CCISD, G-PISD to put on first ever cross-district theater production

While a storm is potentially headed to the Coastal Bend, the show must go on.

Students from King and Gregory-Portland high schools have joined forces for the first cross-district theater production.

The theater departments will put on "The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition" at Veterans Memorial High School at 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

Tickets are $8 for children 10 and under and $12 for general admission.

Martin Vela, King High School's theater arts teacher and co-director, said the purpose of the production was to give kids the opportunity to do more shows and become more seasoned.

"I wanted them to have more opportunities to be on stage," Vela said. "We tell the kids all the time that theater is about collaboration. You should be working with other people to see what works for others and what works for you."

Co-director and theater director of Gregory-Portland High School, Salena Pereida agreed with Vela and said seeing the students collaborate has been great.

"Watching the friendships develop throughout the process of putting on the show has been a sight to see," Pereida said. "Seeing their relationships go on beyond the stage — they're making life-long friendships here."

The musical, which premiered in 2016, is about how SpongeBob SquarePants, his friends and his community, must figure out a way to stop an underwater volcano from erupting and destroying Bikini Bottom.

Portraying the titular character is Jeremiah Johnson, a soon-to-be junior at King High School. He said he saw the stage production out of state in 2023.

"When Mr. Vela said we're doing 'Spongebob,' I knew I had to audition for it," Johnson said. "I've been having a blast. I'm excited for people to see all the hard work we've done."

Haley Sturgeon and Paxton Cole portray Sandy Cheeks and Squidward Tentacles, respectively. Both are recent graduates from King High School. Elias Vasquez is a recent graduate from Gregory-Portland High School. He plays Patrick Star, Spongebob's best friend.

Vasquez said he will be sad when the show is over.

"It's been great making new memories with the King kids," Vasquez said. "Being here for hours, day after day — you get attached. I really love we get to do this with a school we're really cool with."

Cole said while he originally wanted to be Vasquez's part, he quickly changed his mind when he heard Squidward's solo, "I'm Not a Loser."

"This is my first musical," Cole said. "It's a great song, but I had to learn how to tap dance in two weeks. That was definitely a challenge."

Sturgeon, another recent graduate, said she was apprehensive at first of the musical but fell in love with the intense choreography and action with the production. Like Vasquez, she said she's not looking forward to it ending.

"I have such a strong connection with everyone here, and I'm truly going to miss them all," Sturgeon said.

Vela said he hopes cross-district productions can continue in the future, as the experience challenges students.

"This allows them to learn from each other and see what every person in the production has to offer," Vela said. "It's not just a fun experience, it's making them better."

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John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com or X @johnpoliva.

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