Lake Park High School celebrates 25 years of ‘SpongeBob’ with musical production
Lake Park High School’s final production of the year, “The SpongeBob Musical,” is a comedy based on the well-known characters from the Nickelodeon network show.
The musical follows attempts by SpongeBob SquarePants (senior Lauren Troutman) to avert a volcanic eruption by Mount Humongous that could potentially wipe out all life in Bikini Bottom.
His best friend Patrick (senior Luke Thomas), neighbor Squidward (senior Julian Mostowski), and friend Sandy Cheeks (senior Meya Wiggins) all suggest different solutions. The villainous Plankton (senior Frankie Molfese) and computer wife Karen (Niki Vandergriff) have their own ideas about “saving the day.” Opportunist Mr. Krabs (sophomore Jack Colucci) thinks he can profit off the impending disaster.
The musical celebrates the power of friendship, cooperation, and the idea that even the most unlikely hero can save the day, while highlighting themes of overcoming adversity, and the importance of believing in oneself.
Lake Park’s spring musical comedy, “The SpongeBob Musical,” will be presented by both theater and music departments in the East Campus Dice Auditorium, 600 Medinah Road, Roselle. Performances will be 7 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, April 24-26, and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. April 27.
Tickets are $5 for ages 13 and above; and free for senior citizens, children under 13, and Lake Park students with an ID.
Director Erik Uppling answered some questions about the production.
Q. Why did you choose “The SpongeBob Musical” for Lake Park High School’s spring musical?
I have been wanting to produce this show since the first time I saw it, which was many years ago. Having a daughter who just loved SpongeBob, I fell in love with this character and its zany universe right alongside her. The musical is super fun, silly, and still has a heart. Another reason I chose this is to celebrate 25 years of SpongeBob.
Q. For those who aren't familiar, please describe the plot.
Bikini Bottom is threatened to be destroyed by an active volcano, and it is up to SpongeBob and his friends to figure out a way to save Bikini Bottom and all its inhabitants.
Q. How many students are involved with the production?
We have roughly 40 students in the cast and about another 20 students working behind the scenes on our crew.
Q. What were the most challenging aspects of getting this production together?
The most challenging aspect of this musical has been our calendar. We have not had a lot of time to put this up. A few weeks in January, a week in March, and less than two weeks in April. It is absolutely incredible how little time we have had to work, and how much you wouldn’t know it based on the talent, hard work, and dedication of these kids.
Q. What did you find most rewarding?
When I see kids working outside of rehearsal, finding a space in the hall to review choreography, run lines, or work trouble spots, and when I see our crew working diligently to paint a set piece, complete the Mr. Krabs’ Krabby Patty cart, or listen to the pit warm up, it just makes me so happy to see our community just as dedicated and engaged in producing this project as I am. That is a very rewarding feeling.
Q. What were some of the best moments in putting together this production?
It is always a pleasure to work with our music department. I only get a chance to do that every other year. Choir director Sam Baker and band director Mike Lehman are true gems in our school, and it is just a treat to work with them when I do.
Q. What do you think audiences will enjoy most about this play?
Audiences will most certainly enjoy the performances of our seniors in the main roles: SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward, Sandy, and Plankton. They are just fantastic. I think audiences will also enjoy the music with original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alexander Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants and T.I., and songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny and Andy Paley.
Q. What do some of the performers have to say about the show and their role in it?
Well, I can sum it up with a sound — the sound of laughter. These kids are having a blast and they cannot wait to share it with an audience.
Q. Anything else you'd like readers to know about this show?
If you are a fan of this cartoon, you will most definitely enjoy this production. Even if you have never seen an episode of “SpongeBob” in your life, this show's message is something we all need right now: The power of optimism really can save the world!