Just like the production’s namesake, the MHS Theater Ensemble brought plenty of gumption to three amazing performances of The SpongeBob Musical.
Overcoming snow days and weather delays, more than 50 community members, including a cast and crew of some three dozen students, pitched in to bring this undersea performance to life. From lively song and dance to terrific acting and an imaginative set, this production had it all!
Based on the Nickelodeon television series, this lively and critically acclaimed musical follows SpongeBob SquarePants and his quirky cohorts as they try to prevent a volcanic eruption from wiping out life in their undersea hometown of Bikini Bottom. The musical, which premiered in 2016 in Chicago and opened in December 2017 on Broadway, received twelve Tony Award nominations in 2018.
The MHS production featured Avah DeBenedetto ’27 as SpongeBob, Matilda Heaton Wellenstein ’27, as his best friend, Patrick Star, and Fiona Gordon ’26 as friend, Sandy Cheeks. Alfie Su ’28 played neighbor Squidward Q. Tentacles, Jaimie Corpuz ’26 was Eugene H. Krabs, SpongeBob’s boss, and Noya Samara ’26and Beta Gu ’26 were the married villains, Sheldon J. Plankton and Karen the Computer.
The show also starred Indigo Travis ’27 as Pearl Krabs, Mr. Krabs’ daughter, Izzy Stewart ’28 as news reporter Perch Perkins, Sophie O’Brien ’27 as Patchy the Pirate, and Linée Weiner ’28 as Mayor of Bikini Bottom, while Izzy, Kaja Knezevic ’27, and Alex Smith ’29 were members of the famous rock band, the Electric Skates.
Sonia Rundle ’27 was the Narrator, Siri Polk ’28 was Larry the Lobster, Maddie Craig ’26 was Mrs. Puff, and Natalia Boneo ’27 was Old Man Jenkins. The Ensemble featured Yoyo Chen ’26, Dasha Cruz ’27, Linnea Keiser-Clark ’27, Ava Lawson ’28, Kennedy Minkler ’29, and Rafa Romanini ’26.
The show’s technical crew included Eleanor Jacobsen ’27 as Assistant Music Director and Foley Artist, Stage Managers Izzy Aponte ’26 and Kara Kisselbrock ’26, and Assistant Stage Manager/Costume Supervisor Charlie Stokes ’27. Phoebe Tryon ’29 was Props and Costume Assistant, Romee He ’27 provided Choreography, and Fiona Gordon ’26 provided Tap Choreography.
The Light Board Operator was Zatanna Shen ’29, with Becca Kitonga ’26 and Emily Nguyen ’26 operating the spotlights. Rafa Romanini ’26 designed the program cover, while Izzy Aponte ’26 and Ceramics Teacher Nicole Hayes designed the lobby. Photography Teacher Jen Morris photographed the cast and crew. Jenny Citarelli was Music Director/Accompanist, and Katie Polebaum-Freeman provided Lighting and Set Design and served as Technical Director.
The performance was directed by Jennifer Jordan, MHS Director of Theater and Dance.
In all, dozens of students contributed countless hours to perform and produce the show and to build the set. The production also benefited from the assistance of MHS faculty and staff members, as well as from supporters in the area’s theater community.
Great job, everyone!