Sussex Academy presents ‘Finding Nemo Jr.’

Sussex Academy middle school students staged a fun and creative adaptation of “Finding Nemo Jr.” May 2-3.

The production featured Grace Wagner as Nemo, the young clownfish; John Roman Nehrbas as Nemo’s father, Marlin; and Lila Carlisle as forgetful blue tang Dory.

Augmenting the cast were Lyla Clara as Bruce, Piper Carlisle as Mr. Ray, Corey Trench as Crush, Sage McMahon as Gurgle, Livi Lauser as Bubbles, Eli Messick as Gill, Ronald Young as Bloat and Draya Stratton as Peach.

Elementary students were also treated to a school-day matinee of the production. Each year, the middle school musical is directed and entirely produced by high school students, said program director Madison McCormick.

“We do an application process during the show selection in the spring, so students get to apply for both the high school shows and also to student-direct the middle schoolers,” McCormick said.

“The students take on the responsibility of creating the set, designing the lighting, running the soundboard and mics, everything down to the curtain and the spotlights, which are run by middle schoolers,” McCormick said. “The students grow exponentially throughout the process, and it is extra special to see the eighth-graders’ growth throughout three years in the shows.”

Seniors Elaina Marsch and Brianna Wittman directed this production, something Elaina said has always been a dream of hers.

“I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to work with,” Elaina said. “Being able to make my visions of how I wanted the show to look like is nothing more than magical, and being able to work alongside my best friend has been so much fun.”

One challenge for the first-time director involved time management. “It was a learning experience, and I feel that I have gained a new skill,” Elaina said. “I am so proud of everyone who was involved, and it was absolutely amazing seeing everyone's hard work pay off.”