Linton Middle School students to stage 'SpongeBob Musical'

Linton Middle School students want to take people under the sea.

Specifically, to a pineapple there and maybe the Krusty Krab.

Director Alex Fitzroy and assistant director Christina Dadey are guiding a cast of 30 Linton students for “The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition.”

The show is based on the beloved animated series and features an array of songs, including “Bikini Bottom Day,” “Bikini Bottom Boogie” and “Best Day Ever.”

Fitzroy said preparations for the show included mastering a range of maturity levels considering sixth, seventh and eighth grade students have combined their talents to make the show happen.

“It can be chaotic, but it’s a fun chaos. Sometimes I’m the chaos,” Fitzroy said.

Since October auditions, students have been rehearsing three times a week to practice their vocals, getting to know their castmates and getting used to moving like they’re underwater. Fitzroy said the students have come together nicely and settled into a system where older students, some of whom have been in the program since sixth grade, help the younger, newer students.

On the show’s closing night, Fitzroy will give each eighth grader a handwritten note to thank them for their time, their hard work and to congratulate them on a job well done before they head to high school.

“I’m a disaster when I’m writing those letters,” Fitzroy said. “A lot of the kids have been in the program since sixth grade. It’s been really cool to see them grow as students and artists.”

In a unique twist, the show’s lead spots are filled by students from all grades.

The show’s main antagonist, Plankton, will be played by sixth grader Willie Rice III. Eighth grader Cambria Rosemeyer will lend her tap dancing skills to portray the show’s grumpiest character, Squidward. Science whiz and Bikini Bottom’s favorite squirrel, Sandy, will be played by seventh grader Adrianna Hoolahan. Patrick, the main character’s best friend and partner in crime, will be portrayed by seventh grader Ozzy Zeibak. The sea sponge with an infectious laugh and impressive jellyfishing skills, SpongeBob, will be played by eighth grader Whitney Aglietti.

“The students playing Sandy, Patrick and SpongeBob are all returning performers from previous musicals,” Fitzroy said. “I’m extremely proud of the dedication they’ve showed.”

Opening night is scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 21, and the show will run through the weekend with performances at 7 p.m. Feb. 22 and a matinee at 2 p.m. Feb. 23. Tickets will be $5 at the door.

Dadey said ticket sales are the only way musicals are funded at the school. The program is not funded by the district and is sustained by ticket sales, fundraising and a percentage of concession sales during shows.