‘Finding Nemo Jr.’ Swims Into RTC

By Dan Guarino

Straight from the swamp and into the ocean. After just finishing their dazzling, touching, funny production of “Shrek Jr. -The Musical,” the Rockaway Theatre Company (RTC) Young People’s Theatre Workshop is ready to present “Finding Nemo Jr.” The already sold-out musical runs from February 7 to 16 at RTC’s John Gilleece Theater at Fort Tilden.

The new show features the RTC workshop’s “Young-Stars,” actors ranging in age from 7 to 12 years-old. Like “Shrek Jr.,” it is helmed by the talented production team of directors Susan Corning and Mia Melchiorri, choreographer Erech Holder-Hetmeyer, and musical directors Rich Louis Pierre and Jodee Timpone.

“‘Finding Nemo Jr.,’” Corning explains, “is a story about Marlin, an overprotective Clownfish father, who, with a forgetful Regal Blue Tang named Dory, searches the ocean for his captured son, Nemo.”

The 60-minute musical is based on Disney/Pixar’s award-winning animated film, “Finding Nemo.” The 2003 hit movie later spawned a sequel, “Finding Dory,” and also “Finding Nemo- The Musical,” which later became “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!”, a live puppet and musical Disneyworld stage show.

“Finding Nemo Jr.” is an officially adapted production designed for younger performers. Like the previous “Nemo” musical shows, it features music by songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, who also wrote for the songs for “Frozen.” Corning says some personal favorites appearing in RTC’s production are “Go with the Flow,” “We Swim Together,” “Fish Are Friends Not Food,” and “Dory’s Ditty.” The show’s engaging music runs the range from vaudeville to rock.

“There are several themes in ‘Finding Nemo Jr.,’” she says, “including the importance of family, trust in others and to never give up when times are bad. The workshop team decided that this musical was a perfect fit for our Young  Stars this season.”

Like their teen counterparts in RTC’s Young People’s Theatre Workshop, these younger actors have been working diligently since September to get “Nemo” to the stage. Generally meeting every weekend, with even more rehearsals as opening night approaches, they have, as Melchiorri put it, been working on “all skills related to rehearsal and performance of a musical while weaving in ensemble building, teamwork, and collaboration skills as well. We meet for two hours every Saturday and more as the show gets closer.”

The energy and excitement shines through the smiles and movement of the cast of 39 as they go through their paces like pros, finding their stage moves, learning their dance numbers and songs, stepping into their roles, and becoming underwater characters. Even while practicing singing, they are swinging, swaying and “swimming” in their seats.

The world of “Finding Nemo Jr.” also comes to life with hand-painted, handcrafted stage and set pieces sprouting a background of shimmering seaweed, coral, sea anemones and colorful spiraling sea flora and fauna. Even the stage floor evokes the watery depths.

Dozens of bright, shimmering costumes have been designed and carefully created by RTC’s team especially for all the clownfish, tangs, rays, moonfish, sharks and other denizens of the deep. “There are so many costumes in this show!” Melchiorri says.

“Nemo’s” team of Holder-Hetmeyer, Louis-Pierre and Timpone have all enthusiastically embraced their roles as workshop instructors as well as creative directors from day one. “The bond of the RTC Workshop team is incredible,” Corning says. “We all work together until the job gets done.” All, including Corning and Melchiorri, who originally started in the workshop, are well-seasoned RTC veterans, experienced not only as performers, but also in all aspects of theatre production.

In addition, Corning notes, “We have several of our workshop teens that will be working with choreography, lights, sound, videography, costumes, and stage crew.” Many of those teens worked with and/or appeared in RTC’s well received “Shrek Jr.-The Musical.”

The Young People’s Theatre Workshop was created in 2002 by RTC members Peggy Page and Peggy Vivino. Starting with a group of six or seven children, it has since grown to where each of their two annual shows, one for the teen group and one for the younger set, feature dozens of cast members.

“We feel it is important to nurture the next generations’ creative interests in order to ensure we will have a thriving artistic community for years to come,” recently wrote Adele Wendt, who has taken up the mantle of Program Administrator from Page. The program has “given these children a place to explore their creativity, make new friends and hone their skills, whether they want to pursue a professional career…or just perform recreationally.”

To that end, RTC invites anyone who would like to be a “hero to a child who dreams of exploring the world of theater” to contribute to a full or partial scholarship for a member of their Young People’s Workshops. Indeed, many young RTC actors have gone on to success in Rockaway Theatre’s mainstage productions and elsewhere, even reaching roles on tv, film and Broadway. Email info@rockawaytheatrecompany.org for more information.

In the meantime, audiences now have the chance to see numerous future rising stars in “Finding Nemo Jr.” Though all shows were sold out weeks before opening, RTC confirms some seats may become available.

Hopeful theatregoers should arrive at least 30 minutes before showtimes to sign onto a waiting list for any available seats/cancellations. Any available tickets will be released 15 minutes before showtime. Though not a guarantee, there are often last-minute cancellations and no-shows.

RTC reminds all also that tickets for all their mainstage productions are now available online. The new season begins with the hilarious Monty Python musical “Spamalot,” opening in March. Following will be the premiere of a new drama, “The Value,” then the summer musical “Sweet Charity.” Next will be the award-winning drama “August: Osage County” and the rock musical “Hair.” Tickets are available at www.rockawaytheatrecompany.org.

With the curtain ready to rise on “Finding Nemo Jr,” co-director Susan Corning says, “These young actors are so excited and have worked so hard. Please come and support this wonderful production!”

Photos by Dan Guarino.