Broward Center For The Performing Arts Closes Season With Show You Must SEA To Believe. Two Boca Raton Performers In High Energy Cast.
BY: NATE COLTON | Theater Critic
BROWARD COUNTY, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2024 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — Whether you live in a Pineapple Under The Sea, a condo on Miami Beach, or a large house in Boca Raton, Slow Burn Theater Company’s SpongeBob: The Musical is must sea summer fun at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. It runs now through June 23rd at the Broward Center’s Amaturo Theater.
Slow Burn’s professionalism truly shows in this outstanding production that’s fun for kids and adults alike. The party-like musical features music by pop superstars including John Lennon, Sara Bareilles, and Cyndi Lauper. From the moment you step into the theatre, you are immersed in an underwater palace of fun that is unlike anything ever seen in the Amaturo theater before. Patrick Fitzwater, Slow Burn’s Creative Director, truly created magic as the 24-person cast works skillfully as a unit. Anthony Llerandi, as SpongeBob, playfully shows that “Bob” is more than a simple sponge. He keeps smiles on the audience’s faces the entire time. The dynamic between Llerandi and Marc Christopher, who plays the lovable starfish Patrick, is fun to experience. They cheerfully and comically bring their characters to come to life.
The musical centers on SpongeBob and his friends, who are trying to save themselves and the rest of Bikini Bottom from a volcano that will soon erupt. With all hope lost and chaos ensuing, an unexpected hero rises up. The hilarious show would not be complete without the likes of Dominique Kempf as Sandy Cheeks, Boca Raton’s Brian Klimowski as Squidward Q. Tentacles, Alex Blanco as Sheldon Plankton, and West Boca High Graduate Ryan Crout as Mr. Eugene Krabs.
Domique Kempf’s stunning vocals show true talent that is rare in most people. Brian Klimkowski hilariously uses his four legs to push himself into the spotlight, and his excellent tap skills make for a delightful portrayal of Squidward. As Sheldon, the superb Alex Blanco works hysterically with Lauren Horgan’s Karen the Computer to provide a comical and mischievous villain. The wonderful Ryan Crout as Mr. Krabs keeps the audience entertained whenever he is on stage and interacts perfectly with Nayomi Braaf, who plays his daughter, Pearl Krabs. Additionally, Aaron Atkinson’s delightful Gary the Snail leaves the crowd laughing any time he enters. Nate Promkul’s portrayal of news reporter Perch Perkins is truly hilarious, and the same is to say for Jonathan Eisle, who plays Old Man Jenkins. Jack Rodman and Tyler Johnson Grimes provide a delightful pre-show experience with music and fun, and during the show skillfully advance the plot using a variety of objects.
The rest of the ensemble is rounded out by Kalista Curbelo, Madeline Dunn, Gianfranco Imbert (who at the beginning of both acts makes for a delightful Patchy the Pirate), Michael Materdomini, Kristi Rose Mills, Natasha Ricketts, Britte Steele, Paul Tuaty, and Corey Vega.
The creative team features: Choreographer Reynel Reynaldo; Tap Choreographer Nicolette Quintero; Musical Director Eden Marte; Scenic Designer and Technical Director Timothy Dickey; Costumer Rick Peña; Lighting Designer Clifford Spulock; Stage Manager Matthew W. Korinko; Assistant Stage Manager Jolie Rubinchik. The show’s crew includes wardrobe assistants and dressers Liz Ortega and Fionnegan Amygdalitsis.
The SpongeBob Musical opened on Broadway in 2017 after a Pre-Broadway run at Chicago’s Oriental Theatre in 2016. It closed in 2018 on Broadway and launched a national tour in 2019, of which most dates were cancelled due to COVID-19. The SpongBob Musical was filmed live in England with most of the original Broadway cast and was released by Nickelodian. Purchase tickets for the must-see Broward Center performance right here.
