Get ready for an underwater adventure with Cherry Hill West’s spring production of “SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical” early next month.
Fans of SpongeBob will see familiar characters come to life through the actors’ interpretations. The show follows the title character and his friends Patrick and Sandy as they try to save Bikini Bottom from an exploding volcano. SpongeBob reminds people to love and accept everyone, after Sandy the squirrel is blamed for being a land mammal.
“I think the only thing that differs from the tone of the show is that (the musical) definitely has a more serious undertone,” said Casey Workman, a senior who plays Old Man Jenkins. “It comments on racism, sexism, global warming and so many real problems.
“The tone of the show is still there, with the silliness and sound effects and funny lines,” she added. “But it’s kind of more enjoyable because that’s something I see and know in my life that I can relate to.”
Musical Director Carolyn Messias explained the production is the first in two years without COVID restrictions or mask requirements.
“Coming back from the pandemic, I wanted something that would give kids a lot of opportunities,” she added.
Since diversity is one of the show’s major themes, the script encourages casting diversity as well, to not only celebrate differences, but add to the show’s silliness. As a result, some of the main characters traditionally played by males will be portrayed by females.
“I think this is a great thing for high-school students,” Messias noted. “They don’t need to play an age; they’re playing a character. They’re not playing the cartoon character, but their interpretation of the character.”
The school’s January performances of “Cinderella” were marred by COVID restrictions and contact tracing, and a snowstorm that led to cancellation of half the shows.
“Comparing it (‘SpongeBob’) to ‘Cinderella,’ there wasn’t a lot of stuff for other people to do … but in this one, there’s a lot of different parts and everyone gets to work together,” said Jill Saperstein, a junior who plays Squidward.
Students are excited about the new show because of its high energy and the level to which they’re involved. In addition to upbeat numbers by popular artists like Sara Bareilles, Panic! At the Disco and Plain White Ts, there are a variety of dance numbers and flying antics.
“The show seems like it’s going to be a blast,” said Roan Fletcher, a senior who plays the antagonist Plankton. “Really, we look like we’re having fun on stage and really we are. That’s the best part about it.”
Performance dates for “SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical” are May 5, 6 and 7 at 7 p.m. in the Cherry Hill West auditorium, and May 7 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/63386.
