By LOIS KINDLE
East Bay High Theatre is celebrating its 50th anniversary by kicking off the first show of the 2023-2024 season with The SpongeBob Musical, Nov. 1 to 4.
Each two-act show will take place at 7 p.m. at the school’s Kathryn Hill Auditorium, 7710 Big Bend Road, Gibsonton. The doors open at 6:30.
Tickets are $7 per person and will be sold at the door. Cash, Cash App and Venmo will be accepted.
Run time is two hours. Concessions will be sold during a 15-minute intermission.
The SpongeBob Musical includes music written by an array of well-known artists, including David Bowie, Plain White T’s, Cyndi Lauper, Aerosmith, The Flaming Lips and others. Every song in the show was written by a different artist.
This show is suitable for folks of all ages, and “It has content and music even adults will find entertaining,” said Krista Blanchette, theatre director. “I’ve wanted to direct The SpongeBob Musical since it was released. I have five children ranging in age from 10 to 31, and SpongeBob was the favorite of them all.
“I selected this particular show because it’s one that has a universal appeal to a wide audience, and it comes at a perfect time for our theatre as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the East Bay Theatre and Thespian Society.”
The musical also has great appeal to the cast.
“I used to watch SpongeBob every Sunday at my grandparents’ house,” said East Bay senior Sadie Van Liew, who is starring in the role of SpongeBob SquarePants. “It’s surreal to play such an iconic character, one I always loved to watch on screen and have found to be even more dynamic to play onstage.”
Based on the animated series SpongeBob SquarePants, which aired on television for 13 seasons beginning in 1999, the The SpongeBob Musical involves the story of Bikini Bottom and an underwater world facing total destruction by a volcano about to erupt at any moment. Chaos ensues when residents panic as they debate how to best address the crisis. When all hope seems lost, it’s up to SpongeBob, Patrick and Sandy to save the day.
A cast of more than 20 performers and 10 technicians create a production filled with big sets; flashy, large dance numbers; and more. Attendees are invited to stay after the show for photos and a Meet and Greet with some of the characters, including SpongeBob, Sandy, Patrick, Squidward and Plankton.
For more information, contact Blanchette by emailing krista.blanchette@hcps.net or calling 813-671-5134.
The SpongeBob Musical Cast List
SpongeBob SquarePants:
Sadie Van Liew
Sandy Cheeks:
Savannah Feaster
Patrick Star:
Carlos Santiz
Sheldon J. Plankton:
Ian D. Silverman
Squidward Tentacle:
Miley Davis
Eugene Krabs:
Kaitlyn Manley
Pearl Krabs:
Jade Kratochvil
Karen the Computer:
Paige Philips
Mayor:
Jordyn McNeal
Patchy the Pirate:
Madison Mullins
Perch Perkins:
Nydia Gierbolini
Larry the Lobster:
Angie Ramos-Moran
Old Man Jenkins:
Nick Serra
Gary:
Anina Elliot Vargas
Citizens of Bikini Bottom
London Murphy
Lexi Febles
Savannah Witaker
Ryan Smith
Adriana Bourdon
Mya Flores
Kae Colemen
Emma Davis
Alexa Stepp
Director: Krista M. Blanchette
Musical Director: Shauntelle Holbrook
Technical Director: Daniel Blanchette
Creative Designer: Dan Van Liew
Stage Manager: Angie Ramos-Moran
Sound Board: Kaylin Zimmerman
Running Crew: Lily Guay and Kyra Jones
KRISTA BLANCHETTE PHOTO
Cast members of East Bay High School’s upcoming presentation of The SpongeBob Musical, Nov. 1-4, gather for a group photo following a recent rehearsal.