THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL
Updated: Sep 29
Producer: Deller Productions in collaboration with Clarence St Theatre
Co-Directors: Tayla Marie Cassells and Jonty Climo
Musical Director: Sam Cleaver
Choreographer: Mikey Sorensen-Treymane
Clarence St Theatre
25 September-4 October 2026
Nickelodeon’s animated television series “SpongeBob SquarePants” made its world premiere as a musical ten years ago in Chicago. The production follows SpongeBob’s adventure as he teams up with BFF Patrick Star and Sandy Cheeks to save Bikini Bottom from a catastrophic volcanic eruption brewing from Mt. Humongous. The SpongeBob Musical garnered numerous nominations and won multiple categories including Outstanding Actor in a Musical for the role of SpongeBob. This award was won by Ethan Slater. Deller Productions cast Hamilton’s Ethan Dillon-Mayne in the titular role, which proved to be an outstanding choice.
Since Dillon-Mayne’s graduation from the Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts, Te Kawau Toi Wintec in 2023, he has been touring nationally and internationally. All this experience paid off in a superb opening night performance. Dillon-Mayne is an agile performer in vocal ability, character work, and physicality. He won over the audience from the outset and headed up the cast with confidence.
Moshe Merz (Patrick Star) known for his enthusiastic portrayals delivered a memorable and witty performance as did Beth Vickers (Sandy Cheeks) with her phenomenal vocals. Baxter Ward (Squidward Q. Tentacles) manoeuvred his incredible costume effortlessly and Conor Maxwell (Eugene Crabs) showed that he has what it takes for musical theatre. Eva Orton (Pearl Crabs) showcased her vocal talent (and belt) that shifted between pop, gospel and musical theatre genres. Jack Turner (Sheldon J. Plankton) was a good baddie and leant into his role with his trademark character work. Turner also delivered a faultless and breathtaking rap.
Possibly it was opening night nerves, possibly it was pace, but some of the dialogue erred on babble, the lines entirely indistinct. Dillon-Mayne, Turner, and Fiona Greaves (Karen the Computer) are excluded from this critique, they had impeccable diction and delivery. Some cast members missed their marks which resulted in lighting not catching their expressions. Mindful diction and finding the light will undoubtedly enhance the experience for the audience.
SpongeBob was Tracey Wilson’s first lead as Costumer Designer at Clarence St Theatre which seems extraordinary given her extensive show resume at the venue. Wilson’s vibrant creations alongside Marty Wilson’s imaginative wigs and makeup design made many of the cast completely unrecognisable as marine life. The additional headpieces made the programme essential in identifying some cast members. The wardrobe team were kept on their toes with multiple costume changes, from one glorious and colourful creation to the next.
An efficient and well-choreographed stage crew kept the set moving effectively. The Krusty Krab restaurant, Patrick’s couch, and Gary (the latter created by Joss Robertson) were expertly made.
Choreographer Mikey Sorensen-Treymane had drilled the cast to within an inch of their dance capabilities and produced slick energetic routines. He also found moments for cast with specific talents to shine. Sorensen-Treymane’s tap choreography for Squidward’s Act Two song “I’m Not A Loser” was sensational and one of the most entertaining I have ever seen. Shoutout to Cody Marshall (Electric Skate 1) for some nifty skateboarding too.
Musical Director Sam Cleaver and his sixteen-piece orchestra churned through music from David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper, Aerosmith, John Legend and more. Many of the band members have gone from one show to another this entire year but no one missed a beat. Cleaver’s musicality brought out the best from the pit and across the stage. Foley artist Bailey Lindsey added umpteen sound effects which contributed to the humour and atmosphere.
Without knowing who was responsible for what, co-directors Tayla Marie Cassells and Jonty Climo both deserve a round of applause. SpongeBob was a visual feast, and each cast member kept the underwater momentum going. Entries and exits were smooth, humour was abundant, and the storytelling was exceptional.
SpongeBob is the inaugural production for Clarence St Theatre’s Level Up! annual performing arts development programme. The partnership between the theatre and producers brings venue and technical infrastructure alongside mentoring and capability building. The initiative is off to a great start with this joyful and funny underwater adventure, and you can support it by purchasing your tickets here:
Comments