‘Spongebob’ musical features over 100 students

One of the most popular animated shows of all time, “SpongeBob Squarepants,” gets the full Broadway musical treatment Oct. 22 and 23 at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center. Alpine Theatre Project presents “The SpongeBob Musical,” featuring 110 students in grades one through eight from across the Flathead Valley.

The production is part of Alpine Theatre Project’s “ATP Kids' after-school theater education program, where students build confidence, creativity and collaboration skills through work on a full theater production.

“We’re thrilled to introduce this hilarious and unexpectedly charming musical to the valley,” ATP artistic director Betsi Morrison said. “It keeps all the goofiness of the TV show, but also features songs from a roster of pop, rock, country and hip hop superstars.”

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

“The SpongeBob” Musical” became an unlikely sleeper Broadway hit when it opened in 2017 — shattering expectations and drawing rave reviews. The “SpongeBob Musical” is based on the beloved Nickelodeon animated series created by Stephen Hillenburg and boasts original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, The Flaming Lips, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, David Bowie and more.

ATP Kids was started in 2008 to develop valuable life skills in local students through the arts. It has grown to the largest theater education program in the Flathead Valley with almost 3,000 students participating in the program since its founding. No student is ever turned away.

Tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for students and children. Patrons can order tickets at atpwhitefish.org or by calling 406-862-7469.