Who lives at Wayne State University under the sea? ‘The SpongeBob Musical’ comes ashore to the Hilberry Gateway

Audiences of all ages are invited to dive under the sea for a vibrant, immersive theatrical adventure in Wayne State University's upcoming production of The SpongeBob Musical.

Filled with humor, heart, and high-energy performances, the musical celebrates friendship, optimism, and the power of community. Presented by WSU's Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance, the production runs March 27 through April 4 on the Hilberry Gateway STAGE. Tickets are available at onstage.wayne.edu.

"Because SpongeBob is such a well-known character, I want to do everything I can to fulfill expectations in terms of entertainment value," said director Eric Van Tielen, assistant professor of musical theatre in the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts. "But what the audience might not expect is to be moved. We have lots of surprises in store, both hilarious and heartfelt."

Co-conceived by Tina Landau, with a book by Kyle Jarrow and music by a wide range of contemporary artists, The SpongeBob Musical follows SpongeBob and his friends as they unite to save Bikini Bottom when a volcano threatens to destroy their undersea home.

Using recycled and repurposed materials through scenic and costume design, Wayne State's Hilberry Gateway transforms into Bikini Bottom, while musicians perform onstage alongside a live foley artist to create sound effects in real time.

"Because we expect a lot of families and kids in the audience, I want the theatre experience to be as vivid as possible," Van Tielen said. "Audience members can expect to see magical things throughout the show - around them, in front of them, and also hidden all over Bikini Bottom and the sea creatures who dwell there."

While the musical delivers spectacles and comedy, Van Tielen noted its themes resonate beyond the stage.

"It's no secret that our country and many of our communities currently feel fractured," he said. "Not only does this show provide an escape from the real world, it also gives a roadmap for problem-solving and getting along. It's a really sweet story, wrapped in a ton of fun."

Third-year BFA Acting student Brian Martin, who stars as SpongeBob SquarePants, said the role requires both boundless energy and emotional depth.

"Along with clear optimism and joy, I want SpongeBob to have a clear sense of curiosity and vulnerability," Martin said. "In this musical, the character faces extreme stakes and conflicts he's never faced before. There's the energetic personality everyone recognizes, but also real humanity needed to process the threats that Bikini Bottom faces."

The physical and vocal demands of the role have been a major challenge.

"The most challenging part is the endurance needed to play this character," Martin said. "The role is extremely high-energy, and the music reflects that with many high notes. Bringing cartoon logic into the real world - and giving SpongeBob the flexibility and physicality needed to make that believable - is a huge test of stamina, but also the thing I'm most excited to share with audiences."

Ultimately, Martin hopes audiences leave inspired by SpongeBob's outlook.

"I really hope that, if nothing else besides good vibes, this musical shows audiences that even the smallest or seemingly simplest people can bring greatness into the world," he said. "They just need a big heart and someone to believe in them."

Family Day (March 28 and April 4)

Families attending Saturday performances are invited to enjoy Family Day activities from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Hilberry Gateway lobby, featuring interactive, family-friendly experiences that extend the fun of Bikini Bottom beyond the stage. Family Day features engaging tables from local youth, community, and environmental organizations, plus hands-on, eco-friendly crafts perfect for all ages. Family Day event partners include: Motor City STEAM, The Greening of Detroit, Broadway Green Alliance, WOW Theatre Camp, and more!

Clubbin' at Bikini Bottom (April 3)

Following the Friday, April 3 performance at 7:30 p.m., audiences are invited to stay for "Clubbin' at Bikini Bottom," a post-show celebration in the lobby where patrons can continue the fun with music and themed activities. RSVP is required - spots are limited. Clubbin' at Bikini Bottom RSVP form.

About Theatre and Dance at Wayne State University

Theatre and Dance at Wayne is the producing entity of the Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance, a department within the College of Fine, Performing, and Communication Arts at Wayne State University.

The department offers undergraduate and graduate programs in theatre and dance, including a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre; Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre with an emphasis in either Performance, Design and Technology, or Stage Management; Bachelor of Science in Dance; Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance; Master of Fine Arts in Acting, Set Design, Costume Design, Lighting Design, Stage Management, and Theatre Management; Master of Arts in Teaching Artistry and Arts Administration. Minors are available in Africana Theatre and Dance; Theatre Design and Technology, Theatre, Theatre Management, Dance, Community and Studio Dance.

About the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts

The College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts is home to today's aspiring artists, performers, technicians, scholars, dancers, debaters, entrepreneurs, and communication professionals who all represent the college's legacy of excellence in our respective fields.

The college serves students majoring in 17 undergraduate programs, 10 graduate programs, and three graduate certificates through its departments: the James Pearson Duffy Department of Art, Art History, and Design, the Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance, and the departments of communication and music.

From debate to dance, jazz to journalism, and fashion design to center stage, our students create captivating performances, inspire artistic and academic excellence, and conduct innovative research on behalf of our Detroit community.