If nautical nonsense is something you wish, boy does Garden Spot Performing Arts (GSPA) got the stage show for you.

But below the surface of this self-described nautical nonsense, there lies wholesome tones and traditional messages surrounding SpongeBob SquarePants and his Bikini Bottom crew's adventures. One of the most important lessons that Garden Spot drama students are learning during their production of "The SpongeBob Musical" is that hard work produces progress and desired results.

"(The students are) doing a really great job with it," said Josh Martin, the director of "The SpongeBob Musical." "They've been hard at work for quite a while. A lot of them are really excited to do things they've never done before. Some are learning to tap dance. Singing and dancing is hard enough. A lot of them are taking big steps out of their comfort zones, and they're doing it in public."

In association with GSPA, school district high school and middle school students will present their rendition of "The SpongeBob Musical" at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18, and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, inside the friendly confines of Stan Deen Auditorium at Garden Spot High School, 669 E. Main St., New Holland. Tickets can be purchased prior to the shows at https://gspa.seatyourself.biz or by calling 717-354-1584.

Tickets will also be available at the door on the days of the shows until they are sold out.

"We have a lot of younger students interested in the organization, and it definitely helps that they know the characters," said Martin. "They grew up watching 'SpongeBob.' The plot comes from a day in the life of SpongeBob SquarePants, who lives in a pineapple under the sea. A volcano is threatening Bikini Bottom, and SpongeBob and his friends set out to save their hometown. It's silly, but it really has some enduring themes about friendship and perseverance."

"The SpongeBob Musical" will require two hours to stage. The performance will be divided by an intermission.

"We're trying to bring this goofy musical to life," said Martin. "It's going to be colorful and fast-paced. There are a lot of upbeat songs, quick jokes and silly lines. It's about friendship and optimism. Because it's a musical comedy, we want to make sure the audience is part of the jokes, that they're laughing along. We want them to follow along with the story as it develops. People will leave feeling energized."

More than 80 students in grades six through 12 are involved with the production of the spring musical. About 30 of those students make up the cast, while the others are involved as instrumentalists and stage crew members.

The cast includes senior Jenna Zueno as SpongeBob; senior Jack Harner as Patrick; junior Caleb Gill as Squidward; junior Kayla Gitke as Sandy; junior Sincere Espada as Plankton; senior Camdyn Smith as Karen; junior Vernon Toaltoan as Mr. Krabs; senior Kassie Leid as Pearl; junior Jack Larson as the narrator; junior Hannah Steinmetz as the mayor; sophomore Alejandro Ramirez as Perch; sophomore Andre Ramirez as Old Man Perkins; sophomore Daniel Savedra as Larry; and senior Otto Loose as Mrs. Puff.

"I've enjoyed actually seeing the progress that people are making and the energy getting more show ready," said Jenna. "It's funny, it's corny, and it has such a relevant underlying message that will resonate with a lot of people."

"I've really enjoyed taking on such a goofy character," said Caleb. "It's been fun learning a cartoon character's voice, expressions and gestures. I would highly encourage people to see this show because it's exciting for all ages. Younger ages can be excited about the funny characters they know, but it also hides a deeper, emotional message for older audiences."

"(The involved students) really do come from a cross-section of the student population," said Martin. "We have some music kids, but we also have some athletes. We have kids who are artsy. We have kids who feel included. We find places for everyone and use them."

The cast and crew have been working on their production of "The SpongeBob Musical" for more than three months. The process began in January with auditions and rehearsals, and since then the students have been tweaking, fine tuning, adding and subtracting during three or four practices each week.

"I always tell (the students) that this is an extension of the classroom," said Martin. "You should be learning things you don't necessarily learn in the classroom. I want to make sure the kids know they've worked and did something they can genuinely be proud of. This show in particular really speaks to keeping your chin up and keep forging ahead. They are lessons worth learning."