Just Keep Swimming....

The future of Stevenson High School Titan Theatre is in good hands, if Plumbrook Elementary’s recent staging of “Finding Nemo Jr.–  The Musical” is any indication.

“This was so much fun, and we met so many new people,” said sixth grader Ameya Varghese, who played “Marlin.” “You really want to do it over and over again.”

Working on this hour-long production, the students were able to experience all the traits of working on a professional production which included tryouts, building sets, creating the sound, and three months of rehearsals.

“Taking on something like this is no small feat, so to say that I'm proud of the end result is an absolute understatement,” said fifth grade teacher Sarah Pacifico. “I cannot put into words how much this has meant to me, these students, and our school. The students were so proud of what they accomplished, and their friends really enjoyed having a musical at our school!”

Based on the Disney hit animated movie, Finding Nemo Jr. is about Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, who lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his son 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.

More than 40 Plumbrook students began rehearsing in November in preparation for two performances – one in front of their friends and another evening performance for parents.

“It was an awesome experience.” said “Nemo” - fourth grader Abigail Weberman. “I’m sad the play is over now.”

Pacifico created the opportunity for students by working with her daughter Brooke, who is currently studying vocal performance and music education, and Plumbrook music teacher Amanda Lipare.

She said she saw the value in theatre when her daughters were involved in it and wanted to give the same opportunity to her students. “What music and theatre gave my daughters- I wanted to share with my students. What could possibly happen when you work (and I mean work) together with your peers to share a little piece of YOU on stage? Magic! That's what can happen!” Pacifico said.

Plumbrook students all said their favorite part of the experience was bonding with their classmates during the process.

“You get to meet so many new people, said Anne Khemmoro, sixth grader who played Gil, the leader of the "Tank Gang." “You are one whole family, and you interact even outside of rehearsals.”

Pacifico said she hoped that, in addition to creating a life-long memory, the experience gave the students the confidence to believe they can accomplish anything by drawing on inner strength and working together.

She said, “During tech week we had a pretty stressful rehearsal and we all put our 'fins' into the center and sang part of a song that really pushed us to keep going... "Sometimes things look bad, and then poof the moment is gone. And what do we do? We just keep swimming on..."