By John Posada
originally published: 05/01/2026
(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- Roman Productions presented The SpongeBob Musical Jr. at Saint John Vianney High School April 25-26, 2026. Under the direction of Wendy Roman, this production showcased the strength of a youth theater program rooted in confidence, collaboration, and individuality. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
Roman has a rare ability to recognize each performer's unique strengths and shape them into authentic, confident performances on stage. With a thoughtful and hands-on approach, she creates an environment where young actors feel supported, challenged, and inspired to take risks. Her work not only develops strong performers, but helps students build lasting confidence, stage presence, and a genuine connection to the craft.
Assistant Directors Brian O'Brien, Dana Maley, and Giada Garcia supported the production, helping to foster a positive and collaborative rehearsal environment where the cast can grow both individually and as an ensemble. O'Brien also brought Broadway experience to the program, with credits including Chicago, Steel Pier, Beauty and the Beast, Annie Get Your Gun, The Pirate Queen, and Promises, Promises.
Vocal guidance was led by Giada Garcia and Alexis Lombardo whose work strengthened the performers' confidence, clarity, and overall musicality. Choreography was led by Wendy Roman, with Gabby Bataglia and Mia Invento assisting on select numbers, including "(Just a) Simple Sponge" and the high-energy Electric Skate sequences.
Sound was managed by Giada Garcia, while stage lighting by Brooke Ruby Roman enhanced the visual atmosphere and overall production quality.
Leading the cast was Brody Fitzgerald as SpongeBob SquarePants, delivering a performance filled with energy, humor, and heart. Claire Cavelry appeared as Patrick Star, Farah Ramjohn as Squidward, Jillian Vincelli as Sandy Cheeks, Sidney Asch as Mr. Krabs, Lia as Pearl Krabs, Vianne Jackson as Plankton, and Vienna Schultz as Karen.
The ensemble included Raina Ramjohn and Mia Zahakos as Perch Perkins/Sardine/Sea Anemone, Juliet Zahakos as Electric Skate/Sardine/Sea Anemone, Liliana Eisenbraun as Old Man Jenkins/Electric Skate/Sardine/Pirate, Bella Abbud as French Narrator/Electric Skate/Sardine/Pirate/Sea Anemone, and Lincoln Asch as Patchy the Pirate/Sardine.
The Junior Ensemble added an extra layer of charm to the production, bringing enthusiasm, joy, and a sense of discovery that reflects the program's commitment to growth and creativity.
Here are more photos from the production.
Overall, the production highlighted the best of youth theater—an experience that not only entertains, but builds confidence, encourages collaboration, and celebrates the individuality of every performer on stage.
Those interested in becoming part of this supportive and creative program can look ahead to the upcoming summer session. The program will run from July 6 through July 31, with daily sessions held from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Participants will receive training in acting, singing, and dancing, culminating in a final performance of The Lightning Thief.
ALL PHOTOS BY JOHN POSADA
About the author: John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in photographing live theatre and music performances. Currently, John has spent the last 6 years concentrating on photographing almost 400 theater productions at over 70 different NJ theatres. Click here for John's website.
EVENT PREVIEWS
The Company Theatre Group presents a Staged Reading of "Final Day, the Musical" on June 16th
(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- The Company Theatre Group presents a Staged Reading of Final Day, the Musical in the Ruth Bauer Neustadter Gallery at Hackensack Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 3:00pm & 7:00pm. Set on the final day of World War II in Germany, Final Day follows prisoners awaiting liberation as they confront a camp commandant under orders to execute them all.
interACT Theatre Productions presents "Psycho Beach Party"
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- interACT Theatre Productions presents Psycho Beach Party by Charles Busch presented as part of OUT IN MAPSO PRIDE 2026 with two performances June 19-20 at The Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts.
The Barn Theatre presents The Solstice Showcase
(MONTVILLE, NJ) -- The Barn Theatre presents The Solstice Showcase, its biennial festival of original one-act plays, from June 19-21, 2026. This three-day event showcases new works of up-and-coming playwrights from the NJ/NY area and beyond and other theatrical talent.
Chatham Community Players present a reading of "Indecent" by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel
(CHATHAM, NJ) -- The Chatham Community Players present a reading of Indecent by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel on Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 7:00pm. The play charts the history of an incendiary drama and the path of the artists who risked their careers and lives to perform it.
Cape May Stage presents a reading of "What Would Meryl Do?" by Neal Lerner
(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape May Stage presents a reading of What Would Meryl Do? by Neal Lerner on Monday, June 22, 2026 at 7:00pm. This is a one-man comic whirlwind about a desperate man in a small upstate town who decides to teach a class on how to live like Meryl Streep — because why not? Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
Middlesex County's Plays in the Park presents "All Shook Up"
(EDISON, NJ) -- Middlesex County's Plays in the Park kicks off its season with All Shook Up from June 17-27, 2026. Loosely based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, it's 1955, and into a square little town rides a guitar-playing young man who changes everything and everyone he meets.
Middlesex County Plays-in-the-Park presents "All Shook Up" by Joe DiPietro
(EDISON, NJ) -- Middlesex County's Plays-in-the-Park presents All Shook Up by Jersey's own Joe DiPietro from June 17-27, 2026. Loosely based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, it's 1955 and into a square little town rides a guitar-playing young man who changes everything and everyone he meets.
Cumberland Players presents "Reefer Madness, the Musical"
(VINELAND, NJ) -- Cumberland Players presents Reefer Madness, the Musical across two weekends from June 19-28, 2026. When a clean-cut kid from a stand-up American family falls prey to marijuana, his descent into the pit is filled with jazz, sex and violence. This pointed polticial satire will go straight to your head!
Pioneer Productions presents "Merrily We Roll Along"
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Pioneer Productions presents Merrily We Roll Along, the groundbreaking musical by Stephen Sondheim with a book by George Furth. Based on the 1934 play by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, the musical premiered in 1981 and has since become one of Sondheim's most daring and emotionally resonant works. The show will run weekends from June 19-June 28, 2026 at The Stage at Fellowship Hall, located inside the Morristown United Methodist Church.
Bell Theater at Bell Works presents "We'll Meet Again"
(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- Bell Theater at Bell Works presents We'll Meet Again from June 18-28, 2026. This is a patriotic and life-affirming story inspired by the life of Heinz "Henry" Stern, a true American original. This is a new musical by James R. Harris with Musical Arrangements by Mark Hayes. The production is directed by Daniel Kutner.
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