CHESTERTOWN — The Garfield Center for the Arts announces the cast and creative team behind its upcoming production of “The SpongeBob Musical,” which opens Friday, May 1 and runs through May 17.
The production is sponsored by Chesapeake Band and Trust and Kent School.
Co-directors are Garfield Center for the Arts Theater Manager Nic Carter and GCA Executive Director Steven Arnold.
The show is produced by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.
Dive into the family-friendly undersea world of Bikini Bottom with SpongeBob and his quirky circle of friends and neighbors — Patrick, Sandy, Squidward, Mr. Krabs and even Plankton — in this dynamic stage musical with songs from music’s most legendary artists.
Chaos erupts when SpongeBob and all of Bikini Bottom face annihilation at the threat of Mt. Humongous, a nearby and suddenly very active volcano.
Just when all hope seems lost, a most unexpected hero rises up to prove that the power of optimism really can save the world.
Based on the beloved animated series by Stephen Hillenburg, the book is by Kyle Jarrow and the stage production was conceived and originally directed by Tina Landau.
The show features music by a “who’s who” of modern singer/songwriters, with additional songs and music by David Bowie, Tom Kenny, Andy Paley and Tom Kitt, and additional lyrics by Jonathan Coulton.
Playing the title role of SpongeBob is Kent County High School student Eamon Lindsay, who recently appeared on his school stage as Jack in “Into the Woods, Jr.”
Other central characters include: Patrick Star, portrayed by Brad Chaires; Sandy, portrayed by Shannon Carter; Squidward, portrayed by Matt Folker; Plankton, portrayed by Dominic Delcoco; Patchy the Pirate, portrayed by Nic Carter; and Mr. Krabs, portrayed by Matthew Newman
The remaining cast includes: Ian Stotts as Perch Perkins; Chloe Bennett as the Mayor; Nicole Fiorellino as Karen and a security guard; Courtney Poetsch as Mrs. Puff and a security guard; Harlynn Crew as Pearl and a pirate; William Ritchie as Old Man Jenkins, an electric skate and a pirate; Whipple Anne Shroyer as the Mayor’s Assistant, a sardine and a pirate; Camden Hubbert as Larry, an electric skate and a pirate; Everleigh Dean as Teen Fan, a sardine and a pirate; Eric Clark as Buster, an electric skate and a pirate; and Cindy Clark as a sardine and various roles.
Joining directors Arnold and Carter on the production staff are: music director Michael Casey; vocal coaches JW Ruth and Matthew Newman; choreographer Kendall Chaires; dramaturg Jack Despeaux; stage manager Sophia Rooks; technical director Butch Clark; scenic designer and digital projections designer Arnold; lighting designer Matthew Brader; costumer Jaya Basu; props designer Arnold; and sound and projections operator Asa Loewenstein.
Set construction is by Clark, Arnold, Carter and Jim Landskroener.
Photography is by Arnold; marketing design, posters and program are by Francoise Sullivan; and additional staging and movement is by Abbey Wark.
The Garfield Center for the Arts’ production of “The SpongeBob Musical” will be performed Fridays on May 1 and May 15 at 7 p.m.; Saturdays on May 2, May 9 and May 16 at 7 p.m.; and Sundays on May 3, May 10 and May 17 at 2 p.m.
There is an additional 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, May 9.
There is no Friday evening performance on May 8.
The Garfield Center for the Arts is located at 210 High St. in downtown Chestertown.
For tickets, call the box office at 410-810-2060 on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
To buy tickets anytime online, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/1985834808369.
The link to Eventbrite is also found on the Garfield Center’s website at www.garfieldcenter.org.