Welcome to The SpongeBob Musical! I am thrilled to have you join us for our 2024 musical production. Our creative team was drawn to this show because of its celebration of diversity - something we celebrate daily in our Pike Township classrooms! At the beginning of the script, Tina Landau, the inceptor of the show, writes about not only the diversity of the characters, but also encourages the director to be diverse in casting, saying her dream is for the characters to be portrayed by a diverse group of actors, regardless of gender, race, age, etc. We are happy to realize her dream with our production today! This flexibility in casting allowed us to pick the BEST actor for each role, ensuring equitable opportunities for our students and setting us up for an amazing show!
Our cast this year has been phenomenal - not just in their talent, but in being kind, patient, diligent human beings. From bonding with games and crafts to helping each other with choreography to rehearsing vocals over lunch, I have been privileged to watch them work and grow together. Their creativity in developing and shaping their characters was inspiring, and I often found myself saying "keep that" to their character choices as opposed to having to coach them to make a relatable choice.
The SpongeBob Musical is a highly technical show as the sets, sound, props, costumes, and lighting play a huge part in telling this story. We are proud to have students helping with all of these elements, and I am personally grateful that I work with technicians who are also educators, taking the time to teach students how each of these elements work together to create theatre magic. This production is the most collaborative event I am a part of each year, and this is what makes it both incredibly rewarding and fun.
I personally dedicate this show to Amanda and Charlie Davis, who lost their husband/father, theatrical technician and educator, Chip Davis, earlier this year at the age of 36. Upon his passing, Amanda asked that we honor Chip by going to see a show, so I thank you all for helping me remember Chip as you enjoy today’s production.
Sincerely,
Sarah Vilensky
Director
