Are You Ready Kids? Summer Stage Mainstage Premieres The Spongebob Musical
Aimed at Ages 8 and Up, This Show Is Sure to Delight Children and Families Alike
Upper Darby Summer Stage proudly presents The Spongebob Musical as the Mainstage production of its 47th season! The Spongebob Musical is the recipient of 12 Tony Nominations, and was named Best Musical by the Drama Desk Awards and Outer Critics Circle. Its score includes music by Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, David Bowie, and many other artists. This musical adaptation of Nickelodeon’s long-running animated children’s sitcom is a timeless story of identity, crisis, and community featuring an eclectic score with something for everyone.
Performances are approximately 2.5 hours, with a 15-minute intermission, and will take place on July 29th, 30th, & August 5th, 6th at 7:30pm and July 30th at 1:30pm at the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, 601 N Lansdowne Ave, Drexel Hill, PA. Tickets range from $18-$22 and may be purchased either online at https://summerstage.udfoundation.org/shows/ or by calling the Box Office at (610) 814-7270. Parking is free. Masks are suggested but not required.
The Spongebob Musical tells the story of its happy-go-lucky titular character, Spongebob (Jayson Brown of Lansdowne), whose pleasant life is abruptly interrupted when he and his friends discover that Mt. Humongous, a nearby volcano, will erupt within the next 48 hours, destroying Bikini Bottom and everyone in it. Spongebob joins forces with Sandy Cheeks (Kennedy McAlister of Philadelphia) and Patrick Star (Pat Walsh of Drexel Hill) to try and save their community. William Daniels of Prospect Park plays Spongebob’s cynical neighbor Squidward, while Nick Taddeo of Havertown and Nigel Grant, Jr. of Upper Darby play the money-hungry Mr. Krabs and the diabolical Sheldon J. Plankton.
Director Sarah DeNight says, “The show is probably not what people would expect if they're just used to the cartoon, or if they think it's going to be like a theme park performance. We have an incredible live orchestra as well as a foley artist, providing sound effects live, in the moment during the show.” She also remarks, “The show is filled with a beautiful humanity and a story that is relatable to our world today. I want the audience to come for a fun evening filled with nautical nonsense, but also to be ready to connect with our performers and the story in a real human way. Also, there will be bubbles...lots of bubbles.”
Since 1976 Upper Darby Summer Stage has presented spectacular, full-scale musical Mainstage productions. Cast members ages 18-28 rehearse in the evenings during the summer, beginning in early June and culminating in performances in early August. The Mainstage productions at Summer Stage have received outstanding reviews from press and patrons alike. Professional set, lighting, costume designers and a full orchestra add to the magic each year. The heart, dedication, and passion of the actors make each show unforgettable.
For more information about The Spongebob Musical and Upper Darby Summer Stage’s 47th season visit https://summerstage.udfoundation.org/.
Upper Darby Summer Stage is incredibly grateful to its season sponsor, Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School, for their support. Summer Stage 2022 is also supported through sponsor and host, Upper Darby School District, as well as founding sponsor, Upper Darby Township. Upper Darby Summer Stage is now officially a program of the not-for-profit Upper Darby Arts & Education Foundation.