Story by: Alex Barr, Staff Writer
Photo by: Alex Barr, Staff Writer
SpongeBob the Musical is loosely based on the television show SpongeBob SquarePants. The show was introduced in the early 2000s as a children’s cartoon based around an underwater city called Bikini Bottom. Where the inhabitants are many unnamed fish and objects. The Musical was created in 2016 but debuted on Broadway in 2017.
Cypress College’s debut of SpongeBob the Musical is a significant cultural moment, bringing a fresh local twist to the iconic Broadway hit. The production highlights the college’s talent and offers students a chance to be part of a major creative project. It’s a unique opportunity for the community to see local performers and designers put their mark on a beloved show.
During an early rehearsal, cast members shared their favorite parts of the production and what they are most excited for audiences to experience. Jeffery Jones, who plays SpongeBob, said his favorite moment comes in one of the show’s biggest musical numbers.
“My favorite number in the whole show is ‘Super SeaStar Savior,’ and I’ve been having F.O.M.O. because I can’t dance in that number,” said Jones.
We also spoke with Bradley Hampton, the show’s musical director, about his favorite part of the production.
“One of my favorite songs is ‘I’m Not a Loser.’ It’s the song that Squidward sings, and it’s super clever in the lyric writing,” Hampton said. “It’s like the most Broadway-musical, jazzy, showstopper kind of song. It’s the essence of what makes musicals, musicals.”
For Aaron Espinosa, who plays Patchy the Pirate, the show offers audiences a chance to step away from everyday stress and reconnect with a sense of childhood fun.
“When they come here, we are giving them a chance to get away from their reality and take a breath,” Espinosa said. “Give them a chance to go back to their childhood.”
This production also requires extensive technical coordination. Allison Mamann, the stage manager for the show, said the production involves many technical cues.
“It is a very tech-heavy show,” Mamann said. “We don’t know how many cues yet, but I’m expecting over 300 light cues. We haven’t even gotten to stage cues and spot cues, as well as makeup and costumes that I don’t even have full control over.”
Despite the stressful coordination, Mamann said the entire team’s effort will pay off.
“It’s a heavy load for everybody,” she said, “but I feel like it’ll be great.”
The play started showcase on Friday, March 13 at the Cypress College Performing Arts Center and will continue till Sunday, March 22.
(Allison Mamann, Stage Manager, & Bradley Hampton, Musical Director, chatting over audio cues)
(Emma Parker, who plays Karen, and Devin Addiego, who plays Plankton, backstage together)
