The fact that a Broadway-bound Spongebob Squarepants musical exists is a lot to handle in and of itself. But then you take a look at the list of artists slated to contribute songs to this romp, and it's darn near unbelievable.
Unlike most Broadway musicals, which have a set composer and lyricist who pens all the songs, the Spongebob Squarepants musical will have an all-star ensemble of musical greats contributing original tunes. This list includes David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, The Flaming Lips, Lady Antebellum, Dirty Projectors, Panic! at the Disco, They Might Be Giants, Plain White T's and Jonathan Coulton, Entertainment Weekly reports.
Music has been an integral part of Spongebob Squarepants, both in its TV show, which premiered on Nickelodeon in 1999, and its two feature films, the latest of which hit theaters this past February. You've got its famous theme song, in-episode musical breaks like the song "F.U.N." and contributions from the likes of Wilco on The Spongebob Squarepants Movie soundtrack. Plenty of music stars have also paid a visit to Bikini Bottom over the years, including Bowie, Gene Simmons and P!nk, just to name a few. A full-fledged Broadway musical for Spongebob Squarepants seems like a long time coming.
News of a Spongebob Squarepants musical first hit during Nickelodeon's Upfront presentation in February. There's no word yet on who will be starring in this epic, but it is described as "a rousing tale of a simple sea sponge who faces the unfathomable" and "a celebration of unbridled hope, unexpected heroes, and pure theatrical invention" in a press release, as reported by EW.
The production will first make its world premiere stage debut at the Oriental Theatre in Chicago from June 7 to July 3 of next year before its Broadway opening planned for the 2016-2017 season.
Via: Pigeons & Planes
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