“Just Keep Swimming!”

Pool noodles in every shade of the rainbow twist in all directions, forming spongy coral beds. Octopuses giggle and twirl in their tulle dresses. A flock of kindergarten “seagulls” with orange baseball caps wave their fluffy wings as they fly around an elementary school full of fish.

This is “Finding Nemo Jr.,” the latest annual addition to Wellsville Elementary’s PTA-sponsored productions. As the overture plays, delighted children from kindergarten to sixth grade swim onstage and spread their arms wide, singing about the wonders of living in the sea.

Participating in the show allows students to explore the arts, develop friendships, and examine real-world values like curiosity and family love.

“I like seeing it all come together,” the actor for Marlin shared. “I’ve done this every year since kindergarten, which has been pretty fun. Working on it and having fun doing it with everybody is probably my favorite part.”

The show’s central plot involves Marlin, an overprotective clownfish father, who crosses the Pacific Ocean in search of his fishnapped son, Nemo. Joining the quest is Marlin’s new friend, Dory, a friendly blue tang with short-term memory loss. Together, the two have many adventures, including meeting a gang of well-meaning sharks, escaping a smack of jellyfish, and riding the East Australia Current with some laid-back sea turtles.

 

Meanwhile, Nemo finds himself in a dentist’s office aquarium, where he befriends the other fish. Together, they hatch a plan to escape back to the ocean! 

“Climbing Mount Wannahockaloogie to escape is probably my favorite part,” Wellsville’s Nemo said. “It’s pretty fun.” 

In the end, father and son are reunited. Each has learned valuable lessons, and Marlin gives Nemo permission to explore his “big blue world.”

This show is a labor of love for the students and parents who donate their time. Volunteers build community and practice real-world trade skills such as sound and lighting design, set and costume creation, hair and makeup application, and other backstage work. The end result is honest, humorous, and heartfelt. 

Performances will be held Friday, March 7th, and Saturday, March 8th, at Wellsville Elementary School. 

*Cari Phillips spoke with Audrey Norton (PTA Show Director + South Cache teacher) and received confirmation that the students have picture permissions on 03/02/2025.*