Freshman and sophomores sang their hearts out on the Wheaton Warrenville South stage in “Finding Nemo Jr.” on Sept. 29 and 30. Directed by Nathan Villa, the cast and crew spent 5 weeks putting together this fin-tastic novice show to entertain theatergoers and support the theater program here at South. Friday, Sept. 29, over 450 3rd graders from Bower, Johnson, Lincoln, Madison, Whittier, and Weisbrook took part in the magic as they attended the adaptation of the classic Disney movie. Iconic moments from the show include Nemo’s emotional ballads, tense moments with sharks, and a victorious finale with bubbles raining down into the audience.

Each year, the novice show introduces new members to the Tiger theater program. One such new member, freshman Matthew Gordon, played Marlin. “This was a really good opportunity to be welcomed to Tiger theater,” Gordon explains. It provides a lower pressure environment compared to the larger productions. Gordon, like many others, have grown up with Finding Nemo as a household movie staple. “I liked being able to play Marlin because I’ve watched Finding Nemo plenty of times,” he said. “ It was cool to portray him as a character.”

Getting new performers familiar with the theater, “Finding Nemo Jr.” sets them up for future success in other productions and activities here at South. Students new to theatre plan to audition for the spring musical, “Singin’ in the Rain”, and later shows down the line. Ultimately, everyone involved in the novice show leaves with a sense of accomplishment and optimism in the Tiger theater program. “Do Tiger theater”, said Gordon. “It’s a lot of fun!”