PicksInSix Review: Disney's Finding Nemo - Marriott Theatre

Get In The Swim Of Things!
PicksInSix® Review | Guest Contributor | Regina Belt-Daniels

“Disney’s Finding Nemo,” the current Marriott Lincolnshire production for their Theatre for Young Audiences series, is a stunning staged musical remake of the 2003 Disney Pixar film with elaborately creative puppetry. The actors are resplendent in dabbled blues, yellows and purple colored onesies as they energetically and believably bring the adorable seafaring characters to life in the best visual display and use of puppets I’ve seen in my two decades of reviewing.

The familiar adventure story begins with Nemo’s mother’s death by a frightening barracuda before he is hatched. Nemo is one of 400 clownfish eggs, and the only survivor. From there, the staged musical quickly enters the evolving tale of Nemo and his overprotective father Marlin. Both face the unknown for someone they love—each other. Nemo dreams of venturing beyond their cozy anemone home into the vast ocean. But he is captured and taken to Sydney, ending up in an aquarium. Determined to bring Nemo home, Marlin pushes past his fears, and embarks on a daring ocean journey, aided by allies Dory, Crush the 150 year-old sea turtle, and the Tank Gang.

Directed and choreographed by the extremely gifted Amber Mak, with flawless musical direction by Ellie Kahn and a live band, the production boasts breathtaking puppetry design by Jesse Mooney-Bullock, costumes by Theresa Ham (wait till you see the jellyfish) and wigs, hair and makeup by Miquel Armstrong. A simple, easily manipulated Great Barrier Reef setting designed by Milo Blue with soothing oceanic lights designed by Brian Easton and sounds by John Johnson complements the talented ensemble on the intimate theater’s in-the-round stage.

And what an ensemble! Avelyn Lena Choi is an innocent and spirited Nemo, whose chemistry with Devon DeSantis‘s overly protective father clownfish, Marlin, is heart tugging. DeSantis’s Marlin is afraid of whales, sharks and leaving his home, but he is very good at delivering dad jokes and rescuing his son. The ever optimistic Dory, who can read, but is extremely forgetful, especially of Nemo‘s name—Elmo, Mosquito, Harpo, Lego, to mention a few misnomers—is wonderfully portrayed by Leah Morrow. Dory provides some of the show’s most hilarious moments and Morrow’s impeccable timing is a non-stop delight.

The ensemble plays an array of fascinating characters each with their own presence and personality. I especially loved Lorenzo Rush Jr. who among others, plays Nigel the pelican swooping in to narrate/move the plot along and entertainingly engage the audience (“Clap your fins if you think…”) I could easily list every single cast member, but other notables include, Andres J. Deleon (Gurgle, Crush, Moonfish), Adelina Marinello (Pearl’s mom, Chum, Peach, Jellyfish, Moonfish, Turtle), Tommy Rivera-Vega (Gil, Moonfish, Jellyfish, Turtle) and Maya Rowe (coral, Tad’s mom, Bloat, Anchor, Moonfish, Jellyfish, Turtle). The ensemble sings many of the most touching songs amplifying the show’s themes of resilience, courage, love and, especially survival, in “Just Keep Swimming.”

The audience was composed of babes in arms to grandparents, all enthralled with this fun filled production. Be sure to plan to stay after the show for a question and answer session with some of the cast members and production team engaging with the kids who not only say the darnedest things but ask them too! Get in the swim of things for Marriott’s production of “Disney’s Finding Nemo.” A magical journey under the sea is awaiting you!

Casting Note: Patrick Michael Tierney will play Marlin at selected performances.

Guest Contributor | REGINA BELT-DANIELS is a retired special education teacher who has acted, directed, and staged managed throughout Illinois and has reviewed theater for numerous publications for over a decade.
PHOTO|Justin Barbin

Marriott Theatre
presents
Disney’s Finding Nemo
‍10 Marriott Drive
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
though January 4, 2026

847-634-0200

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PicksInSix Review: Disney's The Little Mermaid - Drury Lane Theatre

This ‘Little Mermaid’ Has Got Legs!
PicksInSix® Review | Ed Tracy

Sparkling performances that shimmer from head to tail highlight director Scott Weinstein’s delightfully bewitching and hugely entertaining revival of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” that opened Thursday at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook. The royal love story—with Alan Menken score, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and book by Doug Wright—is anchored by the stunning presence of Sarah Kay as Ariel and her stalwart Prince Eric played by Patrick Johnson. The timeless classic is a heartwarming fantasy adventure in a world that includes whimsical puppets, gorgeous costumes and magical special effects that will take your breath away.

That love story begins when Ariel, who has yearned for a new part of the world, away from the isolation of the underwater kingdom ruled by her father, King Triton (Anand Nagraj) and from her siblings, the Mersisters, saves Prince Eric from drowning. Fleeing from her father’s rage when he discovers what she has done, Ariel is lured into a pact with her evil aunt Ursula (Sawyer Smith) to trade her enchanting voice for the opportunity to explore the world in human form. But it all comes with a heavy price of Disney-style drama.

Ariel’s glistening underwater world is the work of scenic designer Tijana Bjelajac who crafts rock formations and massive stone laid columns together with sheer fabric all highlighted by Anthony Churchill’s projections and Ryan O’Gara’s lighting to simulate the mystical ocean depths and the stately kingdom that bursts with the color and rich texture of the costume design by Ryan Park and Zhang Yu. Those finely-feathered and floppy-finned friends in Ariel’s oceanic sphere—the creative artistry of Chicago Puppet Studio—come to glorious life in Kasey Alfonso’s superbly choreographed ensemble sequences. Music director Ellie Kahn brings out the brilliance in the iconic Menken/Ashman/Slater score performed in fine form by the Drury Lane Orchestra under the direction of Chris Sargent.

Michael Earvin Martin is terrific as the crab companion Sebastian, leading the company in the crowd pleasing “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl.” Maya Lou Hlava’s Flounder, with the array of Sea Creatures, Gulls and Animals, are sure to make you smile. Landree Fleming shines as Scuttle in the playful “Positoovity|Positaggity” and you’ll love the zany antics of Matt Edmonds as the kooky French Chef Louis in “Les Poissons” along with the wonderful, and often hilariously understated, work of Rob Lindley as Grimsby, the Prince’s dutiful Guardian.

Few Disney villains compare in sinister scope to the sea-witch Ursula and Smith’s commanding presence in the role as the cunning sorcerous, with a couple of slippery eel sidekicks like Ryan Michael Hamman (Jetsam) and Leah Morrow (Flotsam) in tow, is magnificent. The trio are chilling in “Daddy’s Little Angel” and Smith brings the house down in a dazzling performance of “Poor Unfortunate Souls.”

It’s a night of fun filled comic chaos that keeps bubbling up with Kay’s marvelous, multi-layered performance at the heart of the show. Her exuberance, youthful charm and soaring vocal talents make Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” at Drury Lane a joy to watch and a destination for the holiday season and New Year.   

PHOTO|Brett Beiner

Drury Lane Theatre
presents
Disney’s
The Little Mermaid
100 Drury Lane
Oakbrook Terrace
through January 12, 2024

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