Exclusive Interview: Brian Martin and Eric Van Tielen of Wayne State University's 'The SpongeBob Musical'

Turning a beloved cartoon into a Broadway spectacle may seem like an idea that should stay buried treasure at the bottom of the sea; however, The SpongeBob Musical somehow perfectly captures what makes the Nickelodeon series work, and gives audiences even more. Audiences are submerged...I mean, immersed in the brilliantly colorful work of Bikini Bottom, with a musical that highlights this universe's oddball humor, bright optimism, and chaotic charm. The result is a production that feels both familiar and completely unexpected, which is why it's the perfect show for The Stage at The Hillberry Gateway at Wayne State University! We recently spoke with director Eric Van Tielen and the main sponge himself, Brian Martin! In this exclusive BSB Insider interview, Van Tielen and Martin discuss what it's like to dive into the colorful world of SpongeBob SquarePants and just how these creatives are crafting something special for the entire family! Our director discusses the challenge of reusing and upcycling costumes and stagecraft, and where that conscious effort stems from. Martin discusses how he didn't grow up watching the cartoon, and what has gone into creating this iconic character for WSU's stage! Find the video of this podcast on YouTube For more entertainment coverage, visit BSB Insider Follow us on social media @bsb.insider or check out our Linktree!