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‘SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical’ Will End Its Broadway Run This September

It looks like everyone’s favorite square-shaped sponge is ready to pack it up from his Bikini Bottom residence in New York City and head out on a National Tour! On September 16th,  SpongeBob Squarepants: The Musical will officially end its Broadway run at the Palace Theatre.

The production was originally scheduled to have a longer run on Broadway, however, as Playbill reports, the 105-year old Palace Theatre is about to undergo some massive restorative efforts. The renovation is part of a $4.2 billion real estate deal and will temporarily close down the theatre while construction takes place. As a result, the historic landmark theater will receive a new lobby, dressing rooms, elevators and a brand new LED marquee!

That’s not quite the end for Spongebob and his friends, though. The production will kick off a North American national tour starting in the fall of 2019.

The Tony-nominated Spongebob Squarepants: The Musical stars newcomer Ethan Slater who plays the Nickelodeon icon, SpongeBob. In the play, SpongeBob, along with the help of his underwater friends, Gavin Lee as Squidward Q. Tentacles, Danny Skinner as Patrick Star, Lilli Cooper as Sandy Cheeks, Wesley Taylor as Sheldon Plankton, and Brian Ray Norris in his Broadway debut as Krusty Krab owner Eugene Krabs, is challenged with the task of saving his town from an impending volcanic eruption.

Some truly iconic musicians contributed to the development of SpongeBob Squarepants: The Musical. The production included musical input from the likes of Aerosmith, John Legend, Sara Bareilles, Cindy Lauper, Lady Antebellum, T.I. and even the late David Bowie, just to name a few. The production is directed by Tina Landau (who is also a co-creator) and features a book by Kyle Jarrow, choreography by Christopher Gattelli and musical supervision by Tom Kitt.

Spongebob Squarepants: The Musical originally opened on December 4 and was nominated for 12 Tony Awards in 2018. We’re sad to see Spongebob Squarepants: The Musical leave Broadway, but can’t wait to see what cities the National Tour will visit!

Have you seen Spongebob Squarepants: The Musical on Broadway? Are you excited for the National Tour? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.