Valley Youth Theatre presents “The SpongeBob Musical,” opening Friday, June 9, at the Herberger Theater Center in downtown Phoenix.

Based on the beloved animated series by Stephen Hillenburg, Valley Youth Theatre’s production will take audiences into a world of lively characters, music, and stunning visuals.

“It’s one of the most ambitious shows we have ever done,” Valley Youth Theatre’s Producing Artistic Director Bobb Cooper shared in a news release. “And the young people in this cast are phenomenal.”

Audiences will join SpongeBob (played by Valley Youth Theatre newcomer Ethan W. Doyle), Patrick Star (William Lovell), Squidward (Raymond Cusick), Sandy Cheeks (Autumn Stanley), Mr. Krabs (Luke Chester) and the whole Bikini Bottom crew to save their beloved underwater town from impending doom.

The musical features original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants, T.I., and songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny, and Andy Paley.

Along with its public shows, Valley Youth Theatre will host two Sponsor-A-Seat shows, where children from various Valley social service agencies are invited to see a show and have lunch with the cast and crew for free. Sponsor-A-Seat is funded by donations from the community. Visit vyt.com/support-us to learn more.

“The SpongeBob Musical” features music direction by Mark Fearey, choreography by Nathalie Velasquez, costume and makeup design by Karol Cooper, lighting design by Jeff A. Davis and the production stage manager is Morgan McCall.

Public performances take place at 7 p.m. Fridays, June 9, 16 and 23; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, June 10, 17 and 24; 2 p.m. Sundays, June 11, 18 and 25; and 7 p.m. Thursdays, June 15 and 22, at Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe in downtown Phoenix.

Tickets start at $16.50 and are available at vyt.com/tickets or by calling 602-252-8497.