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Bikini Bottom is headed for Livermore as Tri-Valley Theatre Company presents “The SpongeBob Musical” at the Bankhead Theater starting this weekend.
A family-friendly production with seven performances through Aug. 16, the musical play – inspired by the animated television series created by the late Stephen Hillenburg – follows SpongeBob SquarePants and his friends as a looming volcanic eruption threatens Bikini Bottom. With disaster approaching, they must come together to save their undersea world.
Brian Olkowski, artistic director of Tri-Valley Theatre Company, said audiences can expect more than just a stage version of a familiar cartoon.
“Audiences should expect a show full of heart,” Olkowski said. “Even though people may recognize the characters and comedy from the television series, this musical tells a story about community, resilience and finding hope when everything seems impossible.”
The Broadway adaptation was named Best Musical by the Drama Desk Awards and Outer Critics Circle and received 12 Tony Award nominations in 2018, according to a press release from Livermore Valley Arts. The musical also features a score with songs by artists such as David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Sara Bareilles, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, They Might Be Giants and Panic! At The Disco.
Olkowski said one of the surprises for audiences may be that the show is geared not only toward children.
“We’ve built a production that is energetic, funny, visually exciting and filled with unforgettable performances,” Olkowski said. “Whether you’re introducing your child to live theatre for the first time or you’re a longtime musical theatre fan, there’s something in this show for everyone.”
The production continues Tri-Valley Theatre Company’s work as a resident company of the Bankhead. Other past productions included “Legally Blonde The Musical”, “The Music Man”, “Rock of Ages” and “The Addams Family”.
For “The SpongeBob Musical,” Arthur Mautner of Napa stars as SpongeBob SquarePants, with The T of Hayward as Patrick Star, Robert Lopez of Hayward as Squidward Q. Tentacles and Lucy Moore of Livermore as Sandy Cheeks. The cast also features Jake Donaldson of Vacaville as Eugene Krabs and Zach Reinie of Campbell as Sheldon Plankton, along with performers from Livermore, Pleasanton, Hayward, Oakland, San Jose and other Bay Area communities.
Olkowski said watching the cast bring the characters to life with their own interpretations has been one of the most exciting parts of bringing the show to the stage.
“They capture the personalities audiences love without simply imitating the cartoon,” he said. “Every performer has found a unique way to make these characters feel real on stage, bringing a lot of heart into the story.”
The production is directed by Danny Cozart, with choreography by Staci Arriaga and vocal and music direction by Jed da Roza. Julia Husch is the costumer, and AJ Amstrup and Olkowski are the producers. Amstrup also serves as the backstage manager, while Olkowski also serves as the stage manager.
It is also intended as a celebration of local talent, with cast members, orchestra members, designers, technicians and volunteers from the community.
“Tri-Valley Theatre Company believes theatre should bring people together, and ‘The SpongeBob Musical’ does exactly that,” Olkowski said.
Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. this Saturday (Aug. 1) and Aug. 15, and 1 p.m. this Sunday (Aug. 2) and Aug. 8, 9, 15 and 16. The matinee performance on Aug. 15 will include ASL interpretation, and Girl Scout Fun Patch events with post-show talkbacks are scheduled after the matinees on Aug. 8 and 15.
For tickets and more information, visit livermorearts.org.
