Capital City Productions will take a dive into, "a pineapple under the sea" with eight showings of "SpongeBob, the Broadway Musical!"
Based on the Nickelodeon series, the on-stage production chronicles the efforts of SpongeBob and his friends as they prepare to stop Mount Humongous, a volcano looming over Bikini Bottom, from erupting in two days' time.
"SpongeBob" premieres at 7:30 p.m. June 9. It also runs at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays June 9-18, and Saturday matinees are at 1 p.m.
Director Sarah Sicht, Benton STEM Elementary principal by day, has a distinct fondness for SpongeBob's quietly heroic qualities.
"We believe in the underdog, and SpongeBob is always the underdog," she said. "It's such a fun show. People either love SpongeBob or they think they don't love SpongeBob."
Despite its merry tone, Sicht and her cast are impressed by some of the production's musical and moral complexities.
"The show has really famous (artists) who all contributed, like Sara Bareilles, Aerosmith, Panic at the Disco," she said. "It has so many great contributors to the music, which gives it a really unique feel. It's modern. It's very today."
As a show that draws a largely 12 and under audience, one might expect the cast to be made up of children. Conversely, the score calls for experienced musicians.
"Our music director is Michael Brand; he is amazing, and he does amazing things," Sicht said. "But even people who are seasoned in musical theater have said that this music is challenging. We do have some kiddos who are in (the cast) but not very many. So, while this is very much a kid-friendly show, most of our actors are adults."
In addition to unique songs, SpongeBob addresses weighty topics with its trademark effervescence. On a quest to rescue the citizens of Bikini Bottom, Sandy Cheeks -- a bright, scientific squirrel -- encounters prejudice as a transplant ocean dweller. Bolstered by her devoted sidekicks, the power of teamwork is exemplified as they face off with incredulous townspeople and the ultimate antagonist, Plankton, who aims to see Bikini Bottom in ruins.
While SpongeBob boasts one of the largest casts to grace the CCP stage, its primary characters can be instantly recognized. Troy Ludwig, a regular on the musical theater scene, plays the eternally-optimistic protagonist.
"He's our SpongeBob, and he's amazing; he's such a character actor," Sicht said. "It's a perfect (role) for him."
Ben Miller, another frequent flier, embodies the lovably oblivious Patrick Star.
"Ben was in, most recently, 'In the Heat of the Night,' which he directed and starred in," she explained. "He's in every show now; he is a CCP veteran."
Bringing her wit and professionalism to the stage is Laykin Leitnaker as Sandy Cheeks. A recent Hickman High School graduate, Leitnaker has appeared in both CCP and Hickman productions. Sandy's undying logic "rounds out the trio," Sicht said, laughing.
Undoubtedly comical, much of SpongeBob's success is likely also due to its familiar warmth and never-give-up spirit. Despite being portrayed by sea critters, it is a markedly human tale -- one Sicht hopes will speak to the plucky adolescent in every audience.
"I'm a big believer in opportunity," she said. "Every kid should have an opportunity to see a show like this because you really do walk away feeling like you can conquer the world."
For this CCP production, tickets may be purchased with or without a dinner option. Dinner show options are $38; tickets for the show only are $25. Seats can be reserved through www.ccpjc.org. Dinner is served an hour before show time.