BRICK – “SpongeBob The Musical” is being staged as never before, featuring 21 actors aged 10 to 19 and directed by Brick Memorial High School senior Ashley Burroughs.
Not only is it a production entirely run by teenagers, but proceeds from the show will benefit the Morgan Marie Michael Foundation, a non-profit charity that supports individuals on the autism spectrum with a mission of enhancing their lives and fostering a world of acceptance and inclusion.
The musical is being produced under the auspices of Chaos (Comedy, Humor And Other Stuff) Theatre Company, founded about three years ago by Toms River resident Armand Marino.
“Ashley Burroughs, who is also the musical director, is so enthusiastic and talented,” said Marino in a phone interview.
He attends and observes the SpongeBob rehearsals once or twice a week.
Students practice “SpongeBob The Musical” at United Christ Church in Toms River. (Photo by Judy Smestad-Nunn)
Most of the Chaos Theatre Productions donate their proceeds to various charities, he added, although there are costs associated with the production.
For example, the rights for the SpongeBob musical cost $1,760, plus $300 for rehearsal music tracks and $500 for the stage music tracks, plus there is theater insurance and other costs which are managed by Marino and his wife Robyn.
“SpongeBob The Musical” is a stage musical based on the Nickelodeon animated series “SpongeBob SquarePants.” The show is about SpongeBob and his friends trying to save Bikini Bottom from an erupting volcano, Mount Humongous, in a single day. The show features singing, dancing, magical music and unexpected heroes.
Burroughs said the play is fun to direct because it has everything: “…friendship, community…it shows a town in crisis and everyone comes together. It shows that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.”
She said this production will be different from previous ones because it has a lot of slapstick comedy and has a different take on some of the special effects, like the exploding volcano.
“I think the show is more like if the characters were human – that’s kind of the take on the show,” Burroughs said. “It’s not that literal, it encourages the audience to use their imagination.”
The play, which has minimalist stage design, includes about 20 songs and many dance numbers.
37 auditioned for the 21 roles, which were filled by 14 girls and 7 boys. “It’s fun and creative – anyone can play any role,” Burroughs said.
SpongeBob is played by Gracie Hammell, a sophomore from Manahawkin who attends the Ocean County Vocational Technical School Performing Arts Academy (PAA) and is a veteran of some 16 plays.
Performers practice while director/musical director Ashley Burroughs of Brick (right) and co-director/choreographer Susie Guida of Jackson (left) watch. (Photo by Judy Smestad-Nunn)
“It’s my dream role. It was one of the first Broadway shows I ever saw,” she said from a recent rehearsal. “It’s vocally challenging, but it’s a fun show to do.”
Another one of the main characters, Patrick Star, is played by Aaron Bellhorn, a junior from Brick who also attends PAA.
“The role is fun to play because he’s kind of a dumb character. I’m having fun with the part,” said Bellhorn, who has been performing since he was eight. “And the money is going to a good cause,” he added.
PAA will be producing their own version of the play next year, said co-director and choreographer Susie Guida of Jackson, who is a student there. “So everyone is interested in seeing it and comparing our version for next year,” she said.
“What makes our production a little different is people tend to make SpongeBob just like the cartoon – high energy all the time – but we have the highs and lows of SpongeBob like when he sings ‘Just a Simple Sponge,’ and he doesn’t want to be a simple sponge.”
A week before the performances, a crew of backstage teens will show up to provide lighting, sound, makeup, costumes, props, stage crew and more.
Rehearsals for the production started in March, which are being held in space donated by United Church of Christ on Ridgeway Road in Toms River.
There will be three shows, all held at St. Barbra Greek Orthodox Church at 2200 Church Road in Toms River.
Tickets are $15, and $12 for students and seniors. The performances will be on Friday, June 21 at 7 p.m. and on Saturday June 22 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Morechaos.booktix.net or at the door.
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