Going Beyond the Script
Are you ready, kids? Today we’re going under the sea and beyond the script with SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical! The 2016 musical was inspired by the spunky sponge and nautical nonsense of the popular Nickelodeon animated series of the same name. It was co-conceived and directed by Tina Landau, with songs by various artists and a book by Kyle Jarrow. Let’s learn more about SpongeBob Square Pants and the TheatreWorld backdrops that will bring Bikini Bottom to life on your own stage!
SpongeBob SquarePants – Act One
SpongeBob SquarePants awakens and welcomes the day with his pet sea snail, Gary. On the way to work at the Krusty Krab restaurant, he greets various friends in his hometown of Bikini Bottom—including his best friend Patrick, his neighbor Squidward, and his friend Sandy Cheeks. SpongeBob hears his boss Mr. Krabs tell his daughter Pearl that she is in next line to manage the restaurant. SpongeBob hints at his desire to become the manager, but Mr. Krabs laughs at him.
Out of nowhere, a violent tremor rocks the entire town. A news report reveals that nearby volcano Mount Humongous caused the disruption. As the town panics over their impending doom, married villains Plankton and Karen try to convince the citizens to enter an escape pod and get to safety. In reality, it’s part of their secret scheme to hypnotize the citizens in the pod into liking the chum that they serve at their restaurant, the Chum Bucket.
The townspeople decide to hold a last-minute music concert to raise enough money to build the pod. Squidward offers to performs his one-man show. He is upset when the townspeople immediately shoot down his idea. Pearl suggests that the famous rock band the Electric Skates play at the concert. Everyone agrees and they name Squidward event manager. Despite Sandy’s pleas that science could help them solve the problem, the townsfolk ignore her.
SpongeBob believes the town should try and save Bikini Bottom instead of running away. He convinces Patrick and Sandy to climb the volcano and stop it from erupting with a bubble device Sandy will build. A group of cultist sardines interrupt their planning session. They liked what Patrick said at the town meeting and decide to make him their new leader. Patrick decides to back out of SpongeBob’s plan so that he can bask in self-glory. He and SpongeBob argue and end their “BFF” status.
SpongeBob SquarePants – Act Two
It’s volcano erruption day and Bikini Bottom has descended into anarchy and chaos. An angry mob hunts for Sandy, thinking she’s caused the impending eruption with her science. Sandy and SpongeBob escape the mob and head up the volcano with her ingenious bubble device, the Eruptor Interrupter. SpongeBob cannot help but think of Patrick and how he wishes he were there to help them.
Back in Bikini Bottom, Plankton and Karen form a plan to use their avalanche maker to kill SpongeBob and Sandy. Meanwhile, Patrick grows bored with life as a guru and decides to leave to help his friends.
After a fight with Squidward, the Electric Skates refuse to participate in the concert and leave town. Squidward performs a fantastic song-and-dance number to prove he’s not the loser they think he is. He is dismayed when he realizes it was all in his head. The citizens panic and fight one another. Plankton and Karen use the avalanche maker to cause an avalanche, sending SpongeBob falling off the mountain. Patrick arrives in the nick of time and saves him with a jetpack Sandy invented. They reaffirm their friendship and follow Sandy to the summit of the mountain.
Finally, the friends reach the top, but they find neither Sandy nor Patrick can squeeze through to the rim of the volcano. They turn to SpongeBob, who doesn’t think he can do it. They remind him that he is the only one who can squeeze through tight areas and that his optimism has gotten them this far. His determination renewed, SpongeBob throws the Eruptor Interrupter into the volcano.
Back in town, everyone braces for their potential deaths–but no eruption occurs. Bubbles fall down from above, signaling that Sandy’s invention worked. Bikini Bottom safe and everyone apologizes for their behavior. Plankton and Karen argue and accidentally reveal their secret plot. Mr. Krabs decides to name SpongeBob as manager of the Krusty Krab someday. The citizens of Bikini Bottom celebrate with a new concert, led by Pearl and Squidward. During the curtain call, the cast performs one final song, “SpongeBob SquarePants Theme Song”.
SpongeBob Backdrops
TheatreWorld has all the backdrops to make your production of SpongeBob the “best show ever”! Let’s dive into some options.
Underwater Scenes
TheatreWorld has many great options to portray life under the sea! Directors often choose to use a single underwater backdrop for this show, with or without large set pieces and vibrant props. If you’re going this direction, our first choice would be our brand new and extremely colorful Underwater Aloha backdrop (coming to our site soon!), whose cartoon style works perfectly for this animated adventure. Coral Kingdom – B, just as bright, but with more realistic artwork, is another exciting choice. For a simpler look, consider Breaking Through the Clouds or Under the Sea- Azure Blue. For backdrops featuring shipwrecks, mirroring the stylings of the SpongeBob animated series, choose Deep Sea Wreckage or Underwater Ruins.
Abstract Choices
Another option would be a backdrop that emphasizes the color and whimsy of SpongeBob’s world without explicitly portraying an underwater scene. If you go this route, opt for bright and colorful Bubble Lights – B! It’s pure, vibrant fun. For a slightly more muted, but no less whimsical option, consider either Bubble Lights or Magical Illusions. Both are great choices if you want to add a bit of fun but let your costumes and set pieces take center stage.
A Little Something Extra
If you’re looking to add a second drop to your production, Squidward’s big number is a great moment for a change of scenery. Our Be Our Guest Celebration Drape or We’re in the Money backdrops invoke some of the biggest, most famous Broadway dance numbers and the pizzazz of vaudeville. Instead of, or in addition to that moment, consider adding a drop to set a different tone for Plankton’s den. There’s no better setting for underwater evil than Ursula’s Lair, which glows a dasdardly magenta and is protected by a bloodthirsty band of sharks and barracudas.
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