Spongebob played by Arthur Decant and Patrick played by Shelby use one of the many bubble props for their song "BFF".

COTTONWOOD – Lakeview’s Coming Home Days musical this year comes with a switch — straying away from musical classics like “Matilda” and “Annie” to a script written just 10 years ago.

On Friday, youths in Cottonwood will be performing its debut of “SpongeBob: The Musical” in the Lakeview High School auditorium.

The musical is a shortened 60-minute version of its Broadway version. It follows SpongeBob, played by Arthur Decant, as he works toward his goal of becoming the manager of his fast food job at the Krusty Krab while simultaneously saving the town from a volcanic eruption spearheaded by the evil scientist Plankton, played by Abel Johnson.

“SpongeBob” wasn’t the only possible selection for a play. Before auditions started, musical options included musicals including “Shrek” and “Finding Nemo,” said Oliva Newman, who plays Sandy. “Spongebob: The Musical” was ultimately selected by musical director Krishana Dempcy, mainly because she enjoyed it and thought the kids would too.

“When I listened to this soundtrack, it was just like a party, the whole thing is like a party, it’s so much fun,” Dempcy said.”It was the one that I got most excited about, and that usually is a good sign.”

Initially there was some controversy about the pick. Some actors were skeptical about the musical’s ability to appeal to a wider audience, with some parents refusing to let their kids participate, said Grace Granada, who plays Karen.

However, some of the actors are happy with selection.

“I really like the cartoon one, because I feel like the majority of musicals, like ‘Annie,’ ‘Matilda,’ are more serious and dark,” said Granada. “But these (costumes) are all so pop. They’re so bright. I just really like how we’re allowed to do different things.”

The musical’s more cartoonish style gives many more opportunities for the props to stand out and be more fun, including colorful coral reef trees made out of foam noodles,Solo cups, a jetpack, a glittery clarinet and most notably lots of bubble machines, said Dempcy.

The play is a youth musical, but the cast range is wide, ranging from second graders all the way to seniors and up out of high school, according to Carrie Speh, the assistant director and play choreographer. In her opinion, having so many different age groups comes with its advantages.

“Its great getting to watch the big kids have to take on a sort of leadership role,” Speh said. “I constantly hear them telling the kids to shh! But they do it kindly, and you know it means a lot more for my big kid than just coming from your teacher.”

“If I don’t come with energy, nobody does,” said freshman Arthur Decant, who plays SpongeBob. “So you got to come with energy.”

The musical is part of Cottonwood’s Coming Home Days weekend event, which will include various other events over the weekend including but not limited to axe throwing, a golf competition, and an open house.

There will be two performances, on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. Admission cost will be $12.62 and includes wheelchair accessibility and parking. Tickets can be purchased at the Lakeview Public Schools’ website.