Disney’s Finding Nemo Review
***** One of the neat things about attending the theater for young people at Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre is seeing how they make adjustments regarding the set they have built for their mainstage production (or as they call it “the adult play”). While I am not as familiar with “Finding Nemo” as many of the audience members, the story is pretty easy to follow. My junior reviewers could not attend this morning, but my other reviewer Tommaso came out of retirement ( and brought his buddy Sergio) before heading off to Hockey practice to come to my aid.
For those of you unaware of the cool theater Marriott brings to its stage, this is a show for younger people (as well as some of the grandparents who can only handle one hour) as they do the story in a one hour period of time. Under the careful direction and chorography of Amber Mak and with the clever puppetry ( esigned by Jesse Mooney-Bullock)and lighting (Brian Elston) used in this production, on a set designed by Milo Blue, the stage becomes the ocean and more with all the characters being of the world of aquatics (fish, whales, sharks, turtles and many more).
The story is one that is about love, resilience, perseverance, and of course bravery. Our main characters are of course fish. Nemo’s mother passes away so Nemo (an adorable Avelyn Lena Choi) is raised by her father, Marlin (Devin DeSantis plays this role to perfection), but he cannot seem to do this on his own. Nemo gets picked up by nets and is taken far away to an aquarium. There Nemo plots with others to escape and find their way back to the ocean.
Meanwhile, Marlin meets a stumbling, bumbling fish, Dory (an incredible performance by Leah Morrow, who is great in these children’s productions) who over time becomes less of a clod and much more a helper and later, even more. While it is not meant to be a true love story, in the lower reaches or the sub-plot, it truly is. I must tell you that the music is fun and the characters, in particular those handled by Tommy Rivera-Vega, Adelina Marinello, Charlie Long, Andres De Leon, Maya Rowe, Meena Sood, Genevieve Jane , and the always incredible Lorenzo Rush Jr. make the story work. The puppetry is absolutely amazing, and the performers do not seem to be puppeteers. The performers work the puppets like they are an extension of their personality. What a perfect way for children to learn about not being afraid of facing the unknown.
Here is what the boys felt about this production:
Dad, Stefano:
“Yesterday we went to see the show “Nemo” at Marriott Theatre, and it was amazing.
The theater was very cozy (considering how large it is) and beautiful. The stage looked like a real ocean full of colors and fish. The scenery was so well made that it felt like we were really swimming with Nemo.
The songs were wonderful and sung with beautiful voices, and we loved seeing that some of the performers were children too. It made everything feel even more real!
For Sergio, the funniest part of the play were the bubbles floating over the audience during the show- it felt like being under the sea!
For Tommaso, the best part was the music, beacuse they were happy and full of feelings!.
“It was a beautiful show that both boys recommend to all kids and grown-ups too), who love stories with heart!!!!”
