The SpongeBob Musical

A CONCORD THEATRICALS TITLE

The SpongeBob Musical

Full-Length Musical, Comedy  /  16any gender (adult) plus ensemble

Based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg
Book by Kyle Jarrow
Musical Production Conceived by Tina Landau
Original Songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants, T.I.
And Songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny & Andy Paley
Additional Lyrics by Jonathan Coulton | Additional Music by Tom Kitt

©2023 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Nickelodeon, SpongeBob SquarePants and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. Created by Stephen Hillenburg.

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea and became the hottest star on Broadway? Why, it's SpongeBob SquarePants! And now he’s ready to ride the wave to your theatre to entertain and delight audiences in this brilliant, bright, hilarious and brand-new musical.

Image: 2017 Broadway Production (Joan Marcus)

The SpongeBob Musical

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    16any gender (adult) plus ensemble
  • Duration
    Duration
    More than 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Fantasy, Adaptation (Stage & Screen)
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Appropriate for All Audiences
Accolades
Accolades
  • Nominee! Twelve 2018 Tony Awards, including Best Musical
    Winner! 2018 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical
The SpongeBob Musical
Also Available
The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition
The SpongeBob Musical: Theatre for Young Audiences Edition

Details

Summary

Plunge into this stunning all-singing, all-dancing, dynamic stage show! When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. With lives hanging in the balance and all hope lost, a most unexpected hero rises up. The power of optimism really can save the world!

The SpongeBob Musical is based on the beloved animated series created by Stephen Hillenburg and features a book by Kyle Jarrow, with original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alexander Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants and T.I., and songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny and Andy Paley. Additional lyrics are by Jonathan Coulton, with additional music by Tom Kitt. The musical production was conceived by Tina Landau.

An exciting new musical featuring irresistible characters and magical music, this deep-sea pearl of a show is set to make a splash with audiences young and old. The future is bright, the future is bold, the future is The SpongeBob Musical.

Logo ©2023 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Nickelodeon, SpongeBob SquarePants and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. Created by Stephen Hillenburg.

History

Since its launch on July 17, 1999, SpongeBob SquarePants has reigned as the number one kids’ animated series on TV, while generating a universe of beloved characters, pop culture catchphrases and memes, theatrical releases, consumer products, a Tony award-winning Broadway musical and a global fan base. SpongeBob SquarePants is the most widely distributed property in Viacom International Media Networks history, seen in more than 170 countries, translated in 30+ languages, and averaging more than 140 million total viewers every quarter.

SpongeBob SquarePants is created by Stephen Hillenburg and produced by Nickelodeon in Burbank, Calif. The character-driven cartoon chronicles the nautical and sometimes nonsensical adventures of SpongeBob, an incurably optimistic and earnest sea sponge, and his undersea friends. The Broadway production of The SpongeBob Musical earned its place on 2017’s “Best of Broadway” lists including Broadway.com, BuzzFeed, The Chicago Tribune, The Daily Beast, Deadline, ET Online, Forbes, Time Out New York and Variety. The SpongeBob Musical was named Best Musical by the Drama Desk Awards and Outer Critics Circle and earned 12 Tony Award nominations – the most nominated musical of the 2017-2018 theatre season – winning for Best Scenic Design of a Musical (David Zinn).

Keywords
Performing Groups

PRINCIPALS

Eugene Krabs  (Range: B2-Bb4)
Patrick Star  (Range: Bb2-Bb4)
Sandy Cheeks  (Range: A3-E5)
Sheldon J. Plankton  (Range: B2-G#4)
SpongeBob SquarePants  (Range: C3-B4)
Squidward Q. Tentacles  (Range: A2-F#4)

ENSEMBLE, with lots of doubling:

