apart from just a parody of the iconic Nickelodeon show. He brightens the stage from the moment he sets his squeaky shoes on it and brings a genuine warmth to the production that is a testament to his talent as a musician and actor.
Kaden Renz’s portrayal of Patrick Star is warm and sweet as apple pie while Nicole Ortiz kills it as the smart, spunky and supportive Sandy Cheeks. These beloved heroes help SpongeBob through his latest adventure in Bikini Bottom while also learning about themselves and what they’re truly made of along the way.
One of the absolute delights of this production that took me by surprise is Jace Williams‘ Squidward Q. Tentacles. His portrayal of the famously pessimistic squid is absolutely spot on. The number ‘I’m Not A Loser’ was a complete surprise to me and I loved the creativity displayed by director Kara Poulsen and choreographer Madison Valgardson in the best possible way.
Eugene H. Krabs (Steve Poulsen) and Pearl Krabs (Azure Marott) are a delightfully dysfunctional daddy-daughter duo. Another pleasant surprise is Sheldon J. Plankton (Noah Smith) and Karen The Computer (Lizzy Phillips). Their onstage chemistry is so much fun to watch.
The music and choreography in this show are fantastic. Music Director Maria Lewis has helped these talented musicians display their pipes to wonderful effect. Valgardson absolutely blew me away with how she was able to craft amazing dances in such a variety of unique styles. ‘I’m Not A Loser’, ‘When The Going Gets Tough’, ‘Super Sea Star Savior’ and ‘Chop To The Top’ are all show stoppers with incredible dancing.
The costumes and makeup are charming and whimsical. Brooklyn Tanner (costumes/wigs) and Hannah Anderson (makeup) are able to carefully toe the line between bright and colorful without getting too cartoonish, which works perfectly in this production.
Production Designer Champneys nailed the feel of this show. The staging and sets for this production are absolutely magical and marvelous. I was blown away by the incredible quality of the sets. From the nostalgic tropical flower print synonymous with the show to the clever and ingenious use of black lights, motorized set pieces, and even pyrotechnics, yes, you read that right, Spanish Fork Community Theatre’s SpongeBob the Musical is top tier. Lawson Bendall has outdone himself with this amazing set, and talented crew bringing the world of SpongeBob out of the small screen and into the real world in such a whimsical and exciting way that truly adds to the story in meaningful ways.
All in all, K. Poulsen has showcased her incredible talent of being able to handle a large cast and crew and make sure the production runs as smooth as silk. SpongeBob is a family-friendly delight. I will be the first to admit, when I heard of SpongeBob The Musical, my initial reaction was a literal eye roll. I only went because I love to support my local theater productions and I have young children who are interested in it. My expectations were slim to none. I am thrilled to report that my pessimism is completely unwarranted. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this musical. SpongeBob The Musical is a Tony Award winner for a reason and Spanish Fork Community Theatre has knocked it out of the park and into a Pineapple Under the Sea with this fantastic rendition of it. Run, don’t walk to get tickets to this exceptional and whimsical production. Seriously, I’m buying tickets for my entire family and I will fight you for them. Go see it and have ‘The Best Day Ever!’.
SpongeBob The Musical runs at Maple Mountain High School in Spanish Fork July 18, 19, 22, 25, 26, at 7 pm; July 20, 24, 27, at 2 pm. You can buy tickets online at https://www.sfcitytix.com/ or at the door starting an hour before each performance.
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