SpongeBob the musical ended April 9 with its fifth fully packed show.  

The show was based off of Broadway’s SpongeBob, and was held in the Rogers E. Arthur Larson Center for Performing Arts (PAC), on show days from the end of March to the beginning of April.  

The cast included actors from choir and theatre, a stage crew, and band students that composed the pit orchestra. 

Stephen Pickard, the Rogers pit orchestra director for nine years, described that one of the main reasons he enjoys the show is the culmination of all of the art departments.  

 “The show is one of the only times a year where all elements of the performing arts get to come together and make a big production.” 

The performance was viewed by all ages because of its comedic dialogue, energetic dance numbers, and lively songs that were written by big names including Panic! At The Disco, John Legend, and Lady A.   

Viewers of the show have described it as fun and entertaining.  

11th grader, Sam Jacquez said that her experience at SpongeBob made her “definitely want to see another show in the future.” 

The director of the show, Lawrence Marcoe, selected SpongeBob because he felt that the “current actors filled the roles well,” “the name would be a name people recognize,” and that, “the music was amazing.” 

Marcoe chose junior Brady Nelson, who has been a part of every show at Rogers, to play SpongeBob. 

“For me it was the hardest show I have done at Rogers” said Nelson “Having a show nearing three hours is very tiring for everyone… I was on stage for a very long time of those three hours, and it was very tough to do.” 

Nevertheless, Nelson had a “great experience overall” and is excited to continue performing next year as a senior. 

Outside of the performance, the Rogers Booster Club sold concessions before, and during intermission, such as popcorn, and candy, contributing to the overall money raised.   

The tickets for the performance were sold for $12 solely online, so that viewers could select and reserve specific seats in the theater.  

In total, the show sold around 1,100 tickets and raised around $13,200, creating the second successful show of the 2022-2023 school year.  

The money raised has been used to pay off the costs of the performance, such as costumes, scripts, choreographer(s), etc. The left-over money will go into the Drama Department’s ASB fund, to fund future performances.