Soaking Up Lessons, Experiences With "The SpongeBob Musical"

Like the namesake of her latest production as music director, Erin McNally was ready to dive into the demands of The SpongeBob Musical. But once she and director Hisa Takakuwa took the plunge with their actors, McNally realized there were more reasons why the Summer Players would not only enjoy this trip to Bikini Bottom, but engage with it in a positive manner.

The Summer Players are some of the most talented young actors from SCR’s Youth Conservatory. To be a Summer Player, students have to audition for their roles after at least one year in the Theatre Conservatory.

McNally took time from what has become a hectic rehearsal schedule to talk about The SpongeBob Musical and what goes into staging such a complex production.

Why did you choose The SpongeBob Musical?

ERIN MCNALLY: “As you know, we always try to choose a show that offers both a fun and rewarding challenge for our students—something that stretches them artistically but also feels joyful to perform. The SpongeBob Musical absolutely checks all those boxes! It’s wildly energetic, vibrantly colorful, and full of music that gets stuck in your head for all the right reasons. But the biggest reason we chose it comes down to one word: joy.

“At a time when the world can feel a little heavy, this show bursts through the surface with a message of optimism, resilience, and hope. And even though it’s based on a cartoon, there’s a surprising amount of depth and heart in the story. The characters are silly, yes—but their love for each other, their community, and their belief in making the impossible possible? That’s something real. And that’s what we want our actors (and our audiences) to feel when they dive into Bikini Bottom.”

In the last three years, we’ve seen the Summer Players tackle Sondheim, Seuss, and now SpongeBob. What makes this musical distinct?

EM: “Like many of our past productions, The SpongeBob Musical demands that young actors make bold, specific choices, but with a core of truthfulness. That kind of balance is always a worthy challenge. But two things really set this show apart.

“First, the eclectic score! While last year’s Seussical showcased musical variety, SpongeBob takes it to a whole new level. This score was composed by an all-star lineup of legendary artists: David Bowie, John Legend, Sara Bareilles, Panic! At the Disco, Aerosmith, the list goes on. That means our performers have to master multiple genres, each with its own vocal demands and storytelling style.

“Second, we’ve added a unique theatrical twist with the inclusion of a live Foley artist, played by the incredibly talented Keira Low. Having a student create the sound effects live on stage is not only technically impressive, it’s also a brilliant opportunity to explore storytelling in an imaginative and collaborative way.”

3) What are the biggest challenges your actors face in Bikini Bottom?

EM: “Let’s start with the music: pop, rock, hip-hop, country, gospel, musical theatre—you name it, it’s in there. The actors have to shift vocal styles on a dime, changing everything from vowel shapes to breath support. And it doesn’t stop at singing. The choreography is equally diverse with jazz, hip-hop, and yes, even full-on tap dancing!

“On top of that, many actors are playing multiple characters, each with different costumes, voices, and physicalities. They’re constantly switching gears, while staying rooted in the logic and rhythm of the world we’ve built.

“And then there's our Foley Fish, which adds another layer of precision. Every time Keira creates a sound effect live on stage, the cast has to be crystal clear and consistent in their movement and timing. It’s all about building trust—between actors, between performers and sound, and between imagination and execution.

“But honestly? It’s these very challenges that make this show so joyful to perform. They demand full commitment and bring out the absolute best in these young artists.”

What are the challenges you and Hisa face herding all these “sea creatures?”

EM: “From the outside, it might seem like The SpongeBob Musical is all bright colors and silly jokes, but let us assure you, it is anything but simple. This show is a massive undertaking. With 32 actors, many playing multiple roles, it requires logistical gymnastics: costuming, tracking entrances and exits, coordinating scene changes, wrangling props, you name it.

“As co-directors, Hisa and I are constantly balancing storytelling with choreography, staging with sound design, music with character work. One of the trickiest (and most exciting!) parts for me as music director has been navigating the sheer range of musical styles. A rock ballad has very different vocal demands than a sea shanty. It’s not just about singing correctly. It’s about inhabiting each genre with intention.

“And then there’s our beloved Foley Fish. Crafting a live soundscape alongside our cast has been one of the most rewarding parts of the process. Keira is a superstar, and it’s been a blast helping her find weird and wonderful ways to bring the world of Bikini Bottom to life sonically. It’s also pushed our entire cast to think more deeply about how sound supports story. We’ve always encouraged our actors to react vocally and physically in scenes. This just takes it to the next level.”

What is it about this musical that appeals to all ages?

EM: “The SpongeBob Musical may be inspired by a cartoon, but the story it tells is anything but surface-level. That’s what makes it so special - it works on multiple levels.

“Yes, longtime fans of the show will absolutely delight in seeing their favorite characters on stage. But even if you’ve never seen a single episode of SpongeBob SquarePants, the musical stands on its own. It’s witty. It’s heartfelt. And it’s filled with universal themes of friendship, resilience, community, and the idea that no one is “just a simple sponge.”

“There’s something deeply human about the way these characters show up for each other. Whether it’s cheering for SpongeBob’s unwavering optimism or rooting for Squidward as he finally steps into the spotlight, this story reminds us of the importance of connection, courage, and hope.

“It’s colorful and clever. Silly and sincere. And by the end, we hope everyone in the audience - kids, teens, parents, and grandparents - walks away smiling, maybe even singing, and just a little more hopeful than when they walked in.”

What do you hope your student performers get from this experience?

EM: “I hope they walk away feeling proud not just of what they accomplished, but of who they are as artists, collaborators, and storytellers.

“This show is no small feat. It demands discipline, focus, imagination, and bravery. And these students have met every challenge with heart, humor, and an incredible amount of hard work. I hope they feel the deep joy of building something meaningful together. I hope they know their voices matter. And I hope they realize that when they lift each other up - when they lead with kindness, curiosity, and courage - they are capable of extraordinary things.

“In a world that too often underestimates young people, we see their potential. And this show? It’s proof of just how far they can go. More than anything, I hope the lessons they've learned this summer stay with them and that whatever adventure comes next, they meet it like SpongeBob does, with a smile on their face and a wholehearted, ‘I’m ready!’”

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