Spongebob the Musical was recently announced as the KHS spring musical and will be led by two new directors alongside choir teacher Charles Linnell.
According to Vice Principal Matthew Arroyo, the Spring play will be directed by Arianna Cacioppo and Trevor DeLello. Linnell explains he is “still working very closely on the show as musical vocal director.”
Linnell has stepped back from being the main director to spend more time at home. However, he will still be an active part of the play, focusing on the actors’ vocals. He will also smooth the transition to including the two new directors.
Linnell has worked closely with Cacioppo, saying he “directed her in several musical productions.” Cacioppo and DeLello both have directed multiple musical productions in the Kinnelon/Butler area and went through Kinnelon Schooling.
KHS actor Emily Mathis from the class of 2027 shares her opinion on the new directors: “I thought that Mr. Linnell was a great director for the three shows I got to do with him. But I think that having new directors will be interesting and make for a good new experience!”
This spring play follows the storyline of Spongebob the Musical. “When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world,” summarizes Concord Theatricals.
On the contrary, some students were hoping for Legally Blonde the Musical. Marie Harrington explains her reasoning: “Because Spongebob is boring, and I feel like it’s too childish. I feel like I’ve never seen a high school do it before.”
Similarly, Cameron Maloney shares why she wanted Legally Blonde: “I feel like some people wouldn’t take it as seriously because Spongebob is a kid show. And I feel like [students] haven’t seen Legally Blonde as much as we have Spongebob, so it’s something new.”
Also on the wall, are the original options for plays. After each possibility is taken away, it is crossed off of the wall. The crossed-off plays are Mean Girls, The Beauty and the Beast, Guys and Dolls, The Wizard of Oz, Mamma Mia!, Mary Poppins, High School Musical, Heathers, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Something Rotten. This left the last two possibilities: Legally Blonde and Spongebob.
The people putting on the play are excited to start a new project. “I’m super excited for the musical this year. After my last three productions here at KHS, I’ve made so many fun memories and I can’t wait to make more in this upcoming musical,” shares Mathis.
While students are excited for the upcoming play, many aren’t able to attend due to busy schedules. Representing students who engage in sports outside of school, Danella Feldman shares, “I am excited for the upcoming play; I will [attend] if I have time”. However, she hasn’t had the time to watch any plays by KHS yet due to her busy schedule.
Clubs set up booths outside of the auditorium selling snacks and treats to attendees. This fall the Ability Awareness Club managed a booth. According to club president Katherine Fritz, the club made about $200 over three days.
Last year’s plays performed were Shrek and Puffs. Linnell was the director of both plays. A preview was brought to P.R.M. last year as a trailer for the Shrek play, which encouraged students throughout both schools to attend and support the high school and actors.
SpongeBob SquarePants, The New Musical (Original Cast Recording) soundtrack on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/34dgJQwkHxUC75UIf6uovx?si=ATOjzcB-Tl6naS75RDYvWQ
Legally Blonde The Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording) soundtrack on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/7os43c6BUhMJkDUaEtDufk?si=tTqqW0NARgqzhc2ipAPwuQ
Legally Blonde The Musical full video from Gil Estevam on Youtube: https://youtu.be/RiX-EJA8n4w?si=LP3WXIZAiMEiAL4u
Clips of SpongeBob SquarePants the Musical of ‘Bikini Bottom Day’, ‘Super Sea Star Savior’, and ‘Best Day Ever’ from Spongebob SquarePants Official account on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hU9yGHBUtpY
Spongebob the Musical summary and information from Concord Theatres: https://www.concordtheatricals.com/p/65887/the-spongebob-musical#:~:text=When%20the%20citizens%20of%20Bikini,most%20unexpected%20hero%20rises%20up.
