Review: The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition at The Arts Theatre

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? A wonderfully talented bunch of young South Australian performers, apparently!

Adelaide Youth Theatre has plunged headfirst into the colourful, gloriously absurd world of The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition, delivering a production brimming with imagination, humour and the sort of infectious energy that makes live theatre such a joy.

Based on the much-loved Nickelodeon series, this underwater adventure sees Bikini Bottom facing an impending catastrophe, with its inhabitants forced to put their differences aside and discover the power of community. Beneath the cartoon-inspired chaos, catchy songs and larger-than-life characters lies a heartwarming message about friendship, inclusion and believing in yourself.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this production is the talent flourishing both onstage and behind the scenes. Adelaide Youth Theatre’s senior cast members have stepped into key creative roles, demonstrating how the organisation nurtures not only performers but the next generation of theatre-makers.

Riley Mobbs takes multitasking to impressive new depths as Director, Projection and Set Designer, Props Coordinator and Programme Designer. The projections and set design are brilliant, transforming the stage into a vibrant underwater playground that captures the show’s distinctive visual style. Clever, colourful and wonderfully inventive, the design proves that imagination can be just as transformative as any big-budget spectacle.

Alyssa Faranda steers the musical direction, while Bailey Wilkinson delivers another showcase of choreographic talent, bringing precision, personality and plenty of movement to the production. Portia Gardiner supports as Assistant Choreographer, helping shape an ensemble whose collective energy keeps Bikini Bottom bubbling along.

And what an ensemble it is! With performers ranging from just six to eighteen years old, the scale of the achievement is remarkable. The younger cast members bring an endearing enthusiasm, while the more experienced performers demonstrate increasingly assured characterisation and stagecraft. Together, they create a bustling underwater community that embraces the show’s wonderfully quirky spirit.

Among the character performances, Annamaria Di Costanzo makes a memorable Pearl Krabs, while Melanie Filmer brings plenty of personality to Mr Krabs. Eliza Jackson gives Karen Plankton an entertaining presence, proving that even a computer can have a character all her own.

Ramon Alejo is a scene-stealer as Sheldon J. Plankton, bringing the house down with the Plankton Rap, ‘When the Going Gets Tough’. With swagger, comic timing and a delicious sense of mischief, Ramon makes the number a highlight, proving that a tiny villain can make a very big impression.

Gemma Moran-Machen gives Squidward his moment in the spotlight with ‘I’m Not a Loser’, embracing the character’s theatrical aspirations and gloriously self-important sensibilities. It is a number tailor-made for Squidward’s ego, and Gemma makes the most of its comic possibilities.

As Sandy Cheeks, Ivy Tunnah is a genuine professional standout. Her brilliant voice is matched by a commanding stage presence and a confident, considered approach to characterisation that immediately sets her apart. Sandy needs to be smart, spirited and courageous, and Ivy brings all three qualities to the role with an assurance that feels beyond her years. In ‘Hero Is My Middle Name’, she has the opportunity to demonstrate Sandy’s determination and strength, and her performance makes the number a highlight. There is a natural authority to her stagecraft, with a clear understanding of how to connect with an audience while remaining entirely at home in the character. Ivy is one to watch.

Carter Penley delivers plenty of laughs as Patrick Star, capturing the lovable starfish’s endearingly muddled logic and wonderfully ridiculous charm. His comic instincts help bring the character’s trademark silliness to life without losing the warmth that makes Patrick such a favourite.

At the centre of this underwater adventure is Meri Wagland as SpongeBob, and Meri is fantastic. Capturing the character’s boundless optimism, infectious enthusiasm and unwavering belief that everything will work out, Meri gives the production its joyful heartbeat. ‘Just a Simple Sponge’ provides a wonderful showcase for SpongeBob’s determination to prove that being yourself is more than enough, while Meri’s performance keeps the character’s sincerity firmly at the forefront. It is a role that demands stamina, comic flair and a generous dose of heart, and Meri delivers a thoroughly engaging portrayal.

Ultimately, The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition is about far more than a yellow sponge and his underwater friends. Beneath the bright colours, silly jokes and exuberant musical numbers sits a story about friendship, inclusion, community and finding the courage to be yourself. These are wonderful messages for young performers to explore and for audiences of all ages to enjoy.

Adelaide Youth Theatre has created a production that celebrates the next generation of performers while also showcasing the emerging creative talent helping to shape their future. With imaginative design, lively choreography, a committed musical team and a cast full of personality, this is a bubbly, feel-good theatrical adventure.

In the words of Bikini Bottom’s most optimistic resident, the best day ever might just be the one spent making theatre.

And if this production is anything to go by, Adelaide’s next generation of theatre-makers are already making some pretty wonderful waves.

Lia Loves.