Central’s The SpongeBob Musical runs March 21-24 at the Pickerington Central Performing Arts Center.
March 20, 2024
Article by Rachel Scofield
Photos by Heath Scofield
Excitement is building as Pickerington High School Central Theatre under the direction of Andrew Martin prepares to raise the curtain on their highly anticipated production of The SpongeBob Musical.
Based on the beloved Nickelodeon series, audiences are drawn into a brand-new adventure featuring all the characters that everyone knows and loves.
“SpongeBob and the citizens of Bikini Bottom are experiencing what might be total destruction of the entire town by a volcano called ‘Mount Humungous,’” Assistant Director Ashley Shelton said. “SpongeBob (Preston Hudson), Sandy (Kate Carter) and Patrick (Veronica Tuttle) have to work together to save the town while Plankton (Mason Peirano) conjures up an evil scheme to exploit their fear for his own gain.”
This dynamic musical makes for an incredible night out for the entire family.
“It’s a hilarious and fun show that people of all ages—young and old— can enjoy, whether they grew up watching the show or not,” Shelton said.
Freshman Gwen Dilts, who has an ensemble role, said that the cast and crew have been working hard since January.
“I know that everyone put a lot of heart and soul into this,” Dilts said. ‘It’s a really good show!”
Shelton shares Dilts’ enthusiasm.
“The kids are so proud, and they shine so bright,” Shelton said. “We have so many talented kids. They deserve to be in the spotlight and to show people what they are capable of. We have a crew that is larger than we have ever had. They are immensely talented and have done an amazing job.”
Everything about The SpongeBob Musical is vibrant and vivacious from the brightly hued costumes to the repurposed set pieces. (It is the bottom of the sea. You are going to find a bit of trash amongst the coral). Even the characters themselves are as colorful as their animated counterparts.
For Dilts, she loves the energy projected by her fellow castmates, especially in regard to the show’s many dance sequences. When asked which song she likes the best, Dilts thought it may be “Super Sea Star Savior,” but she was not sure.
Photo by Heath Scofield
“There are just so many good ones!” Dilts said. “Some have made it onto my actual playlist that I listen to when I’m getting ready.”
There is a good reason why the songs are so catchy.
“The music is written by tons of musical artists that people know,” Shelton said. “Steven Tyler of Aerosmith wrote a song, Cyndi Lauper wrote a song – John Legend, Sara Bareilles, Plain White T’s. You can hear the musical flair of some of the artists, but the songs were completely made for this musical. So, they have the pop/fun vibe that people love and listen to every day, but they fit into the world of Bikini Bottom.”
Central’s The SpongeBob Musical opens on March 21 and runs through March 24 at the Pickerington Central Performing Arts Center. Thursday through Friday, performances begin at 7 pm with a 3 pm Sunday matinee.
Tickets are $15 and may be purchased online at the Pickerington Central Box Office or at the door.
To celebrate the Tiger cast and crew, Fiiz Pickerington and Sorso Coffee are both be offering special drinks.
From Fiiz, “We’re highlighting this blood orange & red raspberry Pipeline Punch Monster this week in support of our very own PHSC Theatre and their production: The SpongeBob Musical! You can support them too by purchasing tickets at the Pickerington Schools Box Office.”
From Sorso, “In honor of Pickerington Central’s production of The SpongeBob Musical, we will have pineapple lemonade for purchase on the show dates. If you bring in your ticket or playbill, you will receive $2.00 off a purchase of $10 or more.”
Click on the side of photos to advance the images.
