Joey Votto joins production of 'The SpongeBob Musical' in Cincinnati

May 2024 · 2 minute read

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Joey Votto, who just turned 40 this month, is already planning his next career, it seems.

And he’s … ready for it.

The long-time time Cincinnati Reds first baseman will be the “French Narrator” in “The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition,” as part of a Children’s Theatre in Cincinnati production, the Reds announced on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Votto, who is from Toronto, Canada, is fluent in French.

The show is scheduled to run from Oct. 14-23 at the Taft Theatre in Cincinnati, though Votto had his lines pre-recorded, per MLB.com.

“I was asked to do it. I don’t know if it went well or not,” Votto said, according to MLB.com. “I speak French, so I can fake it. They said it went well, which is really all that matters.”

The show marks the first time a Reds player has been involved in with a Children’s Theatre production, Cincinnati.com reports.

The show is scheduled to last an hour with no breaks and is meant for kids aged 4 and up.

“I hope the kids have a good time,” Votto said. “I was happy to lend my voice.”

Meanwhile, Votto and the Reds are continuing their push in the National League playoffs.

Entering Friday night, the team is one game back of the final Wild Card spot that is held by the Cubs.

The Reds, who are 42-34 on the road this year, have the best away record in the National League.

They are vying for their second postseason bid in the last four years after reaching the playoffs in 2020, losing in two games to the Braves in the wild card round.

Before the COVID-shortened season, the Reds last made the playoffs in 2013, a season where Votto finished sixth in the National League MVP voting.

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