Just a few weeks after the opening of the new attraction, "The Seas, With Nemo and Friends", the new sister attraction "Finding Nemo, the Musical" has finally begun what a cast member described as "Dress Rehearsals" for the guests, at the former Tarzan Rocks theater in the Wild at the Animal Kingdom. This attraction is totally different than Nemo and Friends. This is the first major musical produced by Disney Creative Entertainment for Walt Disney World. The former Tarzan Rocks Theater was outfitted for the new show, but retains much of the original trappings. The runway is still used from the Tarzan show. On both sides of the stage are huge bubbles where you can see projections during the show.
This is a unique show in that puppets are used throughout the performances. When I first learned that it was a puppet show after talking to cast members, I was a little disappointed, believing It was to be similar to the "Lion King" performance. Well, Disney has another first class winner on their hands! To start, all of the characters are puppets expertly manipulated by cast members who are dressed in beautiful colored costumes, blending with the sets. Even the coral and kelp and other background props are hand-operated by the cast and every scene blends seamlessly together! The way the cast moves the puppets Nemo, Dory, Crush and Marlin and all the others, you believe they are swimming in an ocean, it's that well done. The puppets are amazingly detailed and are brightly colored. This with the addition of dancing, acrobats, a fantastic music score and the beautiful backdrops, makes this a show that Broadway would envy.
The story is simple. Nemo is angry at his father and swims away, only to get caught in a fish tank in Australia. Marlin then sets out to find his son with the help of Dory, both whom must face many undersea challenges on the way. Finally, Nemo hears of his father's bravery and finds the strength to escape. This beautifully produced and staged show is the perfect opportunity for guests and children who have not seen a Broadway-style musical to experience it first-hand.
According to several cast members, they had some problems with the sound system, the music which is pre-recorded was overshadowing the singing, which is done live. But I thought everything sounded great, so I presume the problem is corrected. This is a show for all ages. Disney's foray into Musicals is a hit! As of this writing, the show is still in "Rehearsal Mode', but will have several performances daily so guest reactions can be gleaned.