WaCPAC's 'Nemo Jr.' opens June 14

Looking for a fun and family-friendly local experience this summer? Then look no further than the Wayne County Performing Arts Council's upcoming production of “Finding Nemo Jr.” The nonprofit's show will open June 14 and run for two weekends.

Disney Pixar's “Finding Nemo Jr.” will run June 14, 15, 21 and 22 at 7 p.m. and June 23 at 2 p.m. at Fisher Auditorium on the CFAES Ohio State Wooster campus, 1680 Madison Ave. General admission is $12. Families may purchase a family four-pack for $40. Tickets will be available at the door or can be purchased in advance at www.WaCPAC.org.

An adaptation of the 2003 Pixar movie “Finding Nemo,” the junior stage production is a musical theater presentation geared to captivate all ages. “Finding Nemo Jr.” uses new songs to tell the story of Nemo, a fish who longs to explore the world. When Nemo is captured and taken far from home, it sets off an epic adventure.

Many factors go into choosing a production.

“The show is so popular, and so many of the kids are familiar with it,” Director Olivia Ickes said. “We love the message behind this heartwarming show and feel like it's a musical everyone can enjoy.”

Additionally, she noted the number of roles allowed for incorporating younger children into the cast.

There are 34 cast members ranging in age from 8-18. The kids hail from all over Wayne County and have a variety of performance experience.

“I love how excited our cast has been throughout the entire show,” Ickes said. “From the first day of rehearsal, they have all been so happy and eager to be there. It has been so exciting to watch these kids grow into their characters and truly enjoy themselves. I have absolutely fallen in love with the soundtrack for this musical. The music is so beautifully written, and a lot of the songs are just so fun to listen and sing with.”

The show is run with a volunteer crew largely consisting of family members of the cast. The crew handles a variety of tasks including costume design, set construction, working backstage during the production, box office duties and more.

The show length is 60 minutes, and there will be a 15-minute intermission as well.

Volunteers are always needed as well as donations. Those interested are invited to find information via the website at www.WaCPAC.org.

All proceeds from the nonprofit's productions go into funding future shows.

“Musicals are a great way to bring families together, especially when the shows are stories that everyone is familiar with,” Ickes said. “There is nothing quite as special as live theater. It truly shows just how talented and dedicated the kids are to this show and how hard they have worked.

“The way that the children’s faces light up when they see who all have shown up to support them is one of my favorite things.”