“Finding Nemo: The Musical” to be licensed for school productions in 2021
According to BroadwayWorld.com, the popular “Finding Nemo: The Musical” from Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be adapted and licensed out through Music Theatre International via a partnership with Disney Theatrical Group. The revised musical will be titled “Finding Nemo Jr.” and will be released for school licensing starting in January 2021.
Per the press release, “Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. is a 60-minute musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar movie Finding Nemo, with new songs written by award-winning composers Kristen Anderson-Lopez and EGOT winner Robert Lopez. The story follows the adventures of Marlin, a timid clownfish, and this son, Nemo. After Nemo is captured in the Great Barrier Reef and taken to Sydney, they both face challenges on the journey to be reunited.”
In its current run at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, “Finding Nemo: The Musical” runs approximately 40 minutes. It is unknown at this time if the songwriting duo will expand the libretto to stretch the musical to 60 minutes.
The musical was originally added to Disney’s fourth theme park in late 2006, with its grand opening held in January 2007. It combines puppetry, projections, large scale sets and live actors to tell the story of Marlin and Nemo, condensing the entire film into half the running time via fast-paced, catchy musical numbers. Michael Curry, famous for having designed much of the puppets for the Broadway adaptation of “The Lion King”, also was the head of production design for this stage show.
One other notable aspect of the production is that it was Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez’s first work for Disney, and Robert’s first major work since he won the Tony Award for “Avenue Q”.
This represents a major milestone for Walt Disney World’s entertainment department, as it is the first show created specifically for the theme parks to ever receive outside licensing.
“Finding Nemo: The Musical” continues to delight guests at the Theatre in the Wild at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to this day, and it seems in a couple of years, it’ll be delighting school audiences as well.
Traveling Salesman is a Columnist for the Boardwalk Times
