As the house lights go down and chatter ceases, an unassuming high school auditorium is transported to the underwater world of Bikini Bottom.
On Thursday, April 10, Purebred Productions debuted “SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical,” as the final major production of the year. The musical features all of the same characters from the beloved animated show “SpongeBob SquarePants,” but with a plot unique to the musical. In addition, the show explains the dynamics between characters and provides context for the plot, so even audiences unfamiliar with the SpongeBob TV show will not get lost. The show follows the trio, SpongeBob, Sandy and Patrick, as they make a plan to save Bikini Bottom from a volcanic eruption.
“Even if you don’t know or have never watched SpongeBob, you will still be able to understand what’s happening, and the musical feels like a smooth addition to the SpongeBob universe,” Sofia McLaughlin, who plays SpongeBob, said.
As a sophomore who had mainly been cast in smaller roles, McLaughlin had to quickly adapt to leading a production during SpongeBob’s two months of rehearsals and production.
“I honestly never anticipated actually getting SpongeBob, but when the casting was announced, I was in shock and got to work. [Leading a show] can be stressful, but we have such a great cast and a good group of people supporting me and cheering me on, which makes me feel like I can do it,” McLaughlin said.
Everything from the acting, to the costumes, was well-planned out by the SpongeBob crew, and the set department even went as far to build out and extend part of the stage to better immerse audiences in Bikini Bottom.
“This show’s process was different than the others. It is the biggest show Hagerty has ever done, both on the technical side of things and the cast side. Doing a show of this caliber and in such little time was no small feat. We didn’t even have some pieces of the set completed until Tuesday,” junior Shaun Epperson, who plays Patrick Star, said.
Over 100 people were involved within the cast and crew of the production to complete the visual and technical spectacle within the two-month time period.
“Learning the score and designing the costumes was also really challenging. This show has a lot of harmonies that took forever for us as a cast to learn. There are so many costumes, and specific costumes for individual group numbers. This production is grand,” senior Madalena Agosto, who plays Sandy Cheeks, said.
In addition to costumes, tech and the cast, a new hair and makeup crew was added to complete the visuals of SpongeBob. Several group numbers involve wigs and themed makeup, including “When the Going Gets Tough” led by Plankton, which features performers in dark hair and makeup to match the energy of Plankton as the show’s antagonist.
While lighthearted on the surface, McLaughlin hopes that their show can help teach audiences about the importance of kindness and friendship.
“Kindness and coming together as a group is so important, and I just hope everyone will see that in “SpongeBob.” There is a strength in always being united towards a common goal, and there is a place for everyone,” McLaughlin said.
The production is running in the auditorium from April 10-12, starting at 7 p.m. each night, and tickets are available to purchase on TeachTix now.
