Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo: The Family Musical at Tuacahn Center for the Arts proves that some stories are simply timeless. Bringing the beloved animated film to the stage is no small feat, particularly when the cast is made up almost entirely of fish, sea turtles, and other underwater creatures. Yet Tuacahn has once again demonstrated its remarkable ability to transform the impossible into something magical, delivering a production that delights audiences of all ages while remaining especially perfect for families.
The musical follows the story of Marlin (Dominic Giovanni), an overprotective clownfish father whose world revolves around keeping his son Nemo (Mollie-Claire Matthews) safe. When Nemo’s curiosity leads him farther from home than intended, Marlin embarks on an epic ocean adventure to find him. Along the way, audiences meet an unforgettable collection of sea creatures, including the optimistic and forgetful Dory (Janna Cardia), the laid-back sea turtle Crush (Sittichai Chaiyahat) and his energetic son Squirt (Christian Tyler Dorey), and a colorful cast of reef residents such as Pearl (Joanna Johnson), Tad (Davey Burton Midkiff), Sheldon (Kayden Oliver), and Professor Ray (Randall Keith). Nemo’s own journey introduces him to fellow aquarium inhabitants Gill (Kyle Southern), Gurgle (Matthew Malecki Martinez), Peach (Rachel Schoenecker), and Bloat (J.T. Wood). Anchor (Alec Talbott), Chum (Stephen Diaz), and Bruce the shark (Thom Henke) terrify the fish but delight the audience. The story follows Nemo’s (and maybe even Marlin’s!) coming-of-age journey through challenges, friendships, and discoveries about courage and trust. Even for those familiar with the film, the stage adaptation offers plenty of fresh theatrical surprises.
What makes this production particularly successful for family audiences is its pacing. Children’s theater can sometimes struggle to hold young attention spans, but Finding Nemo strikes exactly the right balance between story and song. Musical numbers arrive frequently enough to keep younger audience members engaged, while the plot moves steadily forward without becoming overly complicated. Every song feels purposeful, energetic, and fun, making the show’s runtime fly by for children and adults alike.
One of the undeniable highlights of the evening is Dory (Janna Cardia), who quickly became a crowd favorite. Nearly every appearance was met with laughter and enthusiastic reactions from the audience. Her infectious optimism, comic timing, and heartfelt moments provide some of the production’s biggest emotional payoffs. In many ways, Dory serves as the heart of the show, reminding audiences that perseverance and friendship can carry us through even the most uncertain journeys. Her musical numbers are among the production’s strongest, and each one brings a fresh burst of energy to the stage.
Of course, staging an underwater world presents unique theatrical challenges. Fish are small creatures, and creating a sense of scale on stage can be difficult. Tuacahn solves this problem brilliantly through its use of larger-than-life puppets by puppet designer Scott Molampy that are nothing short of mesmerizing. The puppetry allows audiences to immediately understand the vastness of the ocean while maintaining the charm and personality of each character. The movement and design of these puppets create a visual spectacle that captures the imagination from the opening moments. Children will be enchanted by them, while theater enthusiasts will appreciate the artistry required to bring them to life.
The production’s costumes (Dustin Cross) and hair and make-up design (Annie Hardt) deserve special recognition as well. As audiences have come to expect from Tuacahn, the costumes are exquisite. Every character is visually distinct, colorful, and thoughtfully designed to reflect both the natural world and the whimsical storytelling style of Disney and Pixar. The costume design helps create a vibrant underwater ecosystem without ever feeling overly literal or cumbersome.
The movement throughout the production is one of its greatest strengths thanks to fight choreographer Erica Bryce and Choreographers Caitlin Belcik and Mara Newbery Greer. Choreography (in an underwater musical presents unique challenges, but the creative team embraces them with remarkable imagination. Every movement feels purposeful, contributes to characterization, and helps to establish the rhythms and currents of life beneath the sea. The ensemble numbers are especially delightful. A choreographed school of fish! Tap dancing sharks! Each number is inventive, energetic, and packed with visual storytelling. Another standout element is the production’s use of Aereography® by Flying by Foy. The aerial sequences allow the choreography to extend into an entirely new dimension, creating the sensation that characters are truly swimming through the ocean currents. Rather than being confined to the floor, performers soar above the stage and glide through space, adding movement (and sometimes suspense!) to several key moments. The effect is both technically impressive and emotionally immersive, especially in combination with scenic and lighting design (Paul Black), sound design (Josh Liebert), video design (Brad Peterson) and the live orchestra led by music director Alex Huff.
As always, Tuacahn’s breathtaking outdoor amphitheater provides the perfect backdrop for a story set beneath the sea. Combined with strong performances, adorable songs, stunning visuals, and imaginative stagecraft, Finding Nemo: The Family Musical succeeds in creating an experience that feels joyful, heartfelt, and genuinely magical.
Families looking for a summer theater outing will find this production especially rewarding. The engaging pacing, lovable characters, colorful spectacle, and uplifting message make it an ideal introduction to live theater for younger audiences while still offering plenty for adults to enjoy.
And before heading home, families should stick around for one final treat. Tuacahn now offers a cast meet-and-greet in the gift shop following the performance, giving young theatergoers the opportunity to meet some of their favorite characters up close. It’s a wonderful addition that extends the magic of the evening long after the final curtain call.
Tuacahn Center for the Arts presents Disney & Pixar’s Finding Nemo: A Family Musical
Tuacahn Amphitheater, 1100 Tuacahn Drive, Ivins, Utah 84738
May 1 – October 24, 2026, Performance dates and times vary
Tickets: $53-$139
Contact: 800-746-9882
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