Thespians ‘Just Keep Swimming’ toward the spotlight at BBMS

February 1, 2024 at 12:17 a.m.

In song, Nemo (played by Maggie Miao) wonders if his father is even looking for him while singing “Not My Dad” during a Blind Brook Middle School rehearsal for ‘Finding Nemo Jr.’ on Tuesday, Jan. 30. The musical will premiere at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 2, and will have two showings on Saturday at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by searching “Blind Brook” at ShowTix4U.com. — In song, Nemo (played by Maggie Miao) wonders if his father is even looking for him while singing “Not My Dad” during a Blind Brook Middle School rehearsal for ‘Finding Nemo Jr.’ on Tuesday, Jan. 30. The musical will premiere at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 2, and will have two showings on Saturday at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by searching “Blind Brook” at ShowTix4U.com. (Sarah Wolpoff/Westmore News)

Before showing him through the East Australian Current, Crush the surfer dude sea turtle (played by Connor McCreath) reminds the anxious clownfish Marlin to “chill out” on his frantic journey to find his son. — Before showing him through the East Australian Current, Crush the surfer dude sea turtle (played by Connor McCreath) reminds the anxious clownfish Marlin to “chill out” on his frantic journey to find his son. (Sarah Wolpoff/Westmore News)

In an iconic and silly scene, Dory (played by Samantha Beadle) tries to convince Marlin (played by Rory Mayer) that she can speak whale. Blind Brook commissioned Bill Diamond, a renowned puppet maker who worked with Jim Henson, to make the fish for the show. — In an iconic and silly scene, Dory (played by Samantha Beadle) tries to convince Marlin (played by Rory Mayer) that she can speak whale. Blind Brook commissioned Bill Diamond, a renowned puppet maker who worked with Jim Henson, to make the fish for the show. (Sarah Wolpoff/Westmore News)

Nigel the fish-friendly seagull (right, played by Luke Pallotta) and his companion (played by Harper Hirsch) let their friends in the fishtank know that Marlin is nearby. — Nigel the fish-friendly seagull (right, played by Luke Pallotta) and his companion (played by Harper Hirsch) let their friends in the fishtank know that Marlin is nearby. (Sarah Wolpoff/Westmore News)

Ensuring no one gets stuck trapped in a net that will take them to a frightening child’s home, the fishtank swimmers work together to bring it down. From the left: Bloat, Gill, Nemo, Gurgle and Bubbles (played by Danielle Elkowitz, Andy Montvelisky, Maggie Miao, Brooke Levine and Manuela de Moraes Lucca). — Ensuring no one gets stuck trapped in a net that will take them to a frightening child’s home, the fishtank swimmers work together to bring it down. From the left: Bloat, Gill, Nemo, Gurgle and Bubbles (played by Danielle Elkowitz, Andy Montvelisky, Maggie Miao, Brooke Levine and Manuela de Moraes Lucca). (Sarah Wolpoff/Westmore News)

Silent lobsters (played by Kaylin Lobosco and Hayley Striar) serve as no help when asked for directions to Sydney. — Silent lobsters (played by Kaylin Lobosco and Hayley Striar) serve as no help when asked for directions to Sydney. (Sarah Wolpoff/Westmore News)

Even though it’s dangerous, Marlin (right, played by Rory Mayer) embraces his moment of growth by trusting his son Nemo (left, played by Maggie Miao) to save other fish stuck in a net, including their friend Dory (played by Samantha Beadle). — Even though it’s dangerous, Marlin (right, played by Rory Mayer) embraces his moment of growth by trusting his son Nemo (left, played by Maggie Miao) to save other fish stuck in a net, including their friend Dory (played by Samantha Beadle). (Sarah Wolpoff/Westmore News)

In unison choreography, a squad of moonfish give Merlin and Dory directions to Sydney, where Nemo is believed to be. — In unison choreography, a squad of moonfish give Merlin and Dory directions to Sydney, where Nemo is believed to be. (Sarah Wolpoff/Westmore News)

With the nimble Nemo (left, played by Maggie Miao) now joining the fishtank, Gill the Moorish Idle Fish (played by Andy Montvelisky) announces to his peers a new plan to escape from captivity. — With the nimble Nemo (left, played by Maggie Miao) now joining the fishtank, Gill the Moorish Idle Fish (played by Andy Montvelisky) announces to his peers a new plan to escape from captivity. (Sarah Wolpoff/Westmore News)

After surviving a scary swim through jellyfish, Marlin (left, played by Rory Mayer) reflects on the life lessons he’s learned during his adventure with Dory (played by Samantha Beadle). — After surviving a scary swim through jellyfish, Marlin (left, played by Rory Mayer) reflects on the life lessons he’s learned during his adventure with Dory (played by Samantha Beadle). (Sarah Wolpoff/Westmore News)

Nemo and Marlin (played by Maggie Miao and Rory Mayer) share a sweet moment as they’re finally reunited. — Nemo and Marlin (played by Maggie Miao and Rory Mayer) share a sweet moment as they’re finally reunited. (Sarah Wolpoff/Westmore News)

The cast of “Finding Nemo Jr.” gathers on stage to close out the show with the last song, “Finale.” — The cast of “Finding Nemo Jr.” gathers on stage to close out the show with the last song, “Finale.” (Sarah Wolpoff/Westmore News)

Haley Miller, playing a radiant jellyfish, practices bouncing her umbrella up and down to get the proper flow effect. — Haley Miller, playing a radiant jellyfish, practices bouncing her umbrella up and down to get the proper flow effect. (Sarah Wolpoff/Westmore News)

Students become puppeteers to embody their inner sea creatures in upcoming production of ‘Finding Nemo Jr.’