A cast of 44 local youth will take the stage from January 31-February 9 for Halifax County Little Theatre’s production of Disney musical Finding Nemo Jr. at The Prizery. The 60-minute musical, designed for elementary to high school-aged performers, is based on the 2003 Pixar film Finding Nemo. The show features new music by the team of Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, who also wrote songs for Frozen.
Finding Nemo Jr. features local actors ranging from 4 years old to 17 years old.
Elisabeth Brogden, who started her theatre career with Halifax County Little Theatre, is directing the production. Brogden is supported by musical director Leslie Blair, choreographer Laura Boyett, and stage manager Sarah Brogden.
“I am looking forward to sharing this show because it is not only a Disney classic, but it also relays so many meaningful values, such as resilience, friendship, and the importance of family,” said director Elisabeth Brogden. “Directing this show has been so
rewarding, especially seeing the kids’ excitement as they master a new dance or blocking and immediately ask, ‘Can we do it again?’ Their enthusiasm grows with every time we review it, and it’s been amazing to watch them develop their characters
and bring them to life!
Dive into the big blue world of Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo Jr. This new stage musical is a 60-minute adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar movie Finding Nemo, with new music by award-winning songwriting team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves. Featuring memorable songs such as “Just Keep Swimming,” “Fish Are Friends Not Food,” and “Go With the Flow,” Finding Nemo JR. brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure.
Performances of Finding Nemo Jr. are Friday, January 31 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, February 1 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, February 3 at 3 p.m. Saturday, February 8 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and closes on Sunday, February 9 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at: www.hclt.org.
Finding Nemo, Jr. Cast List
Nemo – Autumn Francis
Marlin – Max Ballou
Dory – Charinna Lee
Coral/Kai – Kaliyah Johnson
Pearl – Hildy Filler
Sheldon – Max Rose
Tad – Ivye Chapell
Professor Ray – Yasmine Ahmed
Scuba Mask Dancer – Riley Rogers
Bruce – Natalea Kendrick
Chum/Moonfish – Hannah Ballou
Anchor/Breeze – Heartlee Myers
Bubbles – Emmy Scholer
Bloat – Maisie Bollinger
Gurgle/Barracuda – Mackenzie Scholer
Peach – Taytum Noblin
Gill – Nathaniel Filler
Nigel – Abigail Howell
Crush – Juliana Lee
Squirt/Moonfish – Finn Ballou
Sheldon’s Parent – Liebe Hodge
Pearl’s Parent – Julianna Owen
Tad’s Parent – Jaelyn Buster
Vacationer – Kate Grubbs
Anglefish – Ellison Compton
Damselfish – Zuri Penn
Moonfish – Vincent Chavis, Jaycee Leigh, Gracelyn Lowery
Seagulls – Cami Cole, Emma Compton, Eleanor Hamilton, Leighton Long, Kailey Rouse
Sea Chorus – Kennedy Alderson, Kayla Bennett, Kiyah Bennett, Abigail Davis, Alexis Davis, Autumn Hetzell, Karsyn McCargo, Georgia Peak, Rylee Rouse