This year, the Barstow Upper School is putting on a production of Spongebob: The Musical. The cast is very eager to delve into a Barstow musical theater production, and students are already anticipating the show.
The cast is especially excited for the musical this year because of the show that was chosen; Spongebob: The Musical is a fun and playful production that is sure to attract students, staff and parents. Dylan Markey (‘24) said he decided to participate in the musical this year because Spongebob is his “dream show.”
“I’ve always wanted to play Spongebob, so I auditioned,” said Markey. He fulfilled this dream, as he was cast as the lead, as Spongebob himself.
Other members of the cast expressed their enthusiasm to begin rehearsals for the show. “I am excited,” said Miles McEachen (‘25), who will play Mr. Krabs. “I am glad there is a musical this year.”
Rehearsals begin after school and go until 6pm, but as the preparation becomes more intense they will run until 9pm. Although 5 hours of rehearsal can be draining, the cast members do get downtime, where “there are chances to do homework and stuff when you’re not onstage,” explained McEachen.
Additionally, the cast members all get along, making the environment more fun even if they are drained from the hard work. “My favorite thing about Barstow theater is probably the community and how everyone’s really nice,” said McEachen.
A new director, Mr. Jason Chanos, has been brought onto the project, and he has a fresh approach to rehearsals. “It’s a slower start because we’re doing each part separately,” Markey says. “So right now we’re learning all the music, and then we’re gonna learn all the choreography, and then we’re gonna learn all the blocking.”
Blocking, in theater, is the location of actors on stage and how they move around. “It’s a different process than what I’m usually used to,” Markey added. This slower, more focused approach to rehearsals is a possibility because the actors have a longer period before the dates of the show. This slower approach to rehearsals is also vital as some of the cast members are in Middle School and need time to learn the complexities of putting on a high school-level production.
Spongebob: The Musical is composed of two acts, with 10 songs in each. There are also multiple dance numbers, which are a main attraction. Owen Snyder (‘24) was unsure about seeing the musical, but upon learning of the dance numbers he said he will “absolutely” find time to watch the show in his busy schedule. Similarly, Simone Huston (‘24) said “I think it’ll be really funny, and Dylan is Spongebob, so I know it’ll be really good.” She continues; “I think everyone should go out and see it.”
The show will open on October 19, and there will be more performances on the 20th and 21st. Find more information from our Theatre Department.
