When Slow Burn Theatre Company announced the adaptation of the iconic Nickelodeon series “SpongeBob SquarePants” for its 2023/2024 season, two local performers, Ryan Crout and Brian Klimowski, jumped at the opportunity to be cast.
Crout, 35, secured the role of Mr. Krabs, the greedy owner of the iconic Krusty Krab. Klimowski, 30, took on the role of the grumpy but lovable Squidward J. Q. Tentacles.
Recreating the emblematic underwater setting of Bikini Bottom and the quirky Pineapple house, “The SpongeBob Musical” follows SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, Mr. Krabs and Squidward on their fun-filled adventures to save the world.
“Everyone I meet who has seen the show is always shocked at how good it is, both for its gorgeous, flashy production value, but also for the show’s beautiful message!” says Klimowski. Crout agrees, saying the atmosphere is not like other productions, “it’s more like a party. The set, projections, lights and the costumes are so bright and colorful and just all around incredible!”
Photo by Larry Marano
Brian Klimowski (Squidward J. Q. Tentacles), Anthony Llerandi (SpongeBob), Dominique Kempf (Sandy) and Ryan Court (Mr. Krabs)
Joining the cast of the 12-time Tony Award-nominated play was on the cards of the two talented performers.
Crout, originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, settled in Boca Raton at age 3. An early introduction to “The Phantom of the Opera” at age 6 sparked a lifelong passion for entertainment. The versatile actor, singer, voice actor, music composer and director, secured various roles for Slow Burn’s 2023/2024 productions, including “Little Mermaid” and “Sister Act.”
“I love the energy you feel on stage from the audience and cast... Whether or not it be on stage, playing the music behind the scenes, or writing music, to help portray particular emotions and have your audience feel that same emotion is truly an indescribable feeling.”
Photo by Larry Marano
Ryan Court as Mr. Krabs
Klimowski followed a similar path. Hailing from Flagstaff, Ariz., he arrived in Boca Raton two years ago with his wife, also an actor. He pursued acting, singing and dancing lessons in high school and earned his BFA in Musical Theater from the University of Arizona in Tucson.
When asked about playing Squidward, Klimowski says, “I love playing characters that are wildly different from myself! To be honest, I’m normally much more of a SpongeBob, full of optimism and joy. But in this role, it’s been such a treat to explore my snarky, sarcastic, Squidward side.”
While both performers aspire to continue exploring the entertainment field, their roots are firmly grounded in Boca Raton.
“There is such a reverence and love for the arts here in Boca that I rarely see anywhere else,” notes Klimowski. Crout adds, “There’s a little bit of everything here from entertainment, food, art, nightlife, music venues, the beach, shopping, etc., you can always find something to catch your interest.”
When not performing in theaters, Klimowski can be found at Barclay Performing Arts in Boca Raton as a vocal and acting instructor or as a juggler, yo-yo pro, stilt walker or close-up magician in circus shows worldwide. And if you’re looking for piano lessons in the area, Crout, also a local piano teacher, has been composing and producing music for over 20 years.
Photo by Larry Marano
Brian Klimowski as Squidward J. Q. Tentacles
“The SpongeBob Musical” will run until June 23 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts Amaturo Theater.
For tickets and more information about “The SpongeBob Musical,” visit browardcenter.org.