“SpongeBob the Musical” is about the power of friendship, positivity and teamwork and is based on the animated series “SpongeBob SquarePants” created by Stephen Hillenburg and features a book by Kyle Jarrow. This musical is upbeat and filled with engaging characters and catchy songs such as “Best Day Ever” and “Hero is My Middle Name.” Musical contributors include Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Cyndi Lauper and John Legend.

“When choosing a show, I always want one that will be significantly different from the year prior and also one that features the talent we have in our program,” says music teacher and director Mr. Adam Bett. “Following the success of ‘Dear Edwina Jr.’ at Gowanda’s Historic Hollywood Theater last year, we needed a standout production for returning to the Gowanda Central auditorium. Even though it is not a well-known musical, a whole generation and GMS students have grown up with this outrageous and quirky sponge.”

The musical follows the adventures of SpongeBob and the residents of Bikini Bottom as they face the impending complete destruction of their undersea world. Their lives are consumed by pandemonium, but when all hope seems to be lost, an unforeseen hero emerges, rises up and takes control. The power of positivity really can save the day!

“I hope everyone who is involved and all that come to see the show leave with the message that being different is not only a good thing, but sometimes it takes a different perspective to change minds or even save the day,” says Mr. Bett.

Students playing Sardines rehearsing their moves with Choreographer Tara Scime and student Choreographer Danielle Krajewski.

Preparations for this year’s musical are in full swing at GMS: Volunteers are busy making costumes, props as well as creating the entire ocean floor for Bikini Bottom. The music rooms, classrooms, auditorium and hallways are alive with lines, lyrics and choreography as they ready for the upcoming show. The performers are excited to share their happiness and joy with families and community members.

“The energy level of our students for this musical has been tremendous,” says Principal Todd Miklas. ” It is great seeing their smiles and enthusiasm as they head on down to practice.”

For those involved with “SpongeBob,” the commitment has been extensive in the hours each student and staff member have dedicated to ensuring this is the best performance to date.

“I continue to be impressed with our students’ pride in our school and the opportunities and activities that they have available to them, such as the musical,” says Principal Miklas. “The key here is Mr. Bett and how he builds up the production, launches it, organizes it, communicates all the particulars, and simply directs many, many moving components from within the production to external, in simply making things come together. It’s amazing work by a passionate educator.”

Whether you are a SpongeBob enthusiast or newcomer to the musical, this show has it all: Great life lessons, dazzling dance numbers, magical costumes and music written by world famous musicians.

Colton Gernatt (SpongeBob SquarePants) and Logan Goddard (Patrick Star) rehearsing their songs together with the rehearsal tracks.

Pre-sale tickets with reserved seating can be purchased with a small convenience fee online through ShowTix4U: https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/67189.

Tickets will also be available at the door one hour prior to the performance for $5.

FEATURED ROLES

Laniyah Twoguns, Autumn Goode and Kaitlyn Kelly as the “BFF Letters” and Leah Hilliker, Jocelyn Schuster, Leah Schultz and Addisyn Phair as the “Electric Skates.” The “Sardines” will be played by Allie Barnes, Taylor Tussing, Raelyn Diebel and Sophia Blasak while the “Town fish” will be performed by Drew Reid, Alayna Fish and Gavin Witcher.

The role of “Gary” will be played by Hayleigh Miller while Logan Kehr will play the money-hungry “Mr. Eugene Krabs” and Sophia Birchnall will take on the role of his misunderstood daughter, “Pearl Krabs.” “Fish in Krabby Patty Costume” will be performed by Eliza Pound and “French Narrator” will be played by Richard Kuras.

Taking on the role of “Larry the Lobster” will be Jeffrey Whipple while Amelia Pickering will be performing as “Mayor of Bikini Bottom.” Robert Dalimonte will play “Old Man Jenkins” and Isabella DeGolier will perform the role as news reporter “Perch Perkins.”

“Mrs. Puff” will be played by Mallory Berndt while married couple “Sheldon J Plankton” and “Karen Plankton” will be performed by Zander Hammond and Kaela VanNote. The always-entertaining Mr. Smith will be taking on the role of “Mermaid Man.”

Molly Bettker as squirrel scientist “Sandy Cheeks,” Logan Goddard as television enthusiast ” Patrick Star,” Colton Davis as the misunderstood “Squidward Q. Tentacles” and Colton Gernatt as the optimistic “SpongeBob SquarePants.”

— Article by sixth-grade teacher and musical producer Erin Browning.