Summer Stage presents ‘The SpongeBob Musical’ and ‘How I Became A Pirate’
UPPER DARBY » Upper Darby Summer Stage will present “The SpongeBob Musical” as this year’s Mainstage show and the pinnacle of Summer Stage’s 47th season, 7:30 p.m. July 29, 30 and August 5, 6 and 1:30 p.m. July 30.
The Mainstage performance of “The SpongeBob Musical” will be approximately 2.5 hours long with a 15-minute intermission. Tickets range from $18-$22.
“The SpongeBob Musical” is the recipient of 12 Tony Nominations and was named Best Musical by the Drama Desk Awards and Outer Critics Circle. Its score includes music by Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, David Bowie, and many other artists. This musical adaptation of Nickelodeon’s long-running animated children’s sitcom is a timeless story of identity, crisis, and community featuring an eclectic score with something for everyone.
“The SpongeBob Musical” tells the story of its happygo-lucky titular character, SpongeBob, played by Jayson Brown of Lansdowne, whose pleasant life is abruptly interrupted when he and his friends discover that Mt. Humongous, a nearby volcano, will erupt within the next 48 hours, destroying Bikini Bottom and everyone in it.
SpongeBob joins forces with Sandy Cheeks, played by Kennedy McAlister of Philadelphia and Patrick Star, performed by Pat Walsh of Drexel Hill, to try and save their community. William Daniels of Prospect Park plays SpongeBob’s cynical neighbor Squidward, while Nick Taddeo of Havertown and Nigel Grant, Jr. of Upper Darby play the moneyhungry Mr. Krabs and the diabolical Sheldon J. Plankton.
Director Sarah DeNight says, “The show is probably not what people would expect if they’re just used to the cartoon, or if they think it’s going to be like a theme park performance. We have an incredible live orchestra as well as a foley artist, providing sound effects live, in the moment during the show. The show is filled with a beautiful humanity and a story that is relatable to our world today.”
Upper Darby Summer Stage will also present “How I Became A Pirate,” 10:30 a.m. July 27, 28 and 29 at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. July 28. The show, directed by Ali Caiazzo. is a part of this year’s series of familyfriendly, hour-long shows presented by Upper Darby Summer Stage’s Children’s Theatre program. Tickets range from $10-$14 for each performance. Upper Darby Summer Stage partnered with Casey’s Restaurant to sponsor How I Became A Pirate.
In “How I Became A Pirate,” Captain Braid Beard, played by Aidan Dougherty of Essington, and his pirate crew search for the perfect place to bury their treasure. Along the way, they are joined by young Jeremy Jacob, performed by Norah Kneafsey of Havertown. The aspiring buccaneer learns the pirate code, helps them on their quest, and teaches them that there are more treasures to be had than those that can be found on a map.
Tickets for both shows may be purchased online any time at http://www.udsummerstage.org or by calling the Box Office at 610-814-7270 during office hours on Monday— Thursday from 1-4 p.m. Both shows will take place at the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, 601 N. Lansdowne Ave., Drexel Hill. Parking is free.
Upper Darby Summer Stage was sponsored for the season by Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School. Summer Stage 2022 is also supported through sponsor and host, Upper Darby School District, as well as founding sponsor, Upper Darby Township. Upper Darby Summer Stage is now officially a program of the notfor-profit Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation.
Foundation For Delaware County announces more than 500K in grant funding for housing program
The Foundation for Delaware County announced two recent grants this week for the Housing Opportunities Program for Equity (HOPE). These include $75,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and $500,000 funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).
HOPE, launched in 2021, addresses housing instability through financial assistance to families, case management, financial literacy education, and advocacy for housing reform. “The Foundation for Delaware County is a trusted community partner, and I am thrilled that my office was able to help secure a total of $575,000 for their HOPE initiative,” said Senator
Kearney. “There are far too many people still experiencing the adverse effects caused by the pandemic, and I will continue to support projects that look to bring stability back to individuals and families in our Commonwealth.”
ARPA funding will ensure HOPE continues to respond to the COVID-19 crisis by providing services to support Delaware County families in maintaining stable housing. COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted low-income families’ ability to afford and maintain housing and has led to worsening physical and mental health, financial insecurity, and unemployment. In addition, rising food, utility, fuel, and housing expenses have placed increased financial stress on already cost-burdened families. As housing instability rises, this funding will ensure HOPE can meet the increased demand for services. HOPE staff will also provide financial literacy education to help families develop financial habits that stimulate long-term housing stability and financial security. A $75,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services will be used to support the creation and facilitation of a Delaware County housing “working group.” This group will include public housing agencies, social service providers, agencies that serve the homeless, and individuals with lived experience. Through a guided facilitation process, a needs assessment will be developed to identify systemic and persistent barriers to safe and equitable housing in Delaware County.
To learn more about HOPE, visit https://delcofoundation.org/communityprograms/our-initiatives/
housing-opportunities-program-for-equity-hope/
A public charity founded in 2016, The Foundation for Delaware County is the largest philanthropy serving Delaware County. One of 780 community foundations across the U.S., the foundation encourages philanthropy by providing efficient giving vehicles like donor-advised funds, gift annuities, and estate planning advice to generous individuals who want to have an impact in Delaware County and beyond. In April, the foundation awarded more than $1.8M in Impact Grants to area nonprofits. In addition, the foundation operates the Center for Nonprofit Excellence to strengthen Delaware County’s nonprofit community.
With headquarters in Media and service sites in Eddystone, Upper Darby, and Springfield, The Foundation for Delaware County also operates the prestigious evidence-based programs Healthy Start, the WIC nutrition program, and Nurse-Family Partnership. Other programs include El Centro (a Hispanic resource center), a health resource center for students in the Chester Upland School District, and the new Housing Opportunities Program for Equity (HOPE). To learn more, visit the foundation at http://www.delcofoundation.org/.
Casino night fundraiser benefits Springfield High’s student athletes
The Springfield Area Educational Foundation will host a Cougar Casino Night, 7-10 p.m. Saturday, August 27, at the Rolling Green Golf Club. The event will feature various gaming tables, food/beverage, cash bar, appetizers, silent auction items, gift baskets and raffle. All Cougar Casino Night fundraiser event proceeds will be directed to providing support to benefit Springfield High School’s new strength and conditioning center for SHS student athletes. EF Cougar Casino Night committee members include John Gildea Walker, Mark Krauter, Tom Lemieux, Glenn Mallon, Steve Todaro, Tamara Bean, and Carole Krauter. To learn more about the event and Springfield Area Educational Foundation , or to register for sponsorship opportunities or get tickets, go to http://www.saef.net/. To reach Jan Griesemer, SAEF Development Office, contact her at 610-938-6034 or Jan.griesemer@saef.net/.