playbill vip

     My oldest daughter Sierra and I saw The Spongebob Musical on a trip to New York a few years ago. I was not excited to see it. I think I even said, "let's see something good." But when the show was over, I was no longer a skeptic. In fact, I am proud that we are the first in our area to produce it! Why the change of heart? First, it includes an eclectic array of music, including Aerosmith, Cindy Lauper, John Legend, and The Plain White T's; music as unique as the citizens of Bikini Bottom. But, most importantly it tackles the themes of teamwork and believing in oneself. These themes of ensemble and confidence are exactly what the task of producing a musical provides to the company. Students learn if they work hard and navigate challenges they can create something spectacular and find confidence in themselves while doing it! The characters of Spongebob, Sandy, Patrick, and Squidward, etc. are not so far removed from our real lives, albeit a cartoon. It might take a few songs to let that sink in, but you'll get it.

     The show itself has been difficult and full of Mountains Humongous to climb. There are sixty student performers in the cast, forty students in technical theatre and every rehearsal we are working through a slew of scheduling conflicts that have felt insurmountable at times. Volleyball, tennis, football, cross country, trap shooting, band, choir, cheer, and dance members are in our company. Our FFA, SkillsUSA, art club, math club, 4-H, student council, have all been competing and absent for days at a time, not to mention students need to take care of family and church responsibilities, work, and classroom/school expectations. And then there was COVID that surged through our school. Our cast was not spared. We have not had a full cast rehearsal with everyone in attendance since October 15! Despite all the challenges, together, we have created a place for our kids to live, learn, work and grow. That's all we can hope for, besides standing ovations and loads of applause! 

     The running time of this production is just over 2 hours and 30 minutes including intermission. There will be a 15-minute intermission, and we ask that you use the bathrooms in the locker room if there are lines. Also, we are raising money in the lobby to fund Garett Stuart, "Captain Planet,' a proud theatre and USD 506 alumnus, whose mission is to save our oceans and our world. If you 

feel it in your heart, please drop some dollars in our donation jar or at least consider his lessons on recycling. Finally, some fog and strobe effects will be used in the show.

     Thank you all for supporting the arts in this community, and going on this journey with us to Bikini Bottom. Please enjoy the show!

     -- Heather Wilson