Everyone knows him as the fun sea creature that lives in a pineapple under the sea and he is visiting Mayfield’s very own Purchase Players for a new bright, fun, and electric musical. A cast of 23 actors will bring the beloved Spongebob Squarepants and his friends to life on stage for two weekends only.
Director Kyler Danowski said this show is a total beast, with 52 costumes, five pages of props, 25 musical pieces, and more.
“There are so many whacky, colorful and intriguing aspects. We incorporated glow in the dark, bubbles, confetti, strobe lights, fog — the whole nine yards. It’s definitely the most difficult production I have directed — and likely one of the most difficult shows Purchase Players has produced,” said Danowski.
Along with Danowski, Matt Allen is the assistant director, Shelby Fortner is the music director and Brea Rollston is the choreographer.
“This production truly has allowed the cast to grow in ways that I wasn’t so sure they ever would have, especially prior to the tornado. We have a great group full of different personalities who truly capture the meaning of the show,” said Danowski. “Whether you have years of experience on stage or little to none, it definitely provides an outlet for thespians of all shapes and sizes.”
The original cast received their scripts in early December, as Purchase Players had scheduled the show for March. Following the tornado, the same cast started rehearsing in January, after they were told the building may be ready on time.
“Once we learned it would be May before we were up and running again, we paused rehearsals until roughly Spring Break. We’re about three solid months into putting the show together,” said Danowski.
While the cast has been working diligently on the production, many of them have been able to pull moments they cherish the most, and why they enjoy being part of this cast.
Carter Parks, who plays Patrick Star, ties in being surrounded by people who want to make a show that has not only love, but care in it.
“This show is something that definitely resembles some past events that our community has gone through and it truly is a show about the power of community and what coming together can do and everyone who works on this show knows that and wants to make sure the audience feels that. The audience should expect a ton of laughs as there are twists and turns of comedy everywhere but they should also expect a heartwarming story about a community who learns to come together and become more than just a community,” said Parks. “It’s also a show that shows it doesn’t matter who you are you can make a difference if you want to. This show can be emotional for me because I relate to a lot of the feelings the characters go through and I’m sure everyone will too. I love this show and the community of people I get to work on it with.”
Theatre seems to be home to many, the people and stage within it creating memories and a safe space for not just some, but all.
“I think there is a place for everyone in theatre. Whether it be on stage, making costumes, painting a wall, or popping popcorn. There is comfort within the walls of a theatre — we are a family. We laugh together, we cry together, and we celebrate one another,” said Danowski. “You don’t get that experience in very many other places.”
Collier Reid, who plays Spongebob, has advice for those who want to find a home in theatre — but may be a little too afraid.
“I would tell them that the only thing to worry about is worrying too much. Your confidence will help you play your character in the best way you can, and there’s nothing to lose,” said Reid. “If you don’t succeed the first time, you’ll know what to do differently the next. Being in theater can really help your self-confidence, as well as make it easier to speak in front of a crowd.”
While Mayfield has been through many twists and turns, one thing hasn’t changed. The theatre communities appreciation of the arts, in which those who aren’t as aware of productions in the area — this show could truly change it all.
“If the community hasn’t found an appreciation for the theatre yet, they certainly will after this show. It’s honestly quite strange how relatable this storyline is in comparison to what many of us experienced on December 10. The community of Bikini Bottom is in crisis mode as they try to save their town from a massive volcano eruption,” said Danowski. “It’s a great resemblance of our little community following the tornado — how we all joined together and made the best out of a horrific situation.”
Kristina Belt, who plays Sandy Cheeks, has been able to take away even more from the musical, than her normal lessons each time she’s on stage.
“Theatre has always been something that was important to me, and what I’ve taken from community theatre is that you can bring light and laughter to even the darkest times. During Spongebob The Musical, everyone has come together to help rebuild the theater and bring the stage back to life after the December 10 tornado,” said Belt. “The beauty of community theatre is that everyone you meet there is like family and will do anything to help each other out.”
Community members have two weekends to catch this stunning performance. July 29-31, and Aug. 5-7. To buy tickets, check out show times, and more visit the Purchase Players Facebook page.
