Disney and Pixar’s “Finding Nemo JR.” is coming to the Hartland Performing Arts Center Friday, Feb. 23, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 24 and 25, at 2:30 p.m. The charming 60-minute musical, presented by The Hartland Players’ Encore Youth Theater group, is based on the beloved 2003 Pixar film Finding Nemo. The cast includes 41 students ranging in age from 9 to 14, and led by Producer Andrea Daguanno and Directors Mary Jo Bell and Karen Ellis.
According to Daguanno, Encore Youth Theater is excited for the community to come see its very talented cast transform the well-known story of Finding Nemo into a stage production. “We will show you a wonderful display of colorful costume and set pieces, along with entertaining dance numbers and the beautiful voices of our great cast,” she said.
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.
For information on purchasing tickets, visit www.hartlandplayers.org. The Hartland Performing Arts Center is located at 9525 E. Highland Road (M-59) in Howell, Mich.
Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo JR. is presented through special arrangement with, and all materials are provided by, Music Theatre International (licensed to The Hartland Players/Encore Youth Theater, Hartland, Mich.). For more information about licensing Finding Nemo JR. or other Disney shows, visit www.DisneyMusicals.com.
Encore Youth Theater provides training and experience in the performing and theater arts for students ages 7 through 18, and promotes live theater in the community. Encore is the youth group of The Hartland Players, a non-profit community theater group founded in 1967. The Encore Committee, as approved by the Hartland Players’ Board of Directors, administers the program.
Music Theatre International (MTI) is one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theaters from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theater as a vibrant and engaging art form.
The “Finding Nemo JR.” cast includes: Ava Adams, Bailey Atkin, Ali Austin, Clara Bernardi, Elise Bernardi, Sam Bernardi, Macie Campbell, Meadow Daguanno, Lucy Dorset, Quinn Dunny, Leighton Easler, Isabella Gembel, Jackson Gray, Maggie Gray, Brielle Hamilton, Hunter Hoffman, Summer Hoffman, Evelyn Host, Annalise Johnston, Eva Kemner, Kendall Knepley, Hailey Kolke, Olivia Kolke, Eva Lauren, Elleah Luethy, Obie Luethy, Harvey Malecki, Maddie Passage, Nora Powrozek, Amelia Salinas, Ainsley See, Ellery Shrier, Olivia Shrier, Ady Smith, Quinn Stachowski, Ethan Stang, Norah Stickel, Rennie Stickel, Logan White, Jacob Woods and Lucas Woods.
CAST MEMBER Q&As
Clara Bernardi, Ensemble
Parents: Joe and Melda Bernardi
School: Village Elementary School (4th grade)
Activities and Hobbies: Reading and drawing
What is your favorite scene in Finding Nemo JR.?
“Go With the Flow,” because I’m in it!
Why should audiences come to see this show?
They should see the show because everyone is special here.
What has your involvement with community theater taught you?
It’s taught me to listen to directions.
What advice would you give to your character?
Go with the flow.
What will you most remember about your experience with this show?
I’ll most remember my friends.
Leighton Easler as Coral
Parents: Nick and Michelle Easler
School: Homeschooled (8th grade)
Activities and Hobbies: Archery, acting, crocheting, hunting and shopping
What is your favorite scene in Finding Nemo JR.?
My favorite is the scene when the sharks are talking about how “Fish Are Friends Not Food,” because I really love the dance in that scene.
Why should audiences come to see this show?
This show is really kid friendly and is really funny. It’s also a show that all ages will enjoy.
What has your involvement with community theater taught you?
It’s taught me how to act and dance well, and also how to talk in front of a lot of people.
What advice would you give to your character?
Don’t die!
What will you most remember about your experience with this show?
I’ll remember the friendships that I made and the really awesome dances.
Jackson Gray, Ensemble
Parents: Charlie and Maureen Gray
School: Creekside Elementary School (4th grade)
Activities and Hobbies: Archery, soccer and robotics
What is your favorite scene in Finding Nemo JR.?
I love the seagull scenes because the seagulls are so obnoxious to the vacationer and the crowd, and it is really funny.
Why should audiences come to see this show?
Audiences should come see this show because there is lots of dancing and singing, and it will be great to watch.
What has your involvement with community theater taught you?
I learned that theater takes a lot of hard work and dedication to make a show great.
What advice would you give to your character?
When I am a turtle in the show, I would say, “Just go with the flow!
What will you most remember about your experience with this show?
I’ll remember being a silly seagull!
Maggie Gray, Ensemble
Parents: Maureen and Charlie Gray
School: Ore Creek Middle School (7th grade)
Activities and Hobbies: Robotics and band
What is your favorite scene in Finding Nemo JR.?
“Go With the Flow,” because it has so many fun songs and dances.
Why should audiences come to see this show?
It puts a new spin on one of your favorite movies.
What has your involvement with community theater taught you?
Anyone can participate in it.
What advice would you give to your character?
Go with the flow!
What will you most remember about your experience with this show?
I learned to stay calm, cool, and patient.
Quinn Stachowski as Pearl
Parents: Phil and Melissa Stachowski
School: Hutchings Elementary School (5th grade)
Activities and Hobbies: Student council and choir
What is your favorite scene in Finding Nemo JR.?
My favorite is the school kids’ scene at the drop-off when my character says, “You just made me ink.”
Why should audiences come to see this show?
It’s fun and exciting, and it has catchy tunes.
What has your involvement with community theater taught you?
Never be afraid of a crowd.
What advice would you give to your character?
Don’t be nervous — it makes you ink!
What will you most remember about your experience with this show?
I’ll most remember the friends I have made. I love the Encore family
