Presented by: Adelaide Theatre Academy and Theatre Bugs
Reviewed: 19 July, 2024
As a parent of children who’ve previously participated in productions produced by Theatre Bugs and Adelaide Theatre Academy, it’s fair to say I’m probably pretty biased in favour of their most recent production. They do incredible work introducing young Adelaideans to musical theatre and fostering our city’s young talent.
The SpongeBob Musical – Youth Edition as performed Friday night at The Goodwood Theatre is an excellent example of the quality productions these organisations and kids are capable of. A fun, professional show, starring talented performers who are having the time of their lives. What’s not to like?
For those not familiar with the wonderful, colourful world of SpongeBob SquarePants, some of the characters and costumes must have been confusing, but this is a kids show, so that’s kind of irrelevant. The costumes were great though, and those in the know instantly recognised who was who.
Emma Dalton’s choreography was simple but entertaining, and all players knew their moves well. There wasn’t much set to speak of, but what there was was effective, and supported well by clever digital backdrops.
But, the microphones! Why is it so hard to get microphones right in the Adelaide Theatre scene? Yet again this was a show where we strained to hear mic’d up performers in their moment, while we can hear everyone we’re not supposed to hear off stage, clear as day. These kids deserved better, and so did the audience.
When we could hear the performers, the stand outs were (from the ‘Chum Bucket Cast’ we saw), Emma Palumbo (SpongeBob) Lachlan Anderson (Mr. Krabs), Tilka Wheal (Patrick), Emma Sayers (Sandy), Aled Yeoh (Squidward), and Amelie Heyer (Pearl). The duets between Palumbo and Wheal, and Heyer and Anderson were especially well done.
Anderson’s characterisation of Mr Krabs was entertaining and packed with humour, while Palumbo’s commitment to her SpongeBob character never wavered, even while sporting a bleeding knee injury during the final scenes.
The audience loved this production, almost as much as the cast did. It was easy to see that everyone was having a great time. Well done to Adelaide Theatre Academy and Theatre Bugs, and thank you for what you do for theatre loving kids in Adelaide, and the future of the local theatre scene.
Reviewed by: Doug Phillips
Photo credit: supplied
Venue: Goodwood Theatre
Season: ended
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