Go With the Flow
Highly Recommended
Based upon the highly popular 2003 Disney/Pixar film, this spectacular, heartwarming musical comedy is a lovely story about a little clownfish named Nemo and her father. She is the only surviving baby guppy of Marlin, Nemo’s widowed, over-protective, “One Dedicated Father.” His sweetly devoted wife, Coral, along with all except one of her eggs, is devoured by a savage barracuda. In Coral’s memory, Marlin promises that he’ll never ever let anything happen to his little Nemo.
Reluctant to allow Nemo any freedom that might harm his child, particularly on the youngster’s first day at Professor Ray’s School, Marlin’s fears suddenly become real. When the little guppy tries to assert her independence and swims to “The Drop-Off,” Nemo is captured by a diver, who takes the young clownfish to Sydney, Australia. Suddenly Marlin’s nightmare comes true when he loses little Nemo. Once in Sydney Nemo becomes part of community of other pet aquatic animals whose entire world is now an aquarium.
Marlin begins searching for Nemo, swimming throughout the bubbles of the “Big Blue World.” Along the way he meets dear little Dory, a regal blue tang fish with short-term memory loss. The kind little fish quickly becomes Marlin’s devoted friend and accompanies him on his quest to find and rescue little Nemo. Meanwhile, in the aquarium, Nemo meets Gill, a moorish idol fish, who’s the leader of the Tank Gang. Gill’s goal is to find a way for all the captured fish to escape their glass aquarium prison. Gill eventually finds a way to block the pumping apparatus in the aquarium, causing the tank to fill with algae. Gill then instructs little Nemo to “Go With the Flow,” so that the tiny youngster can possibly escape back into the ocean.
Creatively Directed and Choreographed by the energetic, talented and inventive Amber Mak, with superb Musical Direction by Ellie Kahn, this is one of the most beautiful, extraordinary and ambitious Theatre for Young Audiences productions that the Marriott has ever produced. In addition to a talented troupe of excellent professional actor/singer/dancers, the entire cast learned how to operate super-duper sized puppet versions of their characters. Designed by gifted Puppet artist, Jesse Mooney-Bullock, the gigantic animated creatures captivate the audience with their powerful characterizations and lifelike movement. Swimming down the aisles, onto the stage and throughout Milo Bue’s gorgeous Scenic Design, beautifully enhanced by watery Lighting, Designed by Brian Elston. The ocean setting is made even more realistic by the authentic Sound Design of waves and water created by John Johnson. The inventive, often oversized Props by Wynn Lee, an array of colorful Costumes by Theresa Ham and lovely Hair, Wigs and Makeup Designed by Miguel Armstrong complete the magical look of this show.
Amber Mak’s clever cast is led by the stunningly gifted young actress Avelyn Lena Choi as Nemo, the extraordinary and hilarious Leah Morrow as Dory and the multitalented teller of Dad Jokes, Devin DeSantis as Marlin (Patrick Michael Tierney will step into the role of Marlin December 11-22). The high-powered, hardworking Ensemble, each of whom portrays multiple characters throughout the play, features a company of professional triple threats of all ages. They include Andres DeLeon, Genevieve Jane, Charlie Long, Adelina Marinello, Tommy Rivera-Vega, Maya Rowe, Lorenzo Rush, Jr. and Meena Sood. The ensemble incredibly portray sea fans and coral, sharks, manta rays, jellyfish, giant sea turtles, moonfish, dolphins and so many other characters.
This special show is a sumptuous, song-filled story of the sea for all ages. Even if theatergoers are unfamiliar with the animated Disney/Pixar film, they will absolutely adore this 50-minute theatrical story about an overly protective single parent and his brave, little kiddo clownfish. While enjoying the delightful musical, parents and children will learn valuable lessons about being brave and learning to become strong and independent. And it’s certain that Amber Mak’s joyous and magical production will always be remembered as one of Marriott’s finest, most creative and polished productions in their history of Theatre for Young Audiences. So please treat yourself and your family this Fall. Swim on over to Lincolnshire, settle in your seats and simply “Go With the Flow!”
