St. Cloud is Called to the Pineapple Under the Sea for SpongeBob Musical

(KNSI) – St. Cloud Tech High School is transforming into Bikini Bottom this weekend with a production of The SpongeBob Musical.

We caught up with the three senior captains of the production. Clay Weisen will bring the popular cartoon’s title character to life. Spongebob was a staple of Weisen’s childhood, and he considers this to be the best play of his high school career.

Weisen believes the show is truly one for all ages. “I think it’s actually very introspective for adults, and especially with COVID and everything, it’s…the whole world is shutting down for them. It kind of puts your brain into a different point of view. And I think the kids can enjoy it, but also it can have some meaning to older audiences and things like that.”

Max Withrow is portraying Sandy Cheeks, a squirrel known for her patented diving suit. Sandy is one of SpongeBob’s closest friends. Withrow talked about the anticipation among the cast as the premiere date gets closer.

“I think everyone is definitely nervous, but being nervous and being excited are the same feeling, it’s all about perspective. And so, we’ve been trying to just get everyone in the cast to have fun on stage. And it is a really good show. It’s probably one of the best shows that we’ve put on in my high school career, at least. And so we’re trying to remind everyone that it’s a really good performance, and we really don’t have anything to be too worried about.”

Kai Wilson gets to play the devious Sheldon J. Plankton, the owner of the Chum Bucket restaurant and a business rival to Mr. Krab, who Spongebob works for. Wilson says they are setting big goals for themselves on the stage.

“This will be my seventh show with Tech High School, and ever since my first performance, I knew I’ve wanted to do something with theater…I hope to be on Broadway one day.”

Wilson, Withrow, and Weisen have all been accepted to performing arts programs in college, which they credit to Director John Legg. Their list of credits is fun and includes Charlie Brown, Aladdin, and more.

Legg says SpongeBob is the most ambitious yet in his time at Tech. He notes there are 24 parts, and none are reduced to a throwaway line or singing background in a song chorus. The set is bright and vibrant to match the characters, put together by a crew of about a dozen.

You can buy tickets at the door or through this link. Shows are scheduled for Friday at 7:00 p.m., Saturday at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m., and Sunday at 2:00.

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