SpongeBob the Musical - Albert Brownlee, Director
By Albert Brownlee
Representation is essential.
This phrase is one that we hear repeated often these days. The challenges we faced as a nation and world in 2020 have highlighted the importance of unity, diversity, equality, and social acceptance as never before. Too often, those who are underrepresented or hardest to reach have been systemically disregarded, unintentionally pushed aside, or easily overlooked in places and spaces where representation matters most. However, with each new day, the world is becoming more inclusive, ethnically diverse, consciously aware, and socially responsible for the collective good of all.
SpongeBob the Musical highlights the need we all have for community, acceptance, and shared accountability to others and the world around us. As such, it is important that those values are modeled from the inside out and not simply on stage for the audience to see. Creating a space where all are accepted, cared for, and encouraged to participate is not an easy task to navigate. Yet, as a community arts leader, the Fort Wayne Civic Theatre is attempting to do so with this production in a way that is strategic, intentional, and noteworthy of widespread support. I, likewise, am ecstatic to lend my voice and hands to the cause.
As a director, I enjoy creating art that moves the audience emotionally, mentally, and physically to action. I see the theatre as a place where audience members can be vulnerable, challenged, and encouraged to do and be better. To this end, I don’t take my role lightly, but I approach each directing opportunity with a growth-oriented mindset to make an intrinsic difference in the lives of others and all those that I encounter on and off stage. This ideology and approach to artistic performance and the creative process, holistically, speaks to the power of art and artistic expression itself! Furthermore, it shows how we can use artistry to affect the greater good and overall community at large.
Accordingly, no longer can we allow implicit biases, ignorance, or hierarchal paradigms and classism to determine the extent of our humanity and character. Contrarily, we must all actively participate in “opening doors” and “building bridges” to ensure that everyone has a “seat at the table” and an “invitation to the barbecue.” Ultimately, this is how true progress is made and systematic change is implemented at a foundational level in a very real, yet sustainable way.
As a Fort Wayne native and an African-American man, director, and artist, I am honored to participate in bringing this story to life for the Northeast Indiana community in a way that is artistically meaningful, respectfully diverse, and indelibly impactful. My ultimate desire in directing SpongeBob the Musical was to increase diversity in casting, as well as diversity in those attending the show.
I once thought there would be no director’s seat for me at this table, but I was wrong. And being wrong is great when it means something else is happening that is so right!
Representation, truly, is essential.
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Tabitha Ervin, Editorial Director
I was recently able to sit down with Albert Brownlee, Director of SpongeBob the Musical playing at Civic Theatre, July 23-31.
To his knowledge, he’s the first African American male who is a city native to direct one of the first shows of the summer season and 2022-2023 opener for the Civic Theatre.
This musical came out on Broadway in 2017 and has great music, themes and a broad message that goes beyond entertainment.
Albert’s bio for acting, directing and singing is pretty extensive.
There is also an amazing and diverse cast from the Fort Wayne community who are excited about this coming show. The cast includes some of these familiar names and several others:
Keristen Baker, Ayana Brooks, Kibwe Cooper, Mary Wilson, Tina Gasnarez, Jagger Surface, Dave Ealy, Emily Koch, Mary Kirkland, Jordan Lattimore, singers April Cotton, Debbie Kirkland and Fatima Washington along with others!
It’s a very large show! There are 39 total cast members.
Fort Wayne community let’s join Director Albert Brownlee and this amazing cast for a great show! The musical will take place at Civic Theatre, July 23-31. Tickets can be purchased online at fwcivic.org or by calling 260-424-5220.
About the show:
SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, Squidward and all of Bikini Bottom face total annihilation of their undersea world! The stakes are higher than ever in this dynamic stage musical as chaos erupts and their lives hang in the balance. And just when all hope seems lost, a most unexpected hero takes center stage. The power of optimism really can save the world! The SpongeBob Musical is based on the iconic Nickelodeon animated series created by Stephen Hillenburg. If you (or your kids or grandkids) are SpongeBob fans then you will love our take on this unique undersea community where all the characters come to life on stage.
Various popular musicians wrote the music that moves the action forward including Cyndi Lauper, Plain White T’s, Lady A, John Legend, David Bowie, Brian Eno, Panic! at the Disco, They Might Be Giants and more!
Albert Brownlee Bio:
Albert T. Brownlee is an avid performer and lover of the arts! Albert attended Clark Atlanta University where he made his directorial debut with August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. During this time, Albert had the tremendous privilege to work alongside renowned Broadway director, Kenny Leon; American playwright, Pearl Cleage; and was mentored by celebrated actor, Whitman Mayo, best known for his role as Grady on television’s Sanford and Son.
As a director, Albert enjoys working on projects that bring light to social issues, diversity, and causes dear to his heart. In 2021, he directed American Son in memoriam of George Floyd, and in 2019, he directed and co-starred in Choir Boy, tackling hypermasculinity amongst Black males. In 2018, he reenvisioned The Vagina Monologues utilizing an ethnically diverse cast and music to retell Eve Ensler’s courageous story of gender empowerment and equality. In 2017, Albert made his regional directorial debut with For Colored Girls Who Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf. This play brought awareness to traumas experienced by Black women while also celebrating their resilience and ability to triumph.
This August, Albert will celebrate 18 years of marriage to his wife, Tamarah. Together they have four children.