The Musical as Political

Yes, my piece on inauguration day is about the Spongebob musical. I’m not sorry about it.

Is today going to be the best day ever? According to Spongebob, yes, every day is. So, it’s nice that there’s going to be a new President, but I say, meh. But in a time where it feels like the world is ending constantly, a little bit of his optimism could really help us.

The show that is now known as The Spongebob Musical (leaving the tour and Tony controversies aside for the purposes of this article, though there were surely lessons to be learned from those as well) had a lot of important lessons to teach, and mind you, the show was targeting children. I am part of the first generation that grew up on Spongebob (though admittedly, I did not.) and we’re all young adults now, but there are still plenty of little ones growing up in the current era watching the TV program.

Perhaps the most successful part of The Spongebob Musical aside from the performances, the design/production/creative elements, and the adaptation is the way it handles nuanced issues in the world in a way that children can understand, or at least they can take away something from it.

Environmental issues were at the forefront of this musical, going so far as to include recycled materials in the set. Spongebob takes place underwater, so the book delves into issues of climate change, natural disasters, and the climate refugee crisis. As it is a kids’ show, Sandy (no relation) keeps this disaster at bay, and they all survive, but the threat that is presented is genuine.

Related to their crisis is the way media and the government aren’t adequately prepared to handle crises, and how corporations will exploit crises. We got another prescient musical, folks! This show opened on Broadway in 2017, long before we knew COVID was coming. The show also deals with fanaticism/cults, racism/xenophobia, hypocrisy, and, in a very different tone, appreciating life, even when life kind of sucks.

Gender stereotypes are subverted with Sandy, who is a scientist and practices karate, Spongebob, who is sensitive and friendly, and the very ostentatious, tap-dancing, clarinet-playing Squidward, as well as some of the ensemble tracks. Issues that may seem smaller but are also important are friendship, finding one’s skillset, the disappointing side of hardcore fandom, and pursuing one’s passions in the face of obstacles or criticism.

If you need some brightness in this mainly dark time, give this show a watch or a listen.