New SpongeBob Musical to debut at Little Theatre

According to director, Joe Compton, The Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County is looking to make a big splash with its summer musical, The SpongeBob Musical. For his directing debut, Compton and his crew have been working on the show for nearly a year now, preparing unique set pieces and props to entertain all ages of SpongeBob fans. The original story by Kyle Jarrow features new music by popular artists such as Aerosmith, John Legend and Cyndi Lauper.

“We wanted to create a world that was not only recognizable to the popular TV audience, but also one that felt different and real,” Compton said. “ Part of the aesthetic of the show is to make props and set pieces out of items that may have sunk to the bottom of the ocean. We use oil barrels, pool noodles, plastic bottles and bubble wrap, just to name a few. Another fun aspect was creating an avalanche onstage. We wanted to go big, so we installed a. tube slide in the theatre that will allow basketballs to roll onto the stage as ‘boulders’. This uses the idea of found objects turned into something else. Imagination is a huge part of this story. We have been gathering props for over a year from local garage sales, Facebook, Marketplace and even other theater companies like Richmond Civic theater in Richmond, Indiana.”

“The new musical, based on the popular television cartoon series, is for all ages to enjoy,” Compton said. After premiering in 2016, the show received 12 Tony Award nominations, including Outstanding New Broadway Musical, Outstanding New Score and Outstanding actor, director and scenic design.

Narrated by Patchy the Pirate, SpongeBob’s number one fan, the show contains all of the beloved characters with their words now put to music.

Compton’s crew includes Mary Maxwell, assistant director; Micah Carrick, music director; Jennica Cochran and Shannon Mitchell choreographers; Sarah Spies, costumes and Matt Spies, producer.

The cast features Dylan Dunn as SpongeBob SquarePants, with Francis Brogan as Patrick Star; Josie McCutcheon, Sandy Cheeks; Garret Davis, Squidward Tentacles; Chester Boffo, Plankton; Anna Zurcher, Karen the Computer; Ryan Best, Mr. Krabs; Nicole Graham, Pearl; Palmer Witt, Perch Perkins; April Bonvechio, Mayor and Tom Morris, Patchy the Pirate.

Those participating in the ensemble are Caitlin Allshouse, Damaris Avery, Bri Best, Sofia Bierhorst, Allie Bonvechio, Jaxon Burdette, Allison Carlisle, Kylie Charlton, Cloey Cowell, Jackie DeBoer, Chelsea Dendler, Ryan Flaherty, Laney Gottshall, Will Hammerstrom, Bethany Hans, DJ Hans, Gavin Hans, Jane Hart, Mayson Kukwa, Maya Lewis, Mason Mathias, Kaleigh McCutcheon, Allegra McMillan, Casey McMillan, Shavonne McMillan, Gaven Mitchell, Rylan Pettay, Asher Rubio, Levi Rubio, Elaina Samsa, Derek Shimeck and Jennifier Wassem. Creating live foley sound effects will be Taylor Brogan and David Rutter.

“SpongeBob”, sponsored by Wayne Garage Door, will play three weekends beginning Friday, June 30, and ending Sunday, July 16. Friday and Saturday productions begin at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2:30.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students, and may be purchased online at www.thelittletheatreonline.org, or by calling the Kent State Tuscarawas Performing Arts Center box office at 330-308-6400.

The Little Theatre is located at 466 Carrie Ave. N.W. in New Philadelphia.