Think SpongeBob is just for kids? Not even close.
Santa Monica College opens The SpongeBob Musical on Friday, and yes — it’s bright, loud, and full of cartoon chaos. But underneath? There’s grown up humor, legit music, and more depth than you’d probably expect.
Director Perviz Sawoski assures parents won’t be bored.
“I watched SpongeBob for years before deciding to do the show,” she tells The Sun. “There is a huge amount of interest from older generations. A lot of the jokes are written specifically for adults.”
If you aren’t familiar with the plot, here it is in a nutshell: SpongeBob, Patrick, and Sandy find out a volcano is about to explode and destroy Bikini Bottom. As the town freaks out and argues, the trio works together to save their home, teaching everyone to stay hopeful and trust each other along the way.
But The SpongeBob Musical –– which debuted on Broadway in 2017 –– isn’t background noise while your kid laughs, Sawoski says. The show moves fast. It’s colorful, high-energy, and powered by a cast of 30 students — all of whom are enrolled in her summer Theatre Arts class.
And because SMC is a community college, that cast spans generations.
“Our student body varies greatly in age,” she says. “I have a student who is 15… and I’ve had students in their 60s and older. Anyone can take our classes.”
They’ve been grinding, too — with many rehearsing up to five hours a night most nights for more than a month.
The entire show is student-built, from the lighting and sound design to the props. Even the set has a local, eco-friendly twist.
“We have incorporated discarded items—like an old refrigerator, a stove, and other thrown-away objects—into our set design,” Sawoski says.
While it perfectly recreates Bikini Bottom’s underwater world, the trash set also hints at a much bigger message.
“Beyond the bright colors and cartoon fun, the show actually carries some really beautiful messages about inclusion, community, and environmental awareness,” Sawoski says. “There is a lot of depth to it.”
The production features original songs written by music legends like John Legend, Cyndi Lauper, and David Bowie, and runs under 90 minutes.
Never miss a single story!
“It’s perfect for ages 3 to 100,” Sawoski says.
The show runs July 17 through July 26.
Bring the kids if you want –– just don’t be surprised if you’re the one laughing loudest.
Know Before You Go
- What: The SpongeBob Musical: Theatre for Young Audiences Edition
- When: Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm; Sundays at 2 pm.
- Where: Santa Monica College Theatre Arts Main Stage, 1900 Pico Blvd.
- Tickets: $25–$28 in advance; $18 for SMC students and staff (plus service fee)
- How to Buy: Visit SMC.edu/tickets or call 310-434-4165 (weekdays, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.)
- Note: Tickets purchased at the box office on performance weekends are $3 more
- Inside SMC’s adult-friendly ‘SpongeBob’ musical - July 16, 2026
- Cheat Sheet 7/16: Santa Monica news, entertainment and events - July 16, 2026
- Bubble magician Arman Avetisyan brings smiles to kids in need - July 15, 2026