By Susan Bryant

sbryant@tnonline.com

LOU WHEELAND

Special to The Press

“The SpongeBob Musical” is being presented through April 14 at Parkland High School.

SpongeBob SquarePants, a yellow square sponge, and his friends, including Patrick Star, neighbor Squidward and Sandy Cheeks, are from the underwater town of Bikini Bottom, which is being threatened by an eruption of a volcano named Humongous.

However, with perseverance and some creativity from Sandy Cheeks, the volcano does not erupt, and Bikini Bottom is saved.

The musical, based on Nickelodeon’s cartoon “SpongeBob SquarePants,” features original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, and Panic! at the Disco.

Maansi Birru who plays Sandy Cheeks commented on her role.

“Sandy is a courageous and witty character who puts her friends and town first, even when they try to blame her for the almost destruction of Bikini Bottom,” Birru said. “She is the brains of the group, using her knowledge of science to save the town.

“Her true compassion and love for her friends is what motivates her to keep going, even when the going gets tough.”

Birru said she loves playing Sandy because she is like her in so many ways - caring, determined and willing do anything for her friends.

“I love being a part of a group of people who share the same passion as I do,” she said. “I am so excited to put on a show that was a part of so many people’s childhoods.”

Vasilis Motsenigos, who portrays SpongeBob SquarePants, discussed his character.

“SpongeBob SquarePants is a funny, loving, and optimistic yellow sponge who is on a journey of self-confidence and friendship,” Motsenigos said. “I like playing SpongeBob because I get to be as big and expressive as I want on stage, and it works.”

Motsenigos likes seeing all the factors, such as costumes, lighting, and set, all coming together to create a great show, and getting to do it with his closest friends.

Agidio Poloni, playing Patrick Star in the musical, discussed his role.

“Patrick Star, in my opinion, is the epitome of a lovable idiot,” Poloni said. “While he has his moments, he is always there for his friends, and has a heart as big as his stomach.”

Poloni said Patrick has been one of the most difficult characters he has ever had the pleasure of playing.

“I have never had to play such an iconic character before, let alone one that has been so ingrained in my childhood,” he said. “I always have to ask myself, ‘What would Patrick do?’

“Would he react to what is happening? Does it upset him? Does he agree with the other characters? Does he even know what is going on?

“I have just had the best time trying to bring this character to life.”

Poloni said this show has been a blast to work on from start to finish.

“You don’t always get the chance to bring such an iconic world to life, and I feel like my fellow cast and crew have done the town of Bikini Bottom justice,” he said. “I have had the most fun working on this show, and I hope everyone loves watching it as much as we have had making it.”

Nickelodeon’s “The SpongeBob Musical” is being directed by Lori Colacito.

Producer is Andrea Ropash, vocal director is Alison Lagan, choreographer is Ashley Weller, orchestra director is Allison Figueroa, costume director is Michael McDonald, technical director is Kevin Gallagher, light designer is Haley Brown, set designer is Katrina Miller and projection designer is Will Morris.

Colacito discussed the musical.

“We wanted a fun, modern musical that was family friendly,” she stated. “’The SpongeBob Musical’ follows the story of our title character, SpongeBob and his friends Patrick and Sandy as they navigate through a disaster that looms over their beloved undersea town of Bikini Bottom.

“Each of them struggles with their own desire to fit in but in the end come together to save the town while discovering inner strength, friendship and the power of community.”

“The SpongeBob Musical” will be performed 7 p.m. April 11-13 and at 3 p.m. April 14 in the high school auditorium.

Tickets, which are $15 for adults, and $12 for students, children and seniors, can be purchased at showtix4u.com/event-details/80424.