HCPAC Brings SpongeBob to the Stage This Week

(Post sponsored by Tinsley Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, Gibson Pharmacy.)

Get ready to dive into Bikini Bottom this week as the Henderson County Performing Arts Center continues to bring “The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition” to the stage.

The family-friendly show runs July 17, 18, and 19 at 7 p.m. at HCPAC, located at 400 Gibson Rd. in Athens. Tickets and show information are available through the center.

Directed by Shaydi Clary, the musical features a talented cast of young performers, some of whom are making their HCPAC debut. The production brings to life the colorful world of SpongeBob SquarePants as the famous sponge and his friends face a crisis that threatens their town.

“This production is not about reinventing the musical—it’s about making audiences feel like they’ve stepped into the world of Bikini Bottom,” Clary said. “It’s a love letter to childhood, to Nickelodeon, and to the magic of theater.”

HCPAC, which has been part of the East Texas arts scene for more than 60 years, was founded as Athens Little Theatre and became a nonprofit in 1980. The center continues to thrive with the help of volunteers, donors, and community support.

An anonymous donor has pledged to match all Ghostlight Campaign donations during the show’s run, up to $2,500 per performance. That could total $17,500 in matching funds, or about $20 for every seat in the theater.

Audience members can donate by using Standing Ovation Donation cards available at the performances. The money raised will go toward the second phase of the center’s Ghostlight Project, which focuses on upgrading stage lighting and infrastructure.

Clary also thanked the parents and guardians who supported the young cast.

“This production would not be possible without their dedication,” she said.

The cast and crew include:

• Elisabeth (E) Robb – SpongeBob SquarePants

• Jolene Laughery – Gary, Bikini Bottom Citizens, Ensemble, B-F-F

• Hannah Williams – Patrick Star

• Delilah Leos – Sandy Cheeks

• Audrey Martin – Squidward Tentacles

• Luis Rodgriquez – Mr. Krabs

• Scarlett Johnson – Pearl Krabs

• Mason Harrison – Sheldon Plankton

• Cayla Hemphill – Karen Plankton

• Adalynn Lujan – Mayor of Bikini Bottom

• Kinley Boyle – French Narrator, Electric Skate

• Ashton Ward – Perch Perkins, SeaStar, Mr. Krabs Understudy

• Kai Killian – SeaStar, Electric Skate, Squidward Understudy

• Cade Alexander – Security Guard 2, Hash-Slinging Slasher, Perch Perkins Understudy

• Brent Kell – Patchy the Pirate, Electric Skate, Ensemble

• Eli Rinehart – Larry the Lobster, Ensemble

• Sam Tyler – Security Guard 1, Ensemble

• Luke Hunter – Old Man Jenkins

• Brenham Sims – Bikini Bottom Citizens, Ensemble, B-F-F

• Natalie Walden – Bikini Bottom Citizens, Fish 2, Buster BlueTang, SeaStar

• Annabella Dickerson – Bikini Bottom Citizens, Fish 3, Mrs. Puffs

• Gabriel Helton – Bikini Bottom Citizens, Ensemble, B-F-F

• Eli Young – Mermaid Man, Electric Skate, DoodleBob

• Christina Strong – Bikini Bottom Citizen, Fish 1

• Caelynn Shields – Electric Skate Lead, SeaStar

• Shaydi Clary – Director

• Pat Jousan Williams – Assistant Director

• Gordon Mayhall – Assistant Director, Set Design and Construction

• Kyle Johnson – Stage Manager, Set Design and Construction, Props Master

• Liz Foote – Music Director

• J.T. Foote – Sound Design, Sound Board Operator

• Kaitlyn Martin – Light Design, Light Board Operator

• Wes Akin – Technical Director

• Eric Davis – Set Design and Construction

• Robert Clary – Set Design and Construction

• Joclyn Ewers – Set Design, Lead Set Painter

• Allison Martin – Head Costumer, Production Chair

• Abbie Stokes – Assistant Costumer

• Kara Davis – Guest Costumer

• Audrey Martin – Assistant Choreographer

• Chris Clark – Guest Choreographer

• Chet Healey – Set Crew

• Larry Tiner – Set Crew

• Jerid Rinehart – Set Crew