Just keep swimming to Park Theater

If you’re trying to find something to do this weekend, look no further than “Finding Nemo Jr.” at the Park Theater.

The Warren Arts presentation of the popular Disney Pixar classic film features nearly 70 young actors and opens Saturday, May 16 at 2 p.m. followed by shows Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 17 at 2 p.m. The show is an approximately one-hour version of the movie specially tailored for younger performers and younger actors.

Director Allie Dixon Morton is excited to combine her love of Disney and Walt Disney World with her passion for local theater and working with aspiring young actors.

“I have had my eye on doing Nemo for a little over a year now,” Morton said. “Of course I love Disney, but I had also seen a production at the Nashville Children’s Theater and absolutely loved it. This show has very unique ways of bringing the characters and ocean to life and it I really wanted to try to bring that to our stage. We have a cast of about 60 kids who are ready to take it on.“

The setting of the undersea adventure tests the creativity of set designers, but the Warren Arts crew was up to the task, using a variety of techniques to breathe life into the animated creatures and bring them off the stage and into the theater.

“We have brought some of the sea creatures to life in unique ways,” Morton said. “The idea was to bring the characters to life as well as the ocean. Our set is also unique as we have some amazing projections being used, created by John Mietling, that are above expectations. I am so proud and thankful for this cast and crew. We knew the puppets and all of the props were going to be a challenge for the actors as well as the crew, but I couldn’t be more proud of all the hard work put into this show. We hope everyone will come and see what we’ve done and dive into Finding Nemo Jr. There are many unique aspects of this show that you don’t want to miss.”

The ambitious production has generated excitement in the community, including Park Theater management who have been privy to set preparations and rehearsals.

"We love a kids show at the Park and we feel like this one is going to be really special,” Park Theater Manager Joe Harvey said. “Everything about this production has been fun to watch. We are really impressed with the set, the costumes, characters and the lighting design and we really appreciate all of the hard work that Warren Arts has put into it. While this show is definitely geared towards kids and kid-sized attention spans, we think anyone and everyone will enjoy seeing this show performed live on stage. We invite the community to come out and see all the talent our local kids have to offer."

Tickets are $10 plus tax for kids and students and $15 plus tax for adults and are available at the Park Theater website, the Park box office at 115 W. Main St. and at the door beginning approximately one hour before showtime.