Photos: Spongebob Musical at RLT is an impressive, immersive experience

Photos by Eric Marks

If you’re looking for a way to entertain the kids or dip your toes into a pool of nostalgia, look no further than the Reno Little Theater’s production of The Spongebob Musical.

Enter the world of Bikini Bottom with an immersive and detailed set. The creativity was evident, with glowing hula hoops emulating bubbles and moving set pieces, allowing for quick scene changes. I was nervous when I noticed the spaces on the wall for projections. These things are either poorly timed or not fully utilized. Thankfully, neither was the case in this show.

The projections added a burst of humor and helped to animate these characters further. The actors interacted with the stage in every way imaginable, even running up and down the audience sections several times throughout the story. It truly felt like being under the water with Spongebob and his friends.

I was incredibly impressed by the casting and costumes. These actors brought the 2D characters to life seamlessly. Everyone was easily recognizable through their personalities and outfits. It’s obvious how much care went into encompassing these lovable characters.

Everything from walking styles to the unique laughs was performed effortlessly by the cast. The cast deserves a special shout-out to the ensemble cast. Actors took on several characters and played each one differently. I also want to highlight the creativity and hilarity of Squidward’s costume. It is truly something that needs to be experienced in person.

The live band not only played gorgeously but also added to the immersive experience. The music was soft yet playful and fit in perfectly with the world of Spongebob. It was such a joy to see how the band was incorporated into the actual story. I would’ve loved watching an entire show of these performers singing their under-the-sea lullabies.

Of course, the singing was outstanding. I’m continuously blown away by the talent in this great city. I can guarantee several times throughout the show that your jaw will be dropped by the pipes on these performers. The show ends with a song any Spongebob fan will recognize, which is a fantastic payoff in a show full of episodic inside jokes.

This is your sign to get a ticket; you will want to attend this show.