From The Big Screen To The Stage: First Stage Brings Disney & Pixar’s FINDING NEMO TYA To Milwaukee This Spring

MILWAUKEE — First Stage — one of the nation’s leading theaters for young people and families — invites audiences to experience the beloved 2003 classic on stage: Disney & Pixar’s FINDING NEMO, Theater for Young Audiences (TYA) version. Featuring new music by the award-winning songwriting team behind the hit movie “Frozen,” this production promises to make a splash and delight audiences of all ages.

Disney & Pixar’s FINDING NEMO TYA runs March 8 through April 6, 2025, at the Marcus Performing Arts Center’s Todd Wehr Theater. Tickets are available now on FirstStage.org.

“Finding Nemo captured the hearts and imaginations of families everywhere, and now we’re bringing that magic and wonder to Milwaukee,” said Jeff Frank, artistic director at First Stage. “Audiences will be amazed and inspired by this production featuring nearly 40 puppets. It’s a must-see show for all celebrating family, friendship, trust and courage. Marlin and Dory’s epic journey reminds us all of the strength we can find within ourselves if we ‘just keep swimming.’”

Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves.

DISNEY’S FINDING NEMO TYA is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com.

Dive into this underwater adventure!

The show runs approximately 75 minutes, including a brief intermission. Recommended for families with young people ages 5-12 and theater lovers of all ages. This production’s Pay What You Choose Performance is on Friday, March 14 at 7 p.m., the Sensory Friendly Performance is on Saturday, March 22 at 3:30 p.m., and the Sign Language Interpreted Performance is on Sunday, April 6 at 3:30 p.m.

Creative Team

Co-Directors … Jeff Frank & Michael Dean Morgan Choreographer … Michael Dean Morgan

Music Director … Paul Helm

Scenic Designer … Kristin Ellert

Costume Designer … Theresa Ham

Lighting Designer … Jason Fassl, USA

Sound Designer … Josh Schmidt

Stage Manager … Kelly L. Schwartz*

Assistant Stage Manager … Aminah Rockett

Second Assistant Stage Manager … Vivian Madson

Adult Performers

Marlin … Jake Horstmeier

Dory … Karen Estrada*

Bruce / Ensemble … Zach Thomas Woods*

Coral / Ensemble … Rachael Zientek

Professor Ray / Ensemble … Chase Stoeger

Young Performers

Orange Cast

Nemo .. Lainey Techtmann

Tad / Young Ensemble … Steven Gayfield

Sheldon / Young Ensemble … Cal Jordan

Pearl / Young Ensemble … Mara Iligaray

Squirt / Young Ensemble … Annabelle Miller

Peach / Teen Ensemble … Annalise Jordan

Bloat / Teen Ensemble … Quinn Sison

Gurgle / Teen Ensemble … Ava Sabel

Teen Ensemble … Aliyah Streicher

Young Performers

Blue Cast

Nemo … Simone Gong-Murray

Tad / Young Ensemble … Ira Kindkeppel-Longden

Sheldon / Young Ensemble … William Jelenchick

Pearl / Young Ensemble .. Eviana Gibbons

Squirt / Young Ensemble … Tegan Rae Stadler

Peach / Teen Ensemble … Emily Honigman

Bloat / Teen Ensemble … Elliot Lippman

Gurgle / Teen Ensemble … Jeremiah Cooper

Teen Ensemble … Annaliese Witz

*Appearing through an Agreement between First Stage and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States

Don’t miss out on the rest of the season productions coming soon! Find tickets and additional information at www.firststage.org/2024-2025-Season.

• March 28 – April 13 RIDE THE CYCLONE: HIGH SCHOOL EDITION
• May 2 – 18 ESPERANZA RISING
• May 3 – 4 DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL

For additional information about the 2024-2025 season and to order tickets, please go to firststage.org or call (414) 267-2961.

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NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.