LIGHTING UP LOUISA WITH ‘SPONGEBOB’ AT THE GARDEN THEATER…

By Susan Salyer

On Friday July 8, 2022 at 6:30 the Mountain Movers Theatre Company (MOMO) presented OPENING NIGHT of ‘The SpongeBob Musical’ at the Garden Theater in downtown Louisa, Kentucky. This is Broadway’s Award – Winning Hit based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg – Book by Kyle Jarrow – Musical Production Conceived By Tina Landau.

The evening started off with delicious appetizers followed by dinner using the SpongeBob theme which included ‘Make Your Own Krabby Patty’ and desserts.

This dynamic musical started out in peril where the stakes are higher than ever.

SpongeBob and all of Bikini Bottom face the total annihilation of their undersea world from a volcano. Chaos erupts, lives hang in the balance and just when all hope seems lost, a most unexpected hero rises up and takes center stage and the power of optimism really can save the world!

Children in attendance as well as adults were treated to a lively show in a great atmosphere right here in Louisa, Ky.

Musical Numbers in ACT ONE included the Prologue, Bikini Bottom Day, No Control BFF, When the Going Gets Tough, (Just A) Simple Sponge, Daddy Knows Best, Hero is My Middle Name, Super Sea Star Savior and Tomorrow Is.

Musical Numbers in ACT TWO included Poor Pirates, Bikini Bottom Boogie, Chop to the Top (I Guess I) Miss You, I’m Not a Loser, Best Day Ever and Finale: Bikini Bottom Day Reprise SpongeBob Squarepants Theme.

The CAST includes KJ Adams- Ensemble, Dustin Dale Barlow – Old Man Jenkins, Grace Brown Ensemble, Mariela D’Alessandro – Mayor of Bikini Bottom/Ensemble,Cason Day – Sheldon J Plankton, Ruben Del Valle Jr Squidward Tentacles, Emma Dial – Ensemble, Jennifer Fraser – Sandy Cheeks, Joe LaPointe – SpongeBob Squarepants, Jimmy Lewis – Patrick Star, John Maynard – Perch Perkins/Ensemble, Katie Maynard Ensemble, Ceslie Parker Waller -Mrs Puff/Ensemble Jakob Sommers – Larry the Lobster, Jasmine Smith – French Narrator, Zachary Tate -Eugene Krause, Payton Trout – Patchy the Pirate/Ensemble, Grace Vetter – Karen the Computer, Maddie Willard – Pearl Krabs. Ensemble

ARTISTIC STAFF includes Kim Willard – Director/Artistic Director, John Tengowski – Music Director, Melissa Rosenberger – Choreographer, Darryl Willard – Managing Director, Stef Ratliff – Scenic Artist, Ryann Willard -Costume Design, Caroline Matheny – Assistant Costume Shoo Manager, Nicole Roberts – Wardrobe Supervisor, Mari D’Alessandro – Stitcher, Grace Brown – Stitcher, Lexi Holbrook – Props Master, Maddie Willard – Wardrobe/A2, Joel Crum – General Technician, Landyn Pope – General Technician, Alyssa Ransbottom – Adminstrative Assistant.

Lighting up the new marquee. Lazer photo by Susan Salyer. See video above.

After the show ended folks got their photos taken with the Cast and Artistic Staff. Then everyone proceeded outside to the street in front of the Garden Theater for a short ceremony unveiling the ‘NEW MARQUEE’.

ARC President Tim Robinson thanked the Cast of the SpongeBob Musical  for a great job.and Judge Executive Phil Carter said Tim Robinson has been doing a great job keeping ‘Louisa Cleaned Up’ and since Tim was keeping his side of the street clean then he would keep his side of the street Cleaned Up.’

Mayor of Louisa Harold Slone said ‘It was great to see everyone come out and this was a much needed addition to the City of Louisa.’

Robinson said! ‘I have a Special Guest to Light the Marquee tonight and he’s the reason we have theater in Louisa.’ Robinson went on to say ‘One night his family was coming home from a show at Jenny Wiley and Russ asked why don’t we have shows in our town. Robinson said Russ deserves all the credit and has inspired us all.”