Approximately 160 SJASD students from Grades 4 to 8 are getting ready to take audiences under the sea in the Division's production of Finding Nemo Jr..
Shows for the annual musical kick off on Saturday, January 27 and run through to Saturday, February 3, 2024.
Paula Olko is the Divisional Musical Theatre Director. She's been working with two casts of 80 students each for several months and has been impressed with the story and the kids.
“They are really embracing it. This musical is so fun. They are fish. They are sea creatures. It's fun to see the whole thing on stage. I think the kids are doing great," says Paula.
Finding Nemo Jr. is based on the Disney/PIXAR 2003 story of clownfish Marlin, who goes on a journey with a forgetful regal blue tang named Dory to find his lost son Nemo. In the process, he confronts his grief, learns to take risks, and comes to terms with Nemo's growing independence.
Meeting a Nemo
Alexia K. (Grade 8, École Ness) is playing the role of Nemo in one of the casts. She played Moana last year and Young Anna in Frozen Jr. in Grade 4 (prior to a two-year pandemic pause on Divisional musicals).
“Playing Nemo. I really like it," says Alexia, praising Paula's directing skills and the cast. She says it's been fun to work with fellow student Michael M. for a second year in a row. In Finding Nemo, he plays her father Martin. Last year, he acted alongside her as the demi-god Maui.
Alexia credits playing Young Anna at such a young age for piquing her interest in musicals, as well as her father's love of drama and musicals.
As for what's it like to play a fish, Alexia says it's not as difficult as one might think.
“It's not that different than playing another role. The effects make me feel like I'm in the ocean, or in a fish tank."
Looking Ahead
While this is her last year in the Divisional musical, Alexia says she hasn't decided yet whether to try out for a role at the high school level. She also plays hockey, volleyball and basketball.
“For sure I'll look it," she says. “It's a big possibility."
SJASD schools produce a number of musicals throughout the year.
This past November and December, Westwood Collegiate and St. James Collegiate Institute dazzled audiences with two large winter musical productions—Mean Girls Jr. and Legally Blonde Jr. respectively.
Westwood Band Teacher Greg Edwards says Mean Girls generated a significant buzz in-person and online. “We all laughed and giggled our way through the musical theatre department's production of Mean Girls."
St. James Collegiate Musical Director Demi Lough and Choreographer Lindsay Swereda point out that tickets to Legally Blonde Jr. sold out swiftly.
“Audiences were delighted," says Demi. “The outstanding talents and dedicated efforts of students both on and off the stage contributed to a remarkable performance that earned five-star reviews."
This spring, Collège Sturgeon Heights Collegiate plans to unveil Newsies (May 22 to 25), John Taylor Collegiate is producing Alice by Heart (May 1 to 4), and Westwood Collegiate is performing junior musical The Lion King Jr. (May 10 to 12). Bruce Middle School is performing Willy Wonka Jr. (May 8 to 10), and Lincoln Middle School is also producing Newsies (April 22 to 23).
In the Wings
Paula says Finding Nemo has been a great musical for young actors looking to get their feet wet.
“Finding Nemo has lots of opportunities for younger students to have solo lines. There are 30 roles [in the musical] in total," she says.
So, while Alexia is one of 30 Grade 8 students taking their final lap in this year's production, younger students may be just getting ready to dive in.
Get Tickets to Finding Nemo Jr.
Over 1,800 tickets have already been sold for Finding Nemo Jr.. Four shows earmarked for fellow students sold out in an hour. Get your tickets while quantities last.
(Pictured above, from top to bottom): Poster for Finding Nemo Jr.; Alexia K. performing the role of Nemo in one of two Divisional casts; Westwood students in Mean Girls Jr.; St. James Collegiate students in Legally Blonde Jr..
