BY SUSAN BRYANT

sbryant@tnonline.com

BY LOU WHEELAND

Special to The Press

Parkland High School thespians are presenting Disney’s “Finding Nemo JR.” Nov. 15-17 in the school’s auditorium.

“Finding Nemo JR.” follows the story of Nemo, an adventurous clownfish who is captured from Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and taken to a dentist’s aquarium, his father Marlin, who his trying to locate his son, and Dory, a friendly but forgetful regal blue tang fish.

The musical features music and lyrics by the songwriting team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez.

Lila McConnell, who portrays Nemo, commented on her role.

“Nemo is a very brave and adventurous character who despite having a “bad fin” is still willing to explore the ocean, meet new friends, and have fun,” McConnell said. “From the Reef Kids to the Tank Gang, I get to sing and dance in many different ways with my friends, and my puppet, which is a really fun part of the show.”

Tristan Walsh, who plays Marlin, discussed his character.

“Marlin is a clownfish from the Great Barrier Reef,” Walsh said. “He is also the father of Nemo.

“He is a very caring father but he is very nervous because he is letting his son go into the open ocean.”

Halle Colabroy-Whitmire, who portrays Dory, spoke about her role.

“Dory is an optimistic blue tang with short-term memory loss,” Colabroy-Whitmire said.

“She is willing to make friends with whomever she meets, whether it be Marlin or Bruce, a Great White Shark.

“She is a little oblivious sometimes but that is what helps make Dory.

“I really enjoy playing Dory because she can be such a silly and fun character. I enjoy the range of emotions I get to express through Dory.”

Colabroy-Whitmire said Dory is a lot like her in her optimism.

“Some last comments I would like to make are that the stage crew does an incredible job putting on the show as well,” she added. “We could never do it without them and they deserve so much credit.

“Additionally, Mrs. Natalie Gabrie, Mr. James Du Chateau, and Miss Kate Pistone work so hard on this show to make sure it is the best it can be.

“Lastly, Ms. Andrea Roposh also does so much to help this show reach its full potential. She and all the other adults that work to make this show possible deserve so much credit as they do so much behind the scenes.”

“Finding Nemo JR.” is directed by Natalie Gabrie, choreographed by James Du Chateau, with music directed by Kate Pistone.

Gabrie explained why she chose this musical for the performers.

“Finding Nemo JR., explores themes related to parenthood, overcoming obstacles, and the power of believing in yourself and others,” Gabrie stated. “The story of Marlin learning to let go while still being a supportive parent resonates with so many people, and the challenges they face make the journey feel even more powerful.

“It’s a great choice for a school production.”

Gabrie mentioned a special feature of the musical, and the cast.

“This show features incredible puppets,” she explained. “This is an amazing cast with so much talent, heart and dedication.”

“Finding Nemo JR.” will be performed 7 p.m. Nov. 15 and 16; and at 3 p.m. Nov. 16 and 17 in the high school auditorium, 2700 Cedar Crest Blvd., South Whitehall.

Tickets are $12 adult, $10 student, child, and senior citizens, and can be purchased at https://cur8.com/15799/project/125648 or at the door.