BK Development Corporation hears progress report on Magnolia’s SpongeBob production and citywide scavenger hunt

The BK Development Corporation received updates on Magnolia Music Theater’s production of SpongeBob the Musical and a linked co‑marketing scavenger hunt that city staff and theater partners say is intended to drive visitors to Bee Cave businesses.

The updates covered production milestones, stage construction and outreach to local businesses. Dr. Kanata, a presenter for Magnolia Music Theater, said rehearsals began June 9 and the production is about "75 completed being blocked, choreographed," with a full cast sing‑through already complete. She said the orchestra will join the cast for a full musical run‑through in Room A above the library from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the coming Sunday, and that the cast will begin onstage rehearsals the following Monday. "It's possibly 1 of the actors and certainly my favorite rehearsal in the process," Dr. Kanata said of that orchestra run.

Staff updated the board on a scavenger hunt coordinated with Magnolia in which participating businesses display themed posters for visitors to photograph; prizes will be provided by Magnolia. The hunt runs July 7 through Aug. 11, with a winner announced each Monday, and Magnolia is supplying prizes and promotional materials. City staff said 16 businesses had completed the Jotform sign‑up, two more were added by staff for a total of 18 at one point, and later reported 19 participating businesses. Staff said they had not yet tallied resident participants but will report those numbers after the event concludes.

On marketing, Dr. Kanata said the production team secured rehearsal space at St. Edward's University that includes mirrors for dancers and facilities for tap, roller skating and skateboarding, and that set construction began recently and was expected to be substantially complete in short order. She also said distribution of print materials had begun: a vendor is posting 200 posters across the Austin region, and 50 posters have been distributed in Bee Cave and nearby towns with a goal of up to 500 full‑length posters. Social media following for the production has increased by about 35% since March, staff said. Sonesta released a dedicated SpongeBob rate for the show; staff noted last year that rate produced 28 room nights and they are hoping for more this year.

Staff also outlined volunteer and grassroots outreach: a group of high school students had agreed to distribute about 1,000 postcards to houses, and a local pizza business agreed to print a thousand flyer inserts on delivery boxes. City staff and Magnolia said additional outreach — including a press release with the Galleria and hotel front‑desk placement of postcards — was under way.

Board members expressed enthusiasm and encouraged staff to report back with participation totals and lessons learned after the event.