Rehearsals of “The SpongeBob Musical”(Photo – Felita Kealing)
The stage is set, the jellyfish are buzzing, and Bikini Bottom is ready to welcome audiences as Thurgood Marshall’s Drama Department presents The SpongeBob Musical. With five live performances scheduled from April 24 through April 27, the school invites the community to dive under the sea for an unforgettable theatrical adventure.
By News Desk
Adapted from the hit Nickelodeon series SpongeBob SquarePants, this energetic musical tells the story of SpongeBob and his friends as they rally to save their town from a looming volcanic eruption. As panic sweeps Bikini Bottom, SpongeBob, Patrick, and Sandy rise to the occasion, while familiar faces like Squidward and Mr. Krabs find their own colorful ways to cope with the crisis.
“This show is a blast, both to perform and to watch,” said James Shopbell, a senior playing the role of Patrick Star. “Our tech crew worked very hard to transform our auditorium into a completely new space under the sea.”
Starring a cast of 21 students from grades 6 to 12, the show is a full-scale production featuring elaborate set pieces, zany humor, heartfelt moments, and toe-tapping musical numbers. Ninth-grader Errol Dassie, who plays Squidward, shared, “With all the struggle that our community has been through, it is so inspiring to see something like this come together.”
Directed by Miss Alison Garfinkel, with musical direction from Ms. Michelle Espinosa and Ms. Heather King, the production is a labor of love, brought to life with choreography by Ms. Darcy Naganuma and Mx. Cat Heinen. The show is supported by an all-student tech crew, with help from faculty and staff including Mr. Daniel Gutierrez (technical), Mr. Mike Schmidt (sound), and Mr. Luis Rendon (set design).
“The SpongeBob Musical asks the audience to create Bikini Bottom with us,” said Director Garfinkel. “It’s a show that celebrates empathy and appreciating what everyone can bring to the world.”
Performances will take place at Thurgood Marshall’s historic auditorium at 990 North Allen Avenue. Evening shows are scheduled for April 24, 25, and 26 at 6:00 pm, with matinee performances on April 26 and 27 at 1:00 pm. Students from elementary and middle schools can attend the matinees for free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Pre-sale tickets are available for $10, with tickets at the door priced at $15. Tickets can be purchased from cast members or online.
Lead Cast
- SpongeBob SquarePants – Andrew Sweet (10th Grade)
- Patrick Star – James Shopbell (12th Grade)
- Sandy Cheeks – Natalie Kreakopyan (9th Grade)
- Mr. Krabs – Kal-El Ramirez (10th Grade)
- Squidward – Errol Dassie (9th Grade)
- Plankton – Vatche Harboyan (10th Grade)
- Karen Plankton – Audrey Bradley-McKinnon (12th Grade)
- Pearl Krabs – Taleesa Ofumbi (9th Grade)
- Patchy the Pirate – Michael-Logan C. Ramirez (8th Grade)
So grab your snorkels, gather your family, and head to Thurgood Marshall for a hilarious, heartwarming, and high-energy night of musical theatre in the deep blue sea!
> Purchase tickets at this link.
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