SpongeBob a surprise hit

Energetic fun. That’s how I would describe Aurora High School’s production of The SpongeBob Musical last week, a feel-good experience that surprised me and likely a whole lot of spectators who weren’t quite sure what to expect from a Nickelodeon production.
I have to admit that I was not a fan of the SpongeBob TV show; in fact, I never paid enough attention to really understand or relate to the quirky characters. AHS musicals in recent years have set the bar of expectations pretty high, so I bought a ticket with an open mind and prepared to be entertained. After the curtain fell Thursday night, I would give this year’s performance two thumbs up, applauding everyone involved for creating a high-octane production unlike anything the Aurora stage has ever seen.
Siskel and Ebert I am not, for the record, but as a pit orchestra veteran back in the day and a season ticket holder at the Lied, I always look forward to a night at the theater. I like a variety of musical genres and feed off of energy and emotion on stage, so it didn’t take long to realize that this version of SpongeBob was pretty unique. Director Jason Frew said as much when asked why he selected SpongeBob for the every-other-year headliner, and when it comes to music, he knows what he’s talking about.
The characters were not as well known as Ariel (Little Mermaid), Belle (Beauty and the Beast), and some of the other Disney classics that have graced the stage in recent years, but they had a good story to tell. The characters were quirky, for sure, but the cast embraced the challenge and poured themselves into the roles, creating an energetic vibe that spilled out into the audience.
Bikini Bottom, as it turns out, was a place SpongeBob and friends could test their acting, singing, and dancing limits in new ways, which had to be daunting at first for a young cast and crew. Add in the mix of musical genres — which included country, gospel, and rap, sometimes all within the same song — and you’d have to guess that Day 1 of rehearsals was overwhelming. Weather delays in the final weeks of preparation sent the cast and crew on another, completely unscripted adventure as well.
But by opening night, all the pieces came together for a show that was fast-paced, family-friendly, and easy to follow. The pit orchestra was outstanding, which was in and of itself a challenge given the variety of music, the choreography was well done, and the stage setting, complete with a video board backdrop, created a dynamic scene that was fun to watch unfold.
Take a bow, and a deep breath, Mr. Frew and everyone involved, for putting so much of yourselves into this production. You left us with a smile, while no doubt creating some lifelong memories you’ll always cherish from your time under the lights at AHS.
Well done!
KURT JOHNSON can be reached at kjohnson@ hamilton.net