Saturday, September 14, 2019

“SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS THE MUSICAL” SWIMS INTO THE BUSHNELL





A unique musical adventure awaits you if you are daring enough to travel under the sea to the fictional town of Bikini Bottom and make the acquaintance of one character known as SpongeBob  SquarePants. Do not be dismayed that he resembles a square kitchen sponge as that’s just part of his charm.  He lives in a pineapple house, in a coral reef, with nearby best friends Patrick, his neighbor Squidward and Sandy Cheeks.

Conceived and directed by Tina Landau, with book by Kyle Jarrow, orchestrations by Tom Kitt, choreography by Christopher Gattelli and songs by a number of composers, “SpongeBob SquarePants The Broadway Musical” will be making its second stop on its new national tour at the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts from Tuesday, October 1 to Sunday, October 6 and the whole family is invited.

Originally a highly successful animated series on Nickelodeon, it has now garnered 12 Tony Award nominations.  Filled with sponges, squid, starfish, snails and sardines, it quickly plunges the residents of Bikini Bottom into panic mode.  A nearby volcano at Mount Humongous will soon erupt and the town will be destroyed.

The evil doers in town, the married couple Plankton and Karen have a plan to talk the citizens into entering their escape pod, but it’s really a plot to hypnotize the unsuspected to like the chum they serve at their restaurant the Chum Bucket.  Their rival restaurant the Krusty Krab would be devastated.  A fundraising concert is planned to help the cause. 

While being only a sponge, the inventive SpongeBob has a plan of his own to save the town, calling on his friendship with Patrick and Sandy to help.  Difficulties ensure and the townspeople are soon conflicted about whom to believe and to follow.  Loyalties are tested and disaster seems inevitable.  Come discover for yourself if Bikini Bottom is doomed to disappear forever.

For tickets ($31-123), call the Bushnell, 166 Capitol Avenue, Hartford at 860-987-5900 or online at www.bushnell.org. Performances are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Can a lowly simple sponge find the courage to save his home and his friends and prove his bravery? Grab a crab, an octopus or a snail and help to save the day, turning the tide from “No Control” to “Hero Is My Middle Name” to “Best Day Ever.”

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