Not A Simple Sponge: The Simple Brilliance Of The SpongeBob SquarePants Musical

 It has been a while since I talked about a musical on here, but why not mix it in with the talk of animation, movies, videogames, and all the other things I nerd out about, and much like gaming bring it back to this blog. This musical has been special to me for a while and it really should not have worked when you consider the slippery tightrope of adaptation. Well talking about the movie put the musical back into the forefront of the inner machinations of my mind, so why not take hold of this topic and firmly grasp it, set all phasers to wumbo, and explore why the SpongeBob musical takes the worst of times and makes them into the best day ever. 

I have listened to the album many times, and have watched the filmed live on stage version which has different lyrics, I do hope to see a production live someday. The plot involves the denizens of Bikini Bottom facing what seems to be the end of all life as they know it, with a massive volcano about to go off. Plankton has ulterior motives, the town is in chaos, and shenanigans ensue as SpongeBob, Patrick (sometimes), and Sandy do their best to save their small town and the wonderful life under the sea they have always known. 

Each song is written by a different musician from Brenden Yuri of Panic At The Disco, to Cindi Lauper, the late great David Bowie, and so many other talented musicians attributed to this show, giving each song a unique genre and feel while still fitting into the narrative like a glove straight from glove world. The story is simple but packed with humor, charm, and a ton of heart, as well as some very fun references to the show for long time fans. Some of the original jokes are great and fit right in, while the references are used sparingly and fit in perfectly, some of them made just for the filmed version and make it worth the watch all the more, such as a very familiar face playing Patchy The Pirate. 

The music in the show is fantastic to bring things around town and back to that. Many of the lyrics stick the emotional landing they need to, and the instrumentation is super catchy. From fun raps, to big numbers using the whole cast, to even some quiet moments too. The ending alone is beyond sweet, a soft and somber song packed with emotion and leading the show home packed to the brim with heart. Heart that fits right in with the best episodes starring the Goofy Goober. Each character whether in or out song, feels like their cartoon counterpart. The songs are catchy and an all around fun listen, many of them are just plain fun, especially one of the biggest, grandest displays in the show, Squidward's big hit "I'm Not A Loser". There is so much to like about this musical, I can count on one hand how many songs I don't like, and there's a moment or two I don't care for, but unlike bold and brash, the very few qualms I have do not mean I think this show belongs in the trash. 

The message at the end of the day resonates a lot with the audience, of SpongeBob wanting to be greater or something more, viewed as something more then a simple sponge. A plot that is very similar and works just as well as the first movie. There are a few instances of this that remind me of the first movie, to the point where this stands alongside it, and the first three seasons as some of the best. Each character is in character, they act how we expect them to while not just being references to the show, this is an extension of SpongeBob, not a remake or something trying to be better then what it came from. The sets are simple yet memorable, the pit band right on stage, tons of great practical props and set pieces, and a sound effects engineer on stage. This show just wants to be F.U.N while driving home a simple yet heartfelt message, and it does in spades. I love this musical, it's in my personal top ten, at the number 6 spot right under shows like SIX and Hamilton. After Legally Blonde and Newsies this is my favorite musical based on a property or pre existing filmed work, it stands alongside them, and even with some of Disney's stage adaptations.

This by all means should of not worked at all. The idea alone used to make even me scratch my head, and say that it sounded dumb. But once I stopped judging this book by its cover, I found all the hard work that was put into, a cast, crew, and team who wanted to make something that resonated with people, and gave them a good time. This is far from just a simple show, it's a not a typical Bikini Bottom day, it gave one of the biggest cartoon characters in history, one of the best days ever that he and friends deserved. A show much like a Krabby Patty, made out of time, effort, and most of all, love. Listen to the album, watch the live show, or both, it is worth seeing and hearing at least once, packed to the brim of reminders of why this character has been ready for years and years, and will for years to come.