Exclusive Interview: Brian Martin and Eric Van Tielen of Wayne State University’s ‘The SpongeBob Musical’
Turning a beloved cartoon into a Broadway spectacle may seem like an idea that should stay buried treasure at the bottom of the sea; however, The SpongeBob Musical somehow perfectly captures what makes the Nickelodeon series work, and gives audiences even more. Audiences are submerged…I mean, immersed in the brilliantly colorful work of Bikini Bottom, with a musical that highlights this universe’s oddball humor, bright optimism, and chaotic charm. The result is a production that feels both familiar and completely unexpected, which is why it’s the perfect show for The Stage at The Hillberry Gateway at Wayne State University! We recently spoke with director Eric Van Tielen and the main sponge himself, Brian Martin!
In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Van Tielen and Martin discuss what it’s like to dive into the colorful world of SpongeBob SquarePants and just how these creatives are crafting something special for the entire family! Our director discusses the challenge of reusing and upcycling costumes and stagecraft, and where that conscious effort stems from. Martin discusses how he didn’t grow up watching the cartoon, and what has gone into creating this iconic character for WSU’s stage!
Find the audio version of this podcast here, on Apple, Spotify, or most places podcasts are available!
Let’s venture under the sea to Bikini Bottom in The SpongeBob Musical!
The SpongeBob Musical is ready to arrive at The Stage at The Hillberry Gateway on March 27th and runs through April 4th, so get your tickets from their website now! This is the perfect show to bring families of all ages, so make it a day at the theater with Wayne State University! Are you excited to see this cartoon come to life? Are you planning on seeing this production? Let us know your thoughts on all social media platforms @bsb.insider, and we look forward to seeing you at the show!
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