Steven Kiss, who plays the title character in “The SpongeBob Musical” at the Croswell Opera House, is no stranger to playing beloved TV and film characters transplanted to the stage. His previous roles at the Croswell include Ralphie’s dad in “A Christmas Story” and Buddy the Elf in “Elf” — a character in whom he sees some parallels to his current role.

Here are three questions and answers with Kiss about the show.

Q: What first drew you to this show and this role?

A: I was actually lucky enough to see the original Broadway cast in 2018. I knew that I wanted to be in the show the minute I walked into the theater. The entire experience was so immersive and so creative. I especially loved how the entire theater was decorated; we were truly in Bikini Bottom. Everything about the show is well thought-out and creative. From the set and the costumes being all from recycled materials, to the technical aspects of the show, there is not a single detail that was missed. 

Specifically to the role of SpongeBob, he has such a sense of innocence that I wanted to get back to. I haven’t been able to tap into that side of my acting since “Elf.”  Buddy and SpongeBob are very similar in their sense of hope and viewing everything with a positive attitude. I knew that taking on such a well known cartoon character would be a challenge; however, the thing I love about the musical is that it captures the spirit of the show, but it also gives the cast so many opportunities to add their own touch to the characters. The script provides feedback on that exact topic, and talks about how the actors should not be portraying carbon copies of the cartoon. They should be making the characters more believable and relatable. I hope that when the audience watches the show, they can see themselves represented in some of these characters!

Q: How do you think people will feel leaving the show?

Themes that are present throughout the show are hope and resilience, friendship and love, kindness and acceptance. The importance of friendship and love really stands out. It shows how teamwork can help us overcome challenges. Plus, I love how the characters celebrate individuality; it’s a great reminder of how unique qualities make a community stronger. SpongeBob’s endless optimism really highlights the power of a positive attitude when facing tough times. 

When people leave, I hope they feel uplifted and joyful. The vibrance of the show and catchy songs will leave audiences with a sense of happiness and energy. It truly is a feel-good show that will bring laughter and a warm sense of community, making everyone leave with a smile.

Q: What would you say about the show to somebody who is not familiar with the TV series?

If you’re not really familiar with the TV series, that’s totally OK! “The SpongeBob Musical” is a fun and colorful experience that brings the underwater world of Bikini Bottom to life. You’ve got this lovable, optimistic character, SpongeBob, who’s always ready to tackle challenges with his friends, like Patrick and Sandy. The show is packed with hilarious moments and a lot of heart. It’s really about friendship, being true to yourself, and staying positive, no matter what. Even if you haven’t seen the show before, you’ll still get swept up in the energy and the message.

While “The SpongeBob Musical” features the same beloved characters and humor from the TV show, it really takes a different approach. The musical dives deeper into the themes of friendship and self-discovery, adding more emotional depth than what you might find in a typical episode. The staging is super vibrant, and the songs are original and diverse, showcasing a range of musical styles. The music is written by many different well known artists including David Bowie, Sara Barielles, John Legend, TI, Lady Antebellum, and Cyndi Lauper.  

The musical is like a fresh take on the characters and their adventures, turning the familiar into something new and exciting. Even if you’re not a fan of the show, the musical’s energy and heartfelt messages will definitely hit the right chord!

The SpongeBob Musical opened Nov. 22 and continues through Dec. 1 at the Croswell Opera House, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian. Tickets are $22-$44 for adults, $15-$25 for children and students, and may be ordered at croswell.org.