The SpongeBob Musical has been an absolute adventure from start to finish, and I cannot thank this cast, crew, pit, and group of directors enough. Every single person involved in this production stepped up and contributed, and in my 18 years directing musicals for Kings Park High School, I don't think I've ever seen more of a team effort. It has brought me so much joy to watch people pick each other up every day, all sharing the common goal of telling this show's story.
We have lost two beloved members of our family since our last musical - Isabel Carella and Rick Holmes. Issie was a leader all four years she was a part of this group, becoming an assistant choreographer as a sophomore, and going on to be the head choreographer as a junior and senior, all while juggling lead roles. She was a true leader, a friend, a musician and performer, and the brightest light in the room. We were able to rehearse most days under her smiling face in the Isabel Carella Dance Room, where we know she was looking down at us with the biggest smile.
Rick Holmes was my productions parter since day one. He built Kings Park Productions from the ground up, expanding Tech Crew and being a part of every community event there was. If something was happening in KP, you can bet Rick and his students were there, supporting in every possible way. He was kind, honest, stubborn, and so caring, and I don't know how I could have navigated these past couple of decades without him.
Music is special. We have all felt these losses throughout our process; sometimes it was heavy, and sometimes it was uplifting, almost guiding us through each day. Our connection with Issie and Rick as part of this family is through music. We can hear Issie's beautiful voice as clearly as if she were in the room with us. We see evidence of Rick everywhere we look, especially in the auditorium and tech booth. Their spirits have guided us at every turn, and we dedicate these performances to them.