2 Hip-Hop Dancers
2 Mob Fish
2 Sardines
2 Security Guards
2 or 3 Teen Fans - allows room for expanded casting (minimum of 1, maximum of 4)
5 Sardine Devotees - a minimum of 3 is necessary, but written for 5
A Big Chorus of Sponges - allows room for expanded casting
A Fish
A Krabby Patty Fish
Another Fish
Buster Bluetang
Cowboy Fish
Gary - a puppet, voiced by actor playing Larry
Girl Fish Trio - with rocks
Johnny the Bartender
Karen the Computer - (Range: G#3-F#5)
Larry the Lobster
More and more Sardines - allows room for expanded casting (minimum of 8)
Mrs. Puff
Old Man Jenkins
Patchy the Pirate - (Range: D3-F4 (F5 falsetto))
Pearl Krabs - (Range:Bb3-F#5)
Perch Perkins - (Range: E2-E4)
Plankton's Backup Dancers - allows room for expanded casting (2 to 4 of 'em)
Pirates - allows room for expanded casting
The Electric Skates - 3 band members
The French Narrator - voice-over
The Mayor of Bikini Bottom - (Range: F#4-B5)
Sea Anemones - allows room for expanded casting
Sea Creatures (Assorted) - can be doubled with other actors in cast; allows room for expanded casting

Oh, and there's also:

The Conductor (who hands off and receives a whole slew of props)
The Foley Artist Fish is a staged role that produces all sound effects specified in the script and score using percussion instruments, triggered digital effects, and other creative sound makers. As envisioned by Tina Landau, “The show is meant to be performed with a FOLEY ARTIST FISH playing sound effects live, and within view of the audience, to accompany the stage action. This could include footsteps for SpongeBob and Squidward (as in the Broadway Production), dings for objects appearing, whacks for hits, and so on.” In the Broadway production, the FOLEY ARTIST FISH played the PERCUSSION book and also performed many additional sound effects not specified in the PERCUSSION book. Licensees are encouraged to create their own foley score that suits their staging, talent, and resources. Please visit the ORCHESTRATION section for additional information on this role.

  • Time Period Contemporary
  • Setting The sub-marine habitat known as Bikini Bottom.
  • Features Elaborate/High-Volume Costumes, Fantasy Costumes
  • Additional Features Puppetry
  • Duration More than 120 minutes (2 hours)

Media

“Effervescent candy for the spirit!” – New York Magazine

“Brilliant” – The New York Times

“The music in the show is… spectacular” – The Daily Beast

“It wants you to have fun. Soak it in.” – Time Out New York

“Adults as well as children are likely to find SpongeBob absorbing.” – The Telegraph

“This is big, splashy family fun with a positive message, and audiences of all ages will leave smiling - and humming that theme tune.” – Broadway World UK

“Joyful, daft and colourful.” – The Stage

“The score is remarkably organic.” – The Times

“A feast for the eyes and ears... It's shore to be a winner!” – WhatsOnStage

“Enjoyable” – The Reviews Hub

Videos

  • SpongeBob Musical Medley youtube thumbnail

    SpongeBob Musical Medley

  • About The SpongeBob Musical youtube thumbnail

    About The SpongeBob Musical

  • Adventures of SpongeBob youtube thumbnail

    Adventures of SpongeBob

  • The Music of Bikini Bottom youtube thumbnail

    The Music of Bikini Bottom

Photos

  • The SpongeBob Musical

    Image: 2017 Broadway Production (Joan Marcus)

  • The SpongeBob Musical

    Image: 2017 Broadway Production (Joan Marcus)

  • The SpongeBob Musical

    Image: 2017 Broadway Production (Joan Marcus)

  • The SpongeBob Musical

    Image: 2017 Broadway Production (Joan Marcus)

  • The SpongeBob Musical

    Image: 2017 Broadway Production (Joan Marcus)

  • The SpongeBob Musical

    Image: 2017 Broadway Production (Joan Marcus)

  • The SpongeBob Musical

    Image: © Justin “Squigs” Robertson

Show more +

Music

Music Samples

Pre-Show

A. A Hui Hou (Until We Meet Again) – Orchestra
B. A'ole Pilikia (No Problem, No Trouble) – Orchestra
C. Don't Fill Up on Pupu, Tutu – Orchestra
D. You Can't Lei That On Me – Orchestra
E. You're Too Wikiwiki For Me – Orchestra

