​Almost 40 youth take to Kincardine Theatre Guild stage in Disney’s “Finding Nemo Jr.”

The Kincardine Theatre Guild is showcasing 36 youth in the Bruce County Students production of Disney’s “Finding Nemo Jr.,” set to open Friday night, at the Kincardine Arts Centre.

This 60-minute musical adaptation of the beloved Pixar movie, “Finding Nemo,” features new music by award-winning song-writing team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez.

The show tells the tale of Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clown fish, living 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.

Director Erica Everingham said this is an all-kids show, with six high school students assisting with stage management, props and lights.

“We had 70 kids audition,” she said, “and they came from all over – Kincardine, Port Elgin, Walkerton, Lucknow, Goderich and Ripley.”

Many of the 36 youth selected, are in choruses and ensembles, with about a dozen major speaking roles.

Among those roles, are Mira Moore as Nemo, Travis Brown as Marlin, Myles Fraser as Bruce, and Rowan Kransford as Crush.

Mira, 11, is in Grade 6 at Ecole Elgin Market Public School, Kincardine. She wanted to try out for Nemo because she enjoyed performing in her school’s production of “Willy Wonka” a couple of years ago.

“I’m so excited to get this part,” she said. “We swim around, and we’re happy and curious.”

Mira has had singing lessons so performing that on stage, along with plenty of dancing, is not difficult for her. She is ready for opening night, if a bit nervous.

She wants to be an actor when she grows up. She also enjoys reading, cooking and baking.

Travis, 10, is in Grade 6 at Elgin Market. He auditioned for the play at the urging of Everingham, and got the part of Marlin.

He was also in the “Willy Wonka” show and said this is a different role, with a lot of lines, as well as singing, dancing and swimming. Despite being nervous, he is ready for opening night.

“I just have to remember that this is Marlin I’m playing,” he said.

Travis likes playing sports, especially volleyball, recreational soccer and baseball. He also enjoys drawing.

Myles Fraser, 10, is in Grade 5 at Huron Heights Public School, Kincardine.

This is his first time on the theatre guild stage. He heard about the show and decided to try out.

“I like the part of Bruce (the great white shark who is trying to adopt a vegetarian diet),” said Myles. “He’s interesting. We sing and dance and swim on stage; it’s a lot of fun.”

Myles wants to be an actor when he grows up. He also enjoys playing hockey.

Rowan, 12, is in Grade 6 at St. Anthony’s School in Kincardine.

He tried out for the show because he was interested in the musical version of “Finding Nemo.”

“Crush (the 150-year-old sea turtle who knows how to hang loose) is a great part,” said Rowan. “I really wanted to play this role and I’m glad I got it. We do plenty of singing and dancing, and there’s a lot of choreography, but I’m fine with that.”

Even though he has memorized the entire script, Rowan still expects to be a bit nervous on opening night. But he’s ready for it.

He enjoys singing and performing, but his goal is to become a chemist.



Director Erica Everingham (second from right) poses with four of the youth playing major roles in "Finding Nemo Jr.," Travis Brown (left), Mira Moore, Rowan Kransford and Myles Fraser 

Working with Everingham, is music director Victoria Boucher.

“Finding Nemo Jr.” runs April 25-26 and May 2-3 at 7 p.m.; and April 27 and May 4, at 2 p.m., at the Kincardine Arts Centre.

Tickets are $20 each; available at the Kincardine Theatre Guild box office, Tuesday and Thursday, 6-8 p.m.; and the Victoria Park Gallery, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The show is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International - book adapted by Lindsay Anderson, and music and orchestrations adapted and arranged by Myrna Conn.



A group of actors at the all-day rehearsal of "Finding Nemo Jr.," at the Kincardine Arts Centre