SpongeBob SquarePants musical opens at Florida Repertory Theater

The Florida Repertory Theater is transforming into Bikini Bottom for a SpongeBob SquarePants musical.

The lead role of SpongeBob is being played by a Southwest Florida-born actor Landon Maas who has since made it to Broadway. Maas played Harry Potter in the Cursed Child production on Broadway.

The 14-year-old returned to Southwest Florida where he is a student at Gateway High.

“Obviously, I’m taller and older. But like, I think it feels so much like the same, but so different at the same time,” Maas said.

Maas said he used to watch SpongeBob every morning before going to school and on weekends.

“SpongeBob is such an optimistic character. And so it’s kind of like, nice to bring in that optimism and hope into your normal life,” Maas said.

The rest of the gang is being brought to life by local child actors.

After weeks of hard work, the cast of SpongeBob is ready for its debut.

Opening night is Thursday and the plan is to take you under the sea.

“You’re supposed to be underwater as these character you know, you have to get your body into the movement of being underwater, you got to practice that choreography along with that, and especially playing those characters,” said Michael Shelley, a 16-year-old Fort Myers High School student who is playing Patrick Star.

Michael said he relates to Patrick, the fun-loving starfish who plays SpongeBob’s best friend.

“I absolutely love SpongeBob when I was growing up. So I think that’s one of my main reasons. I’m so happy to be on the show,” Michael said.

The production is filled with bubbles, music and beach balls but the most important part is the lessons the students have learned.

“From being in theater communication skills. Number one, what they learn is walking in someone else’s shoes. Seeing the world from a different perspective from our own. It teaches them discipline,” said SpongeBob musical Director Christina DeCarlo.

The cast and crew are welcoming everyone to Bikini Bottom with the hope of spreading joy.

“You won’t believe what the Southwest Florida students are doing on the stage. You’ll feel rejuvenated after seeing it. No matter what your age is, it will bring back childhood memories. And you’ll just leave with a big smile on your face,” DeCarlo said.

The show will play the Florida Repertory Theater in downtown Fort Myers through May 28.