Premiering January 25, the NC theater department brought a childhood favorite-inspired “The Spongebob Musical: Youth Edition” to the stage. After months of rehearsal by the cast since late November, NC students can finally view the long-awaited and nostalgia-filled musical.
Based off of the childhood hit show “SpongeBob SquarePants,” this rendition of Broadway’s “The SpongeBob Musical” creates an engaging one-hour performance by aspiring young actors. The vibrant show set in “Bikini Bottom” transports the audience into an underwater universe. Main characters SpongeBob Squarepants, played by freshman Lily Kennedy, and Patrick Star, played by senior Joseph Pagan-Portes, use the power of friendship to face an erupting volcano that would destroy the entire Bikini Bottom. With only one day to find a way to save the town, the pair works through struggles such as a mischievous plan formulated by Krusty Krab’s rival Plankton, played by magnet junior Zorian Lang, and the discrimination against the beloved cowgirl squirrel Sandy Cheeks, played by senior Destiny Johnson. Arisen problems test if the power of friendship can save the day.
“I think [the first show] was super fun. I think we did the best that we could in the time that we were given. I think it was super great and everybody was so fun and funny, I just loved it. I watched a lot of SpongeBob when I was a kid, it’s all I would ever watch, so I think I knew the character enough to portray it,” Kennedy said.
The cast performs the show in the PAC four times from Thursday, January 25 to Saturday, January 27, catering to all schedule availability. Typically, the cast performs shows for friends and family in addition to their trips to various middle schools to showcase their work to children, but it unfortunately fell through this year due to difficult field trip situations.
Combining Head Director Candice Corcoran’s mentorship and the cast’s student leadership, the choreography and singing created the perfect melody. Aside from the shining leads, the ensemble created a bubbly stage presence allowing viewers to feel as though they resided in the beloved TV show. Breaking out into songs, dance numbers and hilarious accents became important details of making the show reach perfection.
“I feel like it [the first show] was really good. We got a lot of energy out and not only did it help me see what more we could do for the next shows, but I realized how much we’ve improved from the month of November. I use my nervousness as energy… I prepared by staying quiet the whole day because Patrick’s voice really strains my throat, especially singing with it. I did a lot of work and watched a lot of SpongeBob,” Pagan-Portes said.
After spending months bonding, this close-knit group spends the entire weekend with each other making core memories. Spending each afternoon with the cast, the performers made a welcoming and comfortable environment filled with exciting moments. Especially for the two-show day on Saturday, the actors will spend time connecting with each other and capitalizing on the weekend. Additionally, the behind-the-scenes tech, set and stage management team allowed the show to run as smoothly as possible. To let the singers and dancers shine, stage workers worked on microphones, lighting and sound behind the curtain.
As the cast demonstrates the musical for the NC community, students gain excitement for the upcoming production of “The Addams Family.” Similar to SpongeBob, “The Addams Family” hosts a plethora of diverse roles that will give any aspiring performer a fitting place. Those who could not make time to perform in “The SpongeBob Musical” during the winter may find a place in “The Addams Family” for the last musical of the school year.
