The new Finding Nemo production opened at Animal Kingdom in early June and features a new script and set design
Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 21 Jun 2022
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond combines live actors and theatrical puppetry Credit: Walt Disney World
A new production of Finding Nemo has debuted at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida.
The new show, called Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!, is a reimagining of the original Finding Nemo Musical, which opened in 2007 and ran for 13 years before closing in March 2020. It features a reimagined script and new set pieces.
Per the original, the new show follows the story of overprotective clownfish Marlin, his curious son Nemo and forgetful blue tang Dory, as they embark on separate adventures across the ocean. In this production, however, the show is framed as a story told by a group of fish living in the Marine Life Institute, the facility where Dory got trapped when searching for her parents in the 2016 sequel Finding Dory.
It combines live actors and dancers with theatrical puppetry, designed by Michael Curry, who co-designd the character puppets seen in Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway. While innovative lighting, sound and special effects immerse guests in the undersea world.
“This show incorporates many of the songs from the original musical, as well as amazing puppetry and live performers that fill the stage,” said Disney Live Entertainment show director James Silson.
Other new additions include a new set and a custom LED video wall that visually extends the physical set pieces on stage, including an impressive 32 ft (9.7 m) long submarine.
Commenting on the new production, Matt Fiuza, art director at Disney Live Entertainment, said: “We’ve taken a new approach to the set for Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!.”
“We were inspired by 3D cut paper art and sculptures as we developed the scenery in the show. Our team had such an exciting time looking at our tank set through this brand-new lens of this watercolour sculpture aesthetic,” he added.
Housed in the 1,500-seat Theater in The Wild, the show is the latest of many returning and soon-to-debut entertainment offerings launching at the Walt Disney World resort post-Covid. Others include the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, which returned to Magic Kingdom in March. Upcoming shows include Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! will be performed multiple times daily at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Admission is included in the ticket price, however, guests will need both a valid park admission and park reservation for the same date to watch the show.
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