Act I

0. Prologue – Orchestra
1. "Bikini Bottom Day (Part 1)" (by Jonathan Coulton) – SpongeBob, Patrick, Girl Fish, Squidward & Ensemble 
1A. "Bikini Bottom Day (Part 2)" (by Jonathan Coulton) – Sandy, Cowboy Fish, Krabs, Plankton & Karen
1B. "Bikini Bottom Day (Part 3)" (by Jonathan Coulton) – Full Company
1C. "Bikini Bottom Day (Part 4)" (by Jonathan Coulton) – Full Company
1D. Let Us Now Observe – Orchestra
2. "Bikini Bottom Day (Reprise 1)" (by Jonathan Coulton) – SpongeBob
2A. Perch Perkins: Breaking News – Orchestra
2B. Mt. Humongous Revealed #1 – Orchestra
2C. No Control (Intro) – Orchestra
3. "No Control" (by David Bowie and Brian Eno) – Perch Perkins & Full Company
4. "BFF" (by Plain White Ts) – SpongeBob & Patrick
4A. All Citizens to the Town Square – Orchestra
4B. Pyroclastic Pressure – Orchestra
5. "When the Going Gets Tough" (by T.I., Domani Harris and Darwin Quinn) – Plankton, Karen, Backup Fish, SpongeBob, Mayor & Ensemble
5A. Look Out World ('Cause Here I Come) #1 – Squidward
6. "(Just a) Simple Sponge" (by Panic! At the Disco) – SpongeBob & Chorus
6A. Perch Perkins: Apocalypse Now – Orchestra
7. "Daddy Knows Best" (by Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros) – Mr. Krabs, Pearl, Electric Skates & Ensemble
7A. One More Krabby Patty – Orchestra
7B. Fast Food Domination – Orchestra
7C. Back to Patrick – Orchestra
7D. Zut Alors – 5 Sardine Devotees & Angry Mob
7E. Jellyfish Fields – Orchestra
8. "Hero Is My Middle Name" (by Cyndi Lauper and Rob Hyman) – SpongeBob, Sandy & Patrick
8A. Hero Playoff – Orchestra
8B. Look Out World ('Cause Here I Come) #2 – Orchestra
8C. Plankton Loves Karen – Orchestra
9. "Super Sea Star Savior" (by Yolanda Adams) – Sardines & Patrick
9A. Patrick Playoff – Orchestra
9B. Oh Tarter Sauce – Orchestra
10. "Tomorrow Is" (by The Flaming Lips) – Sandy, SpongeBob, Squidward, Plankton, Karen & Ensemble

Act II

11. "Poor Pirates" (by Sara Bareilles) – Patchy & Pirates
11A. The Next Morning – Orchestra
11B. Perch Perkins: The End is Coming – Orchestra
12. "Bikini Bottom Day Reprise" (by Jonathan Coulton) – SpongeBob
12A. Duty Calls – Orchestra
13. "Bikini Bottom Boogie" (by Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith) – The Electric Skates, Pearl & Ensemble
13A. That Reminds Me – Orchestra
13B. Mt. Humongous Revealed #2 – Orchestra
14. "Chop to the Top" (by Lady Antebellum) – Sandy & SpongeBob
14A. Climbing Mt. Humongous #1 – Orchestra
14B. Patrick Star Superstar – Orchestra
15. "(I Guess I) Miss You" (by John Legend) – SpongeBob & Patrick
15A. Back to Squidward – Orchestra
15B. Look Out World ('Cause Here I Come) #3 – Orchestra
16. "I’m Not a Loser" (by They Might Be Giants) – Squidward & Sea Anemones
17. Climbing Mt. Humongous #2 – Orchestra
18. "Simple Sponge (Reprise)" (by Panic! At the Disco) – SpongeBob
18A. Us Go – Orchestra
19. "Tomorrow Is (Reprise) / Best Day Ever" (by Andy Paley and Tom Kenny) – SpongeBob, Sandy, Patrick, Squidward, Perch & Ensemble
19A. You Saved Us – Orchestra
19B. Bikini Bottom Way – Townfish
20. Finale: "Bikini Bottom Day Reprise" (by Jonathan Coulton) – SpongeBob, Sandy, Squidward, Krabs & Ensemble
21. Bows – Orchestra
22. "The SpongeBob Theme Song" (by Derek Drymon, Mark Harrison, Stephen Hillenburg and Blaise Smith) – Full Company
23. Exit Music – Orchestra

