Theatre Ancaster brings Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. to the stage
- Michael Kras
- 23 Jul 2024
Finding Nemo is one of Disney’s modern classics, and a stage production with an all-youth cast is hitting the stage with Theatre Ancaster this weekend.
Part of the company’s Youth Series, Finding Nemo Jr. features a cast of talented young performers from grades 5 to 8 in a stage adaptation of the beloved film known for its vibrant aquatic characters and heartfelt story of family, love, and loss.
These are complex themes to tackle, but the show’s director and Theatre Ancaster mainstay Sam Heath is quick to express how readily this impressive young cast rose to the challenge.
“So much of the show centers around Marlin, the father, saving his son Nemo while feeling fear as a parent to let go and trust that Nemo is ready,” says Heath.
“The way the kids have been able to grasp these complex emotions has been beautiful. Their ability to have endless energy onstage while hitting moments of vulnerability and anxiety has really taken me by surprise.”
After three weeks of rehearsal, the young cast will take the stage this weekend only from July 26th-28th at the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre in a version of the Disney story that captures what audiences love about the film while adding distinct theatrical flourishes, including colourful costumes plus catchy new songs written just for the play.
The production is the culmination of the Junior Broadway Summer Camp, where young actors have been training with professionals and preparing to take the stage in a full production of an entertaining show Heath says is perfect for the whole family.
“So much of this show is the human experience and letting go of fear and anxiety, to just keep swimming and trust it will all be okay,” she adds.
“Families should come to this show and the great part is there is always something cool to look at for younger audiences and heartfelt moments for parents.”
Theatre Ancaster is known for its high quality community theatre productions, and Finding Nemo Jr. follows that trend while giving talented young performers their first chance at the spotlight!
Finding Nemo Jr. runs July 26th to 28th at the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre (357 Wilson St. E). See more and get tickets here.
Images by Garreth Skipp courtesy of Theatre Ancaster
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