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Elgin High School Choir and Musical Theatre Programs talent brought an undersea adventure to the stage last weekend after months of dedication — and an entire high school career of insistence.
With Cherisa Cromer at the helm as artistic director, “The SpongeBob Musical” showcased humor, heart and an ensemble of over 50 students and 20 young performers from district elementary and middle schools. However, Cromer, who has been leading CAMP for 11 years, was initially hesitant about taking on a production based around the popular cartoon many of the students grew up with.
“It started four years ago with students, now seniors, hoping, insisting… nay, begging to do ‘The SpongeBob Musical,’” she said in her director’s letter. “I rolled my eyes at the thought, and dismissed it at every mention. I couldn’t imagine a musical based on the cartoon being something I would ever con- spend tireless months and hours working on, much less having to live with it myself for such a time.”
It wasn’t until Cromer gave the soundtrack a listen that she saw its potential, won over by its charm.
“To my utter surprise, it was a delight,” she added. “I found that it was hilarious, but also full of heart — I could not think of a better way to describe this group of students.”
The show followed a fami l iarly jov ial SpongeBob, played by Caleb Clemons, and his undersea friends of Bikini Bottom as they band together to save their home from impending doom. The stakes are high, but themes of kindness, inclusion, courage and a love for all shine through.
Cromer described the musical as a celebration of these values, particularly in a world that often feels divided and uncertain.
“It reminds us that the only way to handle a crisis is through hope, boundless optimism and working together to meet it head-on, heart-forward,” the director said, adding that her students’ dedication and joy throughout the process has inspired and given her immense hope for the future.
Beyond t he high school per former s, bringing up younger s t ude nt s to pl a y mini-pirates and sardines give the district a chance to unite across age groups.
Other leading cast members include Jake Johnson as Pat r ick Star, Brooklynn Nickel as Sandy Cheeks, Rory Ruiz as Squidward Tentacles and CJ McInnis as Sheldon Plankton.
Technical direction was handled by Michael Wilson, who returned to teaching technical theatre after several years as an English instructor.
Cromer expressed gratitude to all of the parents, alumni and clubs that helped make the production possible.
“I hope the audience could feel the absolute joy emanating from the students,” she said.
Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals and based on the TV series by Stephen Hillenburg, “The SpongeBob Musical” proved to be a delightful and heartwarming showcase of Elgin’s young creatives, attendees said.
