ST. PIUS X DELIVERS WHIMSICAL, VIBRANT VERSION OF THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL
Show # 8
St. Pius X High School The Spongebob Musical
Director: Anna Seguin
Under the sea and onto the stage, St. Pius X High School brought the whimsical world of Bikini Bottom into vibrant reality with their production of The Spongebob Musical. Bursting with colour, energy, and a sea of familiar faces, this rendition of the beloved animated series made waves with its lively performances and imaginative production elements.
The Spongebob Musical is a theatrical adaptation of the beloved Nickelodeon cartoon conceived by Stephen Hillenburg. Set in the fictional underwater city of Bikini Bottom, the musical portrays the residents grappling with a significant threat: the imminent eruption of Mount Humongous. Protagonist Spongebob, alongside his companions Patrick and Sandy, unite in a collective effort to stop the impending disaster and safeguard their beloved home. Crafted by Kyle Jarrow, the musical's narrative is underscored by original compositions contributed by notable figures such as Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Cyndi Lauper, and Jonathan Coulton.
Bella Lortie's portrayal of Spongebob was nothing short of magnificent. With boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm, Lortie captured the essence of the iconic character, bringing him to life with charisma and charm. Throughout the performance, Lortie maintained a captivating stage presence, embodying Spongebob's optimistic spirit and unwavering determination. This performer's rendition of the beloved sponge was a standout highlight, anchoring the production with flair and finesse.
Em Roach shined as Spongebob's loyal friend Patrick Star. Roach's comedic timing and endearing portrayal perfectly captured Patrick's lovable goofiness and charming innocence with every well-delivered line. Raevyn Viner rounded out the trio as the resourceful Sandy Cheeks, infusing the character with spunk and sass. Together, Lortie, Roach, and Viner formed a dynamic trio, each contributing to the show's overall success with their impressive performances.
Nestled in the bustling Bikini Bottom business hub was the iconic Mr. Eugene Krabs, portrayed by Micheal Sammurtok-akerolik. With an insatiable appetite for money, Sammurtok-akerolik's portrayal of Mr. Krabs was spot-on, infusing the character with the greed and charm that defines Mr. Krabs in the world of Bikini Bottom. The Electric Skates and Sardine ensembles brought additional depth to the production, showcasing a range of talents and abilities. From lively dance numbers to memorable musical performances, every member of the cast contributed to the immersive experience, creating a cohesive and engaging ensemble dynamic.
The St. Pius X Technical Theatre Guild excelled in their execution of props and costumes. The glow-in-the-dark sponges featured in (I Guess I) Miss You were a visual delight, adding an extra layer of magic to the performance. Additionally, the skilful manipulation of lighting by Georgia Malpass and Keegan Tittarell added an enchanting element to the production. Their thoughtful attention to detail, highlighted by moments like Plankton's green spotlight, enhanced character appearances and contributed significantly to the overall spectacle of the show.
The sound department, led by Alessa Ciliberto, Matteo Calvano, and Tanner Emad, made clever use of sound effects to enhance comedic moments and underscore key scenes. The incorporation of iconic dolphin sounds to cover up Mr. Krabs' colourful language added a humorous touch, enriching the show's playful atmosphere.
St. Pius X High School's rendition of The Spongebob Musical was a whirlpool of delight, immersing audiences in the world of Bikini Bottom from the first bubble to the final pineapple under the sea. With performances that sizzled hotter than a Krabby Patty on the grill, and production elements as colourful as a rainbow jellyfish, the cast and crew brought Spongebob's underwater antics to life with the energy and enthusiasm of a “Best Day Ever.”
About the reviews: The St. Pius X High School production was reviewed by 33 critics representing six schools. The critic discussions were mentored by teacher Shoshana Keller of St. Francis Xavier High School and student reviews were edited and selected for publication by teacher Rebeca Ricardo also of St. Francis Xavier High School, who could see only the reviews, not the names or schools of the reviewers.