Rio Rancho HS set to perform 'The SpongeBob Musical'

RIO RANCHO — Rio Rancho High School is gearing up for next week’s student performances of “The SpongeBob Musical” as part of the school’s annual spring musical.

The show, which the high school licensed from entertainment company Concord Theatrical, is scheduled for 7 p.m. April 10-12 in the high school’s performing arts center. A matinée is scheduled for 1 p.m. April 12. More than 100 students are involved in the show.

Gael Natal, fine arts teacher at Rio Rancho High School, said the production, based off of the children’s television show “SpongeBob SquarePants,” has a little something for everyone.

“People seem to either love or hate the TV show,” Natal said. “People who don’t like the TV show should come see it because they’ll see that SpongeBob is actually a delightful character.”

“The SpongeBob Musical,” based on the series by creator Stephen Hillenburg, will feature music by Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend and They Might Be Giants, according to Concord Theatrical’s website.

The cost of admission is $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. All Rio Rancho Public School employees get in for free if they show their district identification.