Rachel Harris, Ashley Smith, Rose Hains, Grace Mitchell, William Sivula, and Olivia Young in “Finding Nemo Jr." at Davenport Junior Theatre -- February 17 through 25.
Saturday, February 17, through Sunday, February 25
Davenport Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Avenue, Davenport IA
With the company's second mainstage production of its 2023-24 season, the student talents of Davenport Junior Theatre will be taking audiences on a rollicking underwater adventure in the February 17 through 25 run of Finding Nemo Jr., the 60-minute musical based on the beloved animated film that boats a cast of 41, eight youths running the booth and backstage, and seven additional front-of-house team members ages 10 to 18.
Audiences will dive into the big blue world of Disney and Pixar’s Oscar-winning 2003 movie with new music by the award-winning songwriting team of Kristen Anderson-Lopez and EGOT (Emmy/Grammy/Oscar/Tony) honoree Robert Lopez. In the show, the anxious and over-protective clownfish Marlin 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.
The production is directed and choreographed by Davenport Junior Theatre's artistic director Ashley Becher, who states of Finding Nemo Jr., "I can’t say enough about how fun and enjoyable this show is. The material is excellent, and we have a stellar cast and crew that have been working so hard to make this show fantastic! The show is equal parts funny, heartwarming, and inspiring, and 100 percent entertaining. Audiences will be warmed and encouraged by not only the material and talent, but the heart and spirit of this group.”
Seventeen-year-old Elizabeth Young, 17, who plays the Dory character memorably voiced in the film by Ellen DeGeneres, believes that audiences will enjoy Junior Theatre's latest. “This musical has been a family favorite of ours for a long time, and to finally be part of it has made me realize even more how awesome it is. The lights, music, costumes, make-up, and set are incredible and really fit the oceanic vibe. It’s a production you do not want to miss! You will be singing the songs long after the musical ends! You can tell the directors and cast have put so much into the show and we are all so excited to perform!”
Assistant Stage Manager Esther Moore, 16, agrees, saying, “People are going to love this show! We have a super talented and hardworking cast and crew who really bring this story to life!” And Bonnie Sloat, president of the Davenport Junior Theatre, Inc. board of directors, hopes people will use this as an opportunity to visit the venue, and be reminded of why it's such a unique community asset. "Junior Theatre has been in the news a lot lately as we face a possible transition. The community has been so supportive and vocal in their love for Junior Theatre over the last month, and it has meant a lot. We hope that this show – like all of our mainstage productions – can give families the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful afternoon of high quality live theatre!”
Finding Nemo Jr. runs from February 17 through 25, with performances on Saturdays at 1 and 4 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Admission is free, though donations are encouraged and appreciated, and more information is available by calling (563)888-2227 and visiting DavenportJuniorTheatre.org.
