As Archuleta School District will bring Bikini Bottom to life at the Pagosa Springs High School Auditorium today through Saturday, a standout lineup of young performers is set to command the stage in “The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition.”
Leading the charge underwater is Finlay Moore as the eternal optimist SpongeBob SquarePants, alongside Sam Roukema as his loyal best friend Patrick Star and Addy Hart as the genius scientist Sandy Cheeks. Facing down the impending volcanic crisis, the trio brings dynamic energy and heart to the story’s core message of friendship and community.
The iconic dynamics of Bikini Bottom are further brought to life by Kit Henson as the scheming Sheldon Plankton, Lyla Frie as his robot wife Karen Plankton, Colter Rose as the endlessly cynical Squidward Q. Tentacles, Rafe Halterman as the money-minded Mr. Krabs and Merick Halterman as his vocally-gifted teenage daughter Pearl Krabs.
Adding key dramatic flare and comedic timing throughout the production are featured supporting leads Tia Henson as the French Narrator, Bea Iverson as the Mayor of Bikini Bottom, Kaden Karas as news anchor Perch Perkins, Damien Turk as Old Man Jenkins, Gabby Padilla as Larry the Lobster and Wynnie Buchner as Mrs. Puff.
Behind the leads, a vital part of this show’s success is a talented, hardworking ensemble. In a production that truly requires a deep cast to fill out the colorful underwater world, the ensemble steps into multiple roles to deliver the high-energy song and dance numbers featured in the production.
The ensemble will feature a Broadway tap in “I’m Not a Loser,” hip hop in “When the Going Gets Tough,” creative glow choreography in “Not a Simple Sponge” and “Hero is My Middle Name,” hilarious energy in “Super Sea Star Savior,” and even roll onto the stage on skates, scooters and skateboards in “Bikini Bottom Boogie.”
Our incredible ensemble members include Brooke Anderson, Kaci Moeller, Kinley Hart, Darla Renner, Riley Sanders, Simone Haas, Nora Cram, Ella Osmera, Kiara Patel, Emmie Cram, Paizley Clark, Kayla VanAusdall, Brooklyn Richey, Maggie Witt, Linden Wagle, Charley Foster, Kiley Braun, Lucy Lyons, Mabel Lyons, Winter Porter and Xander White.
Backstage, the production’s student tech crew members Kayleen Gonzalez, Naomi Guiterrez, Noah Lee and Nova Wilson have been hard at work on the show’s very complicated costuming, prop and set needs. Rounding out the show’s production team are high school interns Avonlea Thomas, Lillian Jones and Avery White.
“Our students have poured their hearts into every rehearsal, and we can’t wait for the community to see their hard work pay off,” commented director Katrina Thomas. “These students are going to knock your socks off.”
“The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition” is showing in the Pagosa Springs High School auditorium Thursday, Aug. 13, at 7 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 14, at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.; and Saturday, Aug. 15, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 adult and $5 student and can be purchased at the door or online at our.show/PSMS.
>