1   Pre-Show Music Lead Sheets*

1   Reed 1 - Flute, Clarinet & Alto Saxophone
1   Reed 2 - Oboe, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet & Tenor Saxophone
1   Trumpet - Doubling Flügelhorn
1   Trombone
1   Percussion (**FOLEY ARTIST FISH) - Concert Bass Drum, Suspended Cymbal, Tambourine, Shaker, Xylophone, Sleigh Bells, Mallet KAT, Glockenspiel, Toms, Wood Block, Triangle, Timpani, Congas, Bell Tree, Tubular Bells, "Pizza Drum" (Large drum with ominous, bass drum quality), Cowbell, PAD, "Noisy Things" (Clanky Noisemakers), Steel Drum, Chimes, Guiro, Mark Tree, Vibes, Vibraslap, Cymbal, Hand Drums, Snare Drum, Castanets, Clave & Bell Tree
1   Drums - Drum Set, Suspended Cymbal, Mark Tree, Electronic Drum Pad, Bongos, Tambourine, Shaker, Clave, Cowbell, Handclap, Taiko, Concert Bass Drum, Storm Drums, Marching Snare & Piatti
1   Keyboard 1
1   Keyboard 2/Guitar 3 - Steel String Acoustic
1   Keyboard 3-Conductor

1   Guitar 1 - Nylon Acoustic, Steel String Acoustic, Electric, Archtop, Banjo & Ukulele
1   Guitar 2 - Nylon Acoustic, Steel String Acoustic, Electric, Archtop, Banjo, Lap Steel & Mandolin
1   Violin 1 (2 players)
1   Violin 2 (1 player)
1   Viola (2 players)
1   Cello (1 player)
1   Bass - Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass & Precision Bass

*About the PRE-SHOW LEAD SHEETS
Licensees are encouraged to use the included live pre-show music, available only in lead sheet form, which can be arranged for the number and kinds of instruments that are available to each production. The Broadway production utilized lap steel guitar, keyboard/bass, kazoo, and various percussion instruments played by both band and cast members. The intention of the pre-show music, however each production addresses it, is to enhance the playful, tropical environment into which the audience should enter. Be creative, have fun, and welcome your audience into the party.

BROADWAY INSTRUMENTATION (LIVE PRE-SHOW MUSIC)
1   Conductor/Kazoo - Secondary Melody Instrument
1   Lap Steel Guitar - Primary Melody Instrument
1   Keyboard/Bass
1   Percussion

**About the PERCUSSION BOOK & FOLEY ARTIST FISH role:
The FOLEY ARTIST FISH is a staged role that produces all sound effects specified in the script and score using percussion instruments, triggered digital effects, and other creative sound makers. As envisioned by Tina Landau, “The show is meant to be performed with a FOLEY ARTIST FISH playing sound effects live, and within view of the audience, to accompany the stage action. This could include footsteps for SpongeBob and Squidward (as in the Broadway Production), dings for objects appearing, whacks for hits, and so on.”

In the Broadway production, the FOLEY ARTIST FISH played the PERCUSSION book and also performed many additional sound effects not specified in the PERCUSSION book. Licensees are encouraged to create their own foley score that suits their staging, talent, and resources.

FOLEY ARTIST FISH FAQ
Q: What is Foley?
A: In Filmmaking, Foley is the reproduction of everyday sound effects that are added during post-production to enhance audio quality. A Foley Artist is a person who creates this sound art.

Q: Is the FOLEY ARTIST FISH required?
A: Yes, the FOLEY ARTIST FISH is a required character.

Q: Is the FOLEY ARTIST FISH supposed to be an actor or a percussionist?
A: The FOLEY ARTIST FISH could be performed by any individual capable of performing live and digital sound effects. While a percussion background may be useful, licensees are welcome to cast any individual best suited to perform the role.

