When I heard Workhouse Arts would be doing The SpongeBob Musical, I immediately thought, “How are they going to stage such a big show in that intimate space?” Oh, me of little faith! The Workhouse delivers the camp and spectacle without overstimulating the audience into oblivion.  The Spong eBob Musical is a celebration of optimism and imagination, much like the original animated series created by Stephen Hillenburg. With a book by Kyle Jarrow and musical production conceived by Tina Landau, the show embraces the surreal spirit of the original cartoon while grounding the story in themes of resilience and community. (For a fantastic deep dive into the development of The SpongeBob Musical, I highly recommend this video essay from Wait in the Wings.) The score sounds more like a mixtape of undiscovered gems than a traditional Broadway score, and that’s by design. Music supervisor Tom Kitt worked with dozens of artists and bands during the show’s development, including Panic! at the Disco, They Might Be Giants, Jonathan Coulton, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Plain White T’s, T.I., and David Bowie.  Ethan Keller as Patrick, Oscar Madson as SpongeBob, and Lottye Lockhart as Sandy in ‘The SpongeBob Musical.’ Photo by Zoophoria Photography. The show’s premise is simple: a volcano threatens to destroy Bikini Bottom, and SpongeBob rallies the reef with the power of optimism, friendship, and creative thinking. At the center of the turmoil is the ever effervescent SpongeBob, joyfully portrayed by Oscar Madson. The titular character can easily become a flat 2-D impression based on its animated inspiration, but Madson’s performance is pitch-perfect and comes alive as a fully realized character. He maintains the bright spark in his eyes and a squeak in his step for the entirety of his epic story. The cheese to SpongeBob’s macaroni is Patrick, played by Ethan Keller. Their playful personas and big voices are wonderfully matched. Patrick’s starpower shines especially bright during “Super Sea-Star Savior” with the help of the talented ensemble, led by standouts Cera Baker and Madelyn Regan. The third member of the epic trio is Sandy the squirrel, played by Lottye Lockhart. Sandy’s presence as a land mammal anchors the story with an undercurrent of tension when she faces discrimination for being an outsider during a time of crisis. The audience falls in love with Lockhart and roots for her success as she, SpongeBob, and Patrick overcome their insecurities and tackle their obstacles together.  Bikini Bottom is home to many characters, and every cast member uses their moments to the fullest. Some standout moments for me include Aniyah Serrell Lee as Pearl and Steve Cairns as Mr. Krabs during “Daddy Knows Best,” where the two showcase their singing and comedic chops. I also thoroughly enjoyed Adam Cook as Squidward, who is constantly frustrated and longing for recognition, culminating in the toe-tapping song “I’m Not a Loser.” The hip-hop villain rap, “When the Going Gets Tough,” led by Plankton (Jack Elmendorf), is an unexpected crowd favorite. The tone is a sharp departure from the previously upbeat and campy tunes, but Elmendorf commits to the bit and takes the audience along for the ride. With all of the catchy songs of the show, the one that I sang while exiting the Workhouse was the silly shanty, “Poor Pirates,” led by Josh Carias as Patchy the Pirate at the top of Act 2. It was equal parts VeggieTales and The Muppet Show, and it was the perfect way to cannonball back into the world of Bikini Bottom after intermission.  The success of this production is the result of the collaboration among all the creatives involved. Director Jarod Glou is at the helm of this terrific production, leading the actors, musicians, designers, and directors so that the story is not only absurd and campy, but also heartfelt and sincere. The choreography from Ariel Kraje was eclectic and engaging, easily flowing between the various musical styles of the score. Music director Rachel Anne Bradley led the outstanding six-member pit through the multifarious music. The band remains visible at the rear of the stage throughout the production, but the on-stage Foley artist and auxiliary percussionist, Michael Barranco, is firmly planted downstage right for the entire show, allowing for several great moments with the cast. I recommend sneaking a peek in his direction at any given moment to see what he’s up to. And extra kudos to sound mixer Clare Pfeifer for keeping everything level amid the coordinated chaos.   TOP LEFT: Ethan Keller as Patrick, Adam Cook as Squidward, and Oscar Madson as SpongeBob; TOP RIGHT: Jack Elmendorf as Plankton (center foreground); ABOVE: Lydia Gifford, Amanda Silverstein, Madelyn Regan, Steve Cairns (standing), Josh Carias (on floor), Cera Baker, and Lexi Carter, in ‘The SpongeBob Musical.’ Photos by Zoophoria Photography. The scenic design by Noah Beye made superb use of the small space and established a fully realized world without overwhelming the audience with visual clutter. The vibrant costume designs by Grace Million and Onia Gross, paired with the properties designed by Natalie Foley and Mercedes Blankenship, were downright excellent. Their visuals have a mix of specific callbacks to the animated series, modern memes, realistic repurposed remnants, and makeshift creations with big impact. The makeup and hair design by Natalie Turkevich perfectly complements the colorful world of Bikini Bottom.  Workhouse’s The SpongeBob Musical succeeds because it understands something essential about both theater and its title character: there is power in sincerity. What begins as a bright, chaotic adaptation of a children’s cartoon evolves into a joyful reminder that optimism, empathy, and imagination are paramount.  This production of The SpongeBob Musical has something for the entire family.  In a world where one is inundated with war and uncertainty, it’s natural to want to disassociate and doom-scroll the day away. I want to challenge you to instead embrace the absurdity of life and support live theater — especially at the Workhouse Arts Center.  Running Time: Two hours with one 15-minute intermission. The SpongeBob Musical plays through June 14, 2026, presented by Workhouse Arts Center, performing in Building W-3, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, VA. Purchase tickets ($40 for general admission, with discounts available for students, seniors, and military) at the box office, online, or by calling 703-584-2900. PERFORMERSSpongeBob: Oscar MadsonSandy: Lottye LockhartPatrick: Ethan KellerPlankton: Jack ElmendorfKaren: Lydia GiffordKrabs: Steve CairnsPearl / Security Guard: Aniyah Serrell LeeSquidward: Adam CookPerch Perkins / Ensemble: Patrick KearneyPatchy / Old Man Jenkins / Ensemble: Josh CariasLarry / Ensemble: Carson YoungBuster / Ensemble: Cera BakerMayor / Ensemble: Madelyn ReganMrs. Puff / Ensemble: Lexi CarterFeatured Ensemble: Amanda SilversteinNarrator Voice / Swing: Brett WomackSwing: Chris Anderson, Serena Otis CREATIVE TEAMArtistic Directors and Producers: Merissa Anne Driscoll and Joseph WallenDirector: Jarod GlouStage Manager: Rob CorkMusic Director: Rachel Anne BradleyChoreographer: Ariel KrajeAssistant Director: Natalie TurkevichAssistant Stage Manager: Ziggy ReinertScenic Design: Noah BeyeCostume Design: Grace Million and Onia GrossProperties Design: Natalie Foley and Mercedes BlankenshipHair and Makeup Design: Natalie TurkevichFoley Design: Michael BarrancoLighting Design: Christina Giles MUSICIANSPiano Conductor: Rachel Anne BradleyKeys: Aimee FaulknerGuitar: Robbie TaylorBass: Scott NorcrossDrums: Nathan WeisbrodFoley Artist: Michael Barranco ...read more read less