Horizon High School thespians to stage 'SpongeBob' musical

Horizon High School will debut its first musical in school history this week.

The thespians will stage "The SpongeBob Musical," based on the celebrated series by Stephen Hillenburg.

Between guest artist masterclasses, an award-winning creative team led by Horizon High Theater Director Nicholas Wainwright, and a cast of over 35 students, Horizon’s first musical is certain to make a splash.

Performances will take place at 7 p.m. April 21-23, with a 2 p.m. matinee April 23, at the school, 10393 Seidel Road, Winter Garden. Tickets begin at $10 and are available for purchase here.

"I know what you are thinking — 'Who on Earth would adapt SpongeBob into a Broadway musical?’" Wainwright said. "Once upon a time, I had that same question, but after reading the script and seeing the production, I knew it was the perfect fit for Horizon's first musical. The inaugural season has celebrated the idea of building community. SpongeBob, oddly enough, is the epitome of community building and ensemble-based theater. What a whimsical journey it was to get to this moment.

"It is no coincidence we are performing this show on Earth Day weekend," he said. "In our show, you will see recycled goods throughout the design. Our goal was to upcycle trash and objects you might find polluted in the sea. Our oceans are something that we need to protect, and I am thankful that even our small part in ocean conservation and recycling makes an impact."

Although this is the first official Horizon High School musical, it is not the first production the theatre department has produced. 

“Our students have made quite a splash to the Horizon West community and to Orange County," Wainwright said. "Already in our inaugural year, we inducted more than 40 thespians, premiered a new adaptation of 'A Christmas Carol' and qualified for the state festival (even gaining superiors and excellents on our first visit there). But what I am most proud of, is the collaborative spirit built here at Horizon. Students have found family and built the community that theater programs require to succeed and grow."