World Ocean Day is here, and what better way to honour our magnificent oceans than by celebrating musicals that bring the underwater world to life on stage? This year’s theme, “Awaken New Depths: Catalysing Action for Our Ocean and Climate,” reminds us of the power of the arts to inspire empathy and action when interacting with the real world around us. Let’s dive into these spectacular shows that whisk us away to the depths of the sea and highlight some key songs for your ultimate “Under the Sea” playlist!

4. Bedknobs and Broomsticks

While Bedknobs and Broomsticks spends the least amount of time under the sea of any of the shows on today’s list, it features the classic song “The Beautiful Briny,” which highlights the magic of the underwater world. First appearing in the film upon which the recent stage adaptation is based, the Sherman Brothers’ cheerful and catchy tune captures the beauty and charm of the sea as the human characters explore the underwater world into which their magical travelling bed has dropped them. While the film uses animation to bring this little seaside nook to life, the stage musical adaptation uses creative set designs, costumes, puppets and lighting to translate this enchanting sequence to the stage. The humorous and whimsical interactions between characters and sea creatures add to the joyous atmosphere, encouraging an appreciation for the natural world.

3. SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical

SpongeBob Squarepants brings the optimistic and adventurous SpongeBob to life, reflecting the quirky charm of marine life that enchants many of us as children. Set in the vibrant underwater city of Bikini Bottom, it extols the creativity and imagination of the ocean. From the heartwarming camaraderie that fills the stage in the show’s opening number, “Bikini Bottom Day,” through the lively and carefree “Best Day Ever,” to Patrick’s humorous and energetic paean to environmental champions in “Super Sea Star Saviour,” the score of the show is a bubbly romp through life under the sea. SpongeBob Squarepants is all about environmental challenges, with the plot focusing on the threat of a volcanic eruption, and promotes the idea of environmental stewardship and the importance of protecting marine habitats. SpongeBob and his friend’s unwavering optimism and determination inspire us all to have a positive outlook on the difference we can make to the significant element of our environment on Earth.

2. The Little Mermaid

Arguably the most famous undersea musical, The Little Mermaid celebrates sea life through its vibrant portrayal of underwater creatures and the enchanting underwater kingdom. “Under the Sea” is an anthem to everything fishy, with Sebastian paying homage to all kinds of marine animals as he paints a picture of the fabulous and vibrant spirit of life under the waves. Elaborate and colourful costumes mimic the fluidity and diversity of underwater life, and the dance routines enhance the feeling of being underwater – although the use of heelies in the original Broadway production was a headscratcher. Nonetheless, The Little Mermaid‘s whimsical tone encourages audiences to appreciate the wonders of marine environments. While we all dream about mermaids and sea witches, Ariel’s dreams about us in “Part of Your Word” remind us that we are all interconnected. We all have a part to play in preserving the unique beauty and wonder of the sea if we only dream about Ariel’s world with as much mindfulness as she dreams of ours!

1. Finding Nemo: The Musical

Finding Nemo: The Musical vividly portrays underwater life through engaging storytelling and captivating musical numbers. The stage design and special effects create an immersive underwater world, complete with enough coral-inspired views to evoke the vibrant sea floor of the Great Barrier Reef. Key songs in this delightful little score include “In the Big Blue World,” an opening number following the show’s devastating prologue, which introduces the wonders of the ocean as Nemo drops hints about some of the characters we’ll meet later on, including sharks (‘Haven’t you seen Jaws?’) sea turtles (‘Sandy Plankton said that they could live to be a hundred) and everything in between! Later in the show, “Just Keep Swimming” is a song that turns Dory’s signature catchphrase into a salute to perseverance and positivity. If only all sea life were that resilient, able to bounce back from the damage people have inflicted on the oceans over the ages. Crush and Squirt, the sea turtles, are fan favourite characters and their upbeat song, “Go with the Flow,” recalls the laid-back attitude often associated with The Beach Boys. In productions of Finding Nemo, the elaborate costumes and puppets bring sea creatures to life with bright colours and detailed designs, enhancing the experience of the show. The show subtly promotes an appreciation for marine ecosystems and the need for their conservation, making it the strongest advocate for the ocean on today’s list.

Final Thoughts

To protect the real-life equivalents of Sebastian, Nemo, SpongeBob, Norton and their under-the-sea friends, remember to engage your political leaders on ocean issues, eat responsibly sourced seafood, teach kids about the ocean environment and leave nothing behind when you visit the seaside. And while you’re at it, curate yourself an ultimate sea-themed musical theatre playlist, so you can enjoy the magic of the ocean wherever you go! Happy World Ocean Day!