Middle School’s The SpongeBob Musical Brings Joy to the Community

A cast of more than 60 Middle School students presented The SpongeBob Musical to delighted audiences in four performances in the Hurlbut Theater. This high-energy musical based on the cartoon series featured popular characters including SpongeBob (Yumi Yeh), Patrick the Starfish (Austen Robertson), Squidward (Jake Norton), Sandy Cheeks the scientific Texas squirrel (Heidi Beshk), the greedy Mr. Krabs (Sean Gunar) and his daughter, Pearl (Isabella Huang), the competitive Plankton (Oliver Dai) and his wife, Karen (Savera Glowacki) as well as a plethora of sea creatures such as Bikini Bottom Citizens, Sardines, Sea Anemones, Jellyfish and more.

The French Narrator (Dane Olsen) set the scene by introducing the sub-marine habitat, Bikini Bottom, and pointing out locations such as the pineapple that is home to the title character. After an ominous rumbling sound, the audience learns of the danger lurking nearby. News reporter Perch Perkins (Chase Cunningham) provided updates on the long-slumbering volcano of doom, Mount Humongous. Throughout the 60-minute performance, the characters argued about who belonged in the town, what is most important in life, and which restaurant would be the most successful. However, through their exploits that included a benefit concert featuring the band, Electric Snakes, the Citizens came to realize that they need to work together to save their home. 

This production required a lot of teamwork to put together. Tyler Sant ’28 stage-managed throughout the process. Dozens of Middle School and Upper School students helped to build and paint the set pieces and props. Students worked behind the curtain on the technical crew and in the tech booth on sound and lighting effects. Students helped with makeup and hair design and application. Director Katie DeShan says, “My love for this cast and crew of Middle School and professional community creatives (Asst. Director Corinne Samskey, Musical Director Lex Leigh, Choreographer Carly Taberski, Technical Director Gordon Richins, Production Asst. Justice Musick-Corson, Costume Asst. Moriah Quinn] is oceans deep. I am so grateful for their dedication, talent, and positivity. They have truly embodied the word community during our time together.”