I haven't had the time to detail my thoughts, but I think it's about halfway there. It shows a lot of creativity and potential. The biggest problem is the book. It is overstuffed with ideas for the sake of including beloved characters and shoehorning songs by famous artists, but few of them serve the plot or exist organically to cohesively bind the show together. There are subplots galore including Plankton's evil plot to sell fast food, a rock band, a telethon, and a Patrick-worshipping cult of...characters (still have no idea what they were supposed to be), most of which needs to be focused more sharply to adhere to the plot (like the Patrick conflict) or cut entirely (the rock band). And there is recurring business with the pirate that tends to go on way too long (though the song, reminiscent of Peter and the Starcatcher second act opening, is delightful).
I actually like the concept and design of the sets and costumes (with the exception of the cheap-looking and unnecessary wig used for SpongeBob). The lighting is mostly great other than a few scenes where the balance is off and as a result, rely too heavily on spots.
Kitt's work on the score is pretty good, but both act finales seem unfinished in scoring and vocal arrangements. The Bowie song is so out of place and jarringly weird, I still don't know how I feel about it. And other than three numbers (the chop song, the pirate song and the Squidward song), the choreography and musical staging need serious attention. There was a black light number featuring the cast waving sponges around that does not work AT ALL. When they form shapes, they are barely discernible and the rest of the time, they just look like people holding sponges. It's too literal and contrived.
That being said, there is fun to be had. The Chop number was an instant favorite and cleverly written and staged. Gavin Lee pretty much runs away with it in Squidward's show stopping tap number (the costume is a riot). And the entire cast is an absolute joy, especially the core four.
For a first preview, it was a surprisingly solid performance. Just a couple of minor sound glitches. I liked it better than the Addams Family tryout, and as I said, it can be delightful and it shows potential. But in its current state, it's sort of Seussical meets Spider-Man 1.0 (and I saw both). I hope they do the necessary work and shape it into something more cohesive and coherent. And for the record, a bit too long. From curtain time to the end of the bows, it clocked in at 2:45.
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
Updated On: 6/9/16 at 05:14 PM
