'The SpongeBob Musical' to be shown at Harbor Playhouse for fall season

Harbor Playhouse will hold its production of "The SpongeBob Musical," based off the Nickelodeon animated TV series "SpongeBob SquarePants," starting Friday through October.

In his directorial debut, Isaac Acuna said he knew he had to direct the Broadway musical after listening to the opening number, "Bikini Bottom Day."

"Usually when I listen to musical soundtracks, I always figure out which character I would be but this time was different," Acuna said. "When Harbor announced this musical would be on this season, I walked up to as many board members as I could find and told them I'd love to direct."

The musical, which premiered in 2016, is about how SpongeBob SquarePants, and his friends and his community, must figure out a way to stop an underwater volcano from erupting and destroying Bikini Bottom.

Mason Bowling, who plays the titular character, said SpongeBob is "very optimistic," something Bowling is not exactly known for.

"I won't say I'm a pessimist, but I'm certainly not as optimistic as SpongeBob is," Bowling said with a chuckle. "But knowing that he is always striving to have everyone around him happy is something I'm trying to keep with me."

Bowling said the audience will enjoy the show, especially the musical numbers as they are original songs from well-known artists including John Legend, The Flaming Lips, Cyndi Lauper and David Bowie.

Elizabeth "Liz" Enriquez portrays Sandy Cheeks, a squirrel that travel undersea to learn about aquatic life and ends up making friends with SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star.

Enriquez said originally she had planned on choreographing the production, but quickly changed her mind after watching a live performance.

"I liked the message of Sandy and wanted to be a part of it," Enriquez said. "There is a bit of prejudice against her because she's trying to help the town. Everyone is against her and not listening to her because she's not from there and she's not a fish. She knows she's not meant to be in the sea, but she wants to make sure her friends have a place to call home."

Acuna said community theater is an opportunity for people to live out their dreams and stretch their musical talents.

"There's not a lot of places we get to have that opportunity in Corpus Christi," Acuna said. "So, it's always really cool for the community to come and get entertained. Community theater is something everyone should be involved with."

If you go

WHAT: "The SpongeBob Musical"

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, Oct. 29; Friday and Saturday evenings with Sunday matinees

WHERE: Harbor Playhouse, 1802 N. Chaparral St.

COST: $10-$20, harborplayhouse.com

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John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com or Twitter @johnpoliva.

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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Harbor Playhouse: Autumn's production is 'The SpongeBob Musical'