Q: Can I put the FOLEY ARTIST FISH in the pit?
A: The FOLEY ARTIST FISH should be clearly within view of the audience throughout the show and does interact with other characters. In the Broadway production, this role was performed from box seating near the proscenium. Each venue is different, so please evaluate your venue to confirm the best location for the FOLEY ARTIST FISH.

Q: Do I need 2 percussionists, or 3?
A: Licensees can utilize 2 or 3 individuals.

In the Broadway production, there were 2 percussionists.
1 played the DRUMS book
1 played the PERCUSSION book + SFX as the FOLEY ARTIST FISH

However, licensees are welcome to utilize 3 individuals as follows:
1 percussionist on the DRUMS book
1 percussionist on the PERCUSSION book
1 performer cast as the FOLEY ARTIST FISH, covering SFX only

Piano Only productions will need 1 individual as follows:
1 performer cast as the FOLEY ARTIST FISH, covering SFX only

Q: How will the FOLEY ARTIST FISH know what to play?
A: The FOLEY ARTIST FISH should perform all SFX found the script, as well as any SFX notated in the PERCUSSION book. Piano Only productions should perform all SFX found in the script and Piano-Vocal score. The FOLEY ARTIST FISH can also perform additional, relevant SFX not specifically indicated in the script or score.


  • Musical Style Classic Broadway, Pop/Rock, Contemporary Broadway
  • Dance Requirements Moderate
  • Vocal DemandsModerate
  • Orchestra Size X-Large
  • Chorus Size Medium

Licensing & Materials

  • Licensing fees and rental materials quoted upon application.

Music Rentals

Concord offers a full suite of resources to help you put on the show of a lifetime!
17   Libretto-Vocal Book
1   Piano-Vocal
1   Pre-Show Music Lead Sheets

1   Reed 1 - Flute, Clarinet & Alto Saxophone
1   Reed 2 - Oboe, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet & Tenor Saxophone
1   Trumpet - Doubling Flügelhorn
1   Trombone
1   Percussion (**FOLEY ARTIST FISH) - Concert Bass Drum, Suspended Cymbal, Tambourine, Shaker, Xylophone, Sleigh Bells, Mallet KAT, Glockenspiel, Toms, Wood Block, Triangle, Timpani, Congas, Bell Tree, Tubular Bells, "Pizza Drum" (Large drum with ominous, bass drum quality), Cowbell, PAD, "Noisy Things" (Clanky Noisemakers), Steel Drum, Chimes, Guiro, Mark Tree, Vibes, Vibraslap, Cymbal, Hand Drums, Snare Drum, Castanets, Clave & Bell Tree
1   Drums - Drum Set, Suspended Cymbal, Mark Tree, Electronic Drum Pad, Bongos, Tambourine, Shaker, Clave, Cowbell, Handclap, Taiko, Concert Bass Drum, Storm Drums, Marching Snare & Piatti
1   Keyboard 1
1   Keyboard 2/Guitar 3 - Steel String Acoustic
1   Keyboard 3-Conductor

1   Guitar 1 - Nylon Acoustic, Steel String Acoustic, Electric, Archtop, Banjo & Ukulele
1   Guitar 2 - Nylon Acoustic, Steel String Acoustic, Electric, Archtop, Banjo, Lap Steel & Mandolin
1   Violin 1 (2 players)
1   Violin 2 (1 player)
1   Viola (2 players)
1   Cello (1 player)
1   Bass - Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass & Precision Bass

DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
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17   Libretto-Vocal Book
1   Piano-Vocal
1   Pre-Show Music Lead Sheets

DIGITAL DOWNLOAD
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Add-Ons

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Authors

Kyle Jarrow

Kyle Jarrow

Kyle Jarrow is a Tony Award-nominated, Obie Award-winning writer and musician who makes work for television, film and the stage. He wrote the book for Broadway's The SpongeBob Musical, for which he was nominated for Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards. Other thea ...

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Tina Landau

Tina Landau

Tina Landau is a writer and director whose work has been produced on Broadway and Off-, internationally and regionally, and most frequently at Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, where she is an ensemble member. Known for her original, large-scale musical and ensemble work, Tina ...

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