"Not a Simple Sponge"

This mantra that the title character sings holds so much weight.  But what does that mean?

For one, this show is not a simple show.  While we work hard to reuse items from previous shows, mounting The SpongeBob Musical is one of the most expensive shows I’ve worked on!  This show requires so much spectacle, and our creative teams have met that challenge head on.  I’m so proud of the work our student teams have done through Peggy Matanic’s Technical Theatre classes!  And I am indebted to my colleagues Luke, Peggy, Alex, and Vi for their dedication in working with our students.

However, I think of the idea of being “not a simple sponge” as more than just the finished product that you are about to see. It is more about the process that takes place for the 8-10 weeks leading up to today. And while to most, “doing plays” may seem simple and straightforward, it’s anything but.  Some rehearsals are smooth sailing and full of successes, while others are more challenging and lead us to re-think ideas for the show.  Rarely is what you see on stage 100% the idea that we had at the read-through.  But that is the essence of educational theatre—we always experiment and we never give up.

We work to make Munster Theatre Company welcoming to anyone who wants to work at being a part of an outstanding show.  While some may have natural talents in various areas onstage or behind the scenes and need advanced coachin, many more of our students come with a kernel of ability that we then take and develop over the years that we get to spend with them.  We strive to find each student’s strength and develop that into something that will benefit the entire production, but more importantly, that gives that student a sense of purpose.  And as Peggy and I have worked to align the Wilbur Wright and Munster Theatre Companies together, we have seen more students enter MTC ready to go further than those who were not involved in WWTC.

I also want to thank the numerous staff members who are making cameo appearances in this production!  This is the first time since the pandemic that we have been able to bring staff into the show, and everyone has had a blast!  

As we get ready to close this amazing season, we are already working on setting up next year’s slate of shows.  This too, is more than a “simple” task, as selecting shows that will showcase and educate our returning students while it plans for the students we have yet to meet is one that takes much time and thought.  But we hope that you will join us for next year’s shows as we continue to celebrate all of the wonderful things that our young people are capable of producing! 

Thank you for supporting these amazing students!

--R. Palasz