Spongebob at ROH soars to new depths in this delightful rollicking romp

SpongeBob played by Michelle Faria, left, and SpongeBobs bestie Patrick Star played by Tobias Laber-Smith. (Courtesy photo)

Bikini Bottom may have been faced with its demise due to the threat of a volcanic eruption, but what theatergoers saw at Wednesday's performance of Spongebob the Musical was an onstage eruption of energy and talent that will entertain and enrich even the most marginal of Spongebob aficionados.
From Spongebob's signature chirping chuckle to Mr. Crab's wanton greed and avarice to Sandy's unbounded potential for doing good, this is a morality play with a lot of humor, stage action and surprises.
And Director Billy Butler wastes no time, keeping the stage action flowing fast and nonstop. Time flies when you're watching a fun musical.
The ensemble cast was solid, but there were a few who stood out as crowd favorites, including Michelle Faria, who played Spongebob. The first time Faria let go one of Spongebob's iconic chuckles, the audience roared with delight. Hint: I'd throw in a few more.
Another favorite was Benjamin Hanley who played the introverted and self-loathing Squidward, who got to let go his "just wanna be loved" inner self in a thoroughly entertaining second-act number.
And William Hartery who plays profit-hungry restaurateur Mr. Crab, put his booming voice and stage presence to good use in both dialogue and song throughout the musical.
Truth be told, there were no weak links in this sturdy cast, whose exuberance and spot-on timing never faltered a once.
Bikini Bottom was saved thanks to the heroism of Spongebob, Sandy and Patrick, but not without some daunting stage choreography as they climbed the volcano in an attempt to preserve their homeland.
The show features 18 songs penned by high-profile rock and pop artists ranging from the Flaming Lips, Cindy Lauper, Lady A, T.I., and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler & Joe Perry - to Panic! At the Disco, John Legend, Sara Bareilles, The Plain White T's, and even David Bowie.
SpongeBob the Musical runs Wednesdays through Sundays through Aug. 27.
Tickets are available at Stage Door Tickets and More, One Wakefield Street Rochester 603-332-2211 or online at www.rochesteroperahouse.com .