I have learned so much more from childish things than from most “mature” things in life.
I think it’s because we often associate maturity with the things we want to ignore or deny about ourselves and life Itself. Mainly, the more mature a story is, the more likely it will teach us the terrible things like war, inequality, death, disaster, etc. with a stark, brutal tone. This is why we often find these darker stories as being more truthful, honest and therefore hold these on a higher pedestal. Cynicism is a powerful cage to get oneself out of. We attribute maturity to the enduring of these things in a sense of hard professionalism and strife, seemingly eliminating the wonder, frivolousness, and imagination of our childish self. We can and should therefore avoid these mature tendencies with our children, correct?
I have been rehearsing for my role in The SpongeBob Musical for a little over a month now. During that time, I have not felt like I have been doing something childish at all. In fact, the level of professionalism asked of my cast mates and myself is extremely refreshing. We are being challenged to bring as much depth, energy and character as possible in a production most would simply dismiss as a ridiculous marketing ploy or a shallow attempt at children’s theatre. Our wonderful director and choreographer, Debra Calabrese, is fresh off directing Newsies earlier this year and it’s clear she has the same passion for this show about sponges in pineapples as she did with the realism of paper and ink. We are working through and through and finding ourselves having a blast doing so. Stage manager Conner Raymond keeps us on track and focused minute by minute, but this is what we need. I have learned when to do what and how to do it well with some of the best people I have met. It’s all quite hard work for a much more nuanced show than most might expect. Where people see ridiculous fun, there is also an incredible amount of discipline and people longing to do their absolute best.
This maturity can also be found in the show itself. The show is about the end of the world, after all. When a volcano threatens to burst over Bikini Bottom, tough decisions are made, divisions are carved, bigotry runs rampant and people are left doubting their own strength. You might not think that a simple sponge would be able to convey all that depth in a single, square package. If that is your opinion, then you are who this show is made for. SpongeBob is much more nuanced than anyone truly gives it credit for. See the show, the final few minutes alone will quite possibly shock you.
Even on a personal note, this experience has made me long for bigger and better things in my own life. I truly am inspired to write more, take more risks and see myself as what I have always been; capable and worthy. Rehearsal of an undersea epic has made me start to take my own epic adventure above the waves more seriously, become more forward with my emotions, and more willing to pursue the dreams I have always wanted. My cast mates have made me feel like a part of the family and I am so grateful to be part of this. Mainly, SpongeBob has reinstated the idea that good things are hard but are always worth it in a soul that seems to forget that from time to time. If that’s not mature and sophisticated, I don’t know what truly is.
I know the reservations are probably still there, but I truly implore you to put them aside and give our best days ever a chance to be yours as well. You don’t even have to know about the show beforehand, It explains everything you need to know.
Oftentimes, maturity is the feeling we are just simple, when in reality we are so much more absorbent than we would ever believe. Give us at The Croswell a chance to prove that.
November 22nd-December 1st
Calm and Cultured 