SAAC is delighted to introduce the cast of the 2024 Penguin Project production of Disney and Pixar’s “Finding Nemo, Kids.” Performances are scheduled for Friday, September 27 at 7pm and Saturday, September 28 at 2pm with tickets priced at $10 for the general public and $5 for students. This production, present through special arrangement by MTI, promises to be an affordable and entertaining outing for families and individuals of all ages.

Directed by Lynn Gunter with musical direction by Cassie Hickman, this enchanting musical follows the adventurous journey of Marlin, a timid clownfish, whose life is turned upside down when his spirited son, Nemo, is captured by a diver and placed in a fish tank. Marlin, with the help of Dory—a friendly but forgetful blue tang—embarks on an exhilarating quest across the ocean to rescue his son, encountering a colorful cast of sea creatures and overcoming various challenges along the way. The story emphasizes themes of bravery, friendship, and the importance of family, enlivened by an array of catchy songs and vibrant characters.

“The Penguin Project is near and dear to Lynn and me,” said Hickman. “The shows always reflect our program, but ‘Finding Nemo’ shouts out loud, ‘We all need each other; together we are better. We are all braver than we think and can accomplish more than we ever thought we could.’ Our special needs actors and their mentors are doing just that! They are working together and overcoming both physical and emotional obstacles to show the community that if you ‘Just Keep Swimming,’ you can accomplish anything! This is a program you don’t want to miss!”

The show features talented performers, including Tristan Hempstead and Gideon Moncrief as Nemo, CJ Sanchez and Ethan Mixon as Marlin, and Elizabeth Legg as Dory. The audience is sure to be delighted by all the sharks, turtles, tank fish, pelicans, and school fish that have been creatively costumed by Mikki Patterson and Jessica Paterson.

The sharks are portrayed by Sam Jones and Braelyn Allen as Bruce, Timothy Hogue and Sydney Patterson as Chum, and Trace Miller and Luke Legg as Anchor, alongside A’Khiya Elliot and Tyana Hart as Shark Assistants. The turtles come to life with Jake Conner and Jake Cooper as Crush, Mia Miller and Channing Lee as Squirt, and Dani Legg as Kai. The tank fish is home to Rebekah Lee and Rosalie Alatorre as Bubbles, Ethan Parks and Addy Miller as Bloat, Kinsley Fricks and Kinley Rushing as Gurgle, Delaney Lee and Kylie Novak as Peach, and Gezus Holmes as Gill.

The pelican roles of Nigel, Sprit, and Jib will be played by Vanessa Murphree and Zy’Anna Miller, Jill Miller and Lily Langston, and Chapel Johnson and Victoria Rodriquez, respectively. The school fish will be represented by Paisley Hayes and Eva Johnson as Pearl, Keaton Rushing and Alexandria Ellen as Sheldon, Evie Johnson and Lily Rosser as Tad, and Bella Johnson, Lily Bergeron, and Katie Wyn Legg as Prof Ray.

Working back stage are the Krill, an elusive marine crustaceans found in all deep ocean theatres, played by Zoe Pyle, Heather Drummond, Preston Huitt, and Charles Hollis.

The Penguin Project exemplifies its commitment to inclusivity by providing children with differing needs the opportunity to perform in a live stage production. Each artist is paired with a mentor of similar age, fostering a collaborative environment where they learn lines, dances, songs, and stage blocking together. This unique mentor-artist pairing allows for a meaningful experience that culminates in a shared performance on stage.

Join SAAC for this heartwarming and inspirational production that celebrates creativity, camaraderie, and the joy of theater! To purchase tickets to “Finding Nemo, Kids,” please call the SAAC office at 870-862-5474 or visit our Online Box Office. SAAC at 110 E. 5th Street, El Dorado, Arkansas.

The South Arkansas Arts Center
Production of
Disney and Pixar’s
Finding Nemo KIDS
Book, Music and Lyrics by
Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez
Book Adapted by
Lindsay Anderson
Music and Orchestrations Adapted and Arranged by
Myrna Conn
Based on the 2003 Disney / Pixar film Finding Nemo written by
Andrew Stanton, Bob Peterson, David Reynolds and directed by Andrew Stanton

Disney’s Finding Nemo KIDS
is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
www.mtishows.com