The sets are elaborate. The costumes are hand-sewn. And Mount Wannahockaloogie even blows bubbles. What more could you ask for?
A cast and crew of more than 40 Keys kids will take audiences beneath the waves for Disney’s family-friendly “Finding Nemo, Jr.” this weekend at Marathon Community Theatre.
The stage musical builds off the 2003 animated Pixar hit by adding a host of original tunes as Marlin (Ian Reyes) sets off on a quest to find his captured child, Nemo (Ryan Bryk and Isla Mann). But just like the movie, Dory (Gabrielle Doering) is still forgetful as all get-out, Bruce (Emily Rojas) and the gang of sharks still need a serious intervention – fish are friends, NOT food – and the “Tank Gang” led by Gill (Haven Kreps) at 42 Wallaby Way pack the sass.
“It’s kind of cool, because I get to be the boss of (the Tank Gang), planning an escape,” said Kreps, who snagged a principal role in her first-ever audition.
The show on July 11, 12 and 13 marks the conclusion of MCT’s six-week children’s summer theatre program – meaning “Nemo, Jr.” went from casting to curtains in barely a dozen rehearsals under directors Kara Pascucci and Stephanie Zajac.
“I feel like everyone has each other’s backs, and I like that,” said Kreps. “I love the beginning, because everyone’s on stage together.”
“Finding Nemo, Jr.” starts at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday. Limited available tickets are $17 including fees and are available at www.marathontheater.org or by calling 305-743-0994.
