Miss Cleere's Review

I had the absolute pleasure of being in the audience for our school’s production of Finding Nemo Jr. on Wednesday the 1st and Thursday the 2nd of November in Malvern Town Hall. We followed the journeys of Nemo from The Drop Off to Sydney Harbour Aquarium and Marlin’s quest to find his son, whilst meeting a variety of entertaining characters along the way. The performance was truly captivating from the singing, dancing and acting to the enchanting underwater scenery which set the scene in the Great Barrier Reef and beyond.

The show was an absolute triumph, showcasing the immense dedication and hard work put in by the students at St. Joseph’s. They have been working tirelessly since the auditions in March to bring this show to fruition. The dedication, patience and resilience shown is nothing short of inspiring. Between learning their script, singing harmonies, practising choreographed dances and taking stage direction, these children have come together to display their endless talents and had a whole lot of fun in doing so.

The lead roles, Nemo, Marlin and Dory were portrayed with such authenticity and enthusiasm. Their chemistry on stage was truly remarkable, evoking both laughter and heartfelt emotions throughout the production.

The supporting cast and ensemble were equally impressive and the personalities of our children at St. Joseph’s were really highlighted through the various characters. The Tank Gang, Sydney Harbour Gang, Reef Kids and Parents, Sharks, Turtles, Moonfish, Seagulls, Jellyfish, Fish Friends, Vacationers and every individual character in between showcased a remarkable level of talent and dedication. From the vibrant and synchronised musical numbers to the expressive acting, every aspect of the performance was a testament to the students' hard work, from Prep right up to Year 6, and the support of our wonderful school community. I cannot put into words how proud I am of every single student and how well they worked together throughout the entire process.

The success of this production wouldn't have been possible without the incredible support from the staff at St. Joseph’s and the dedication of the parent helpers. Their unwavering commitment, behind-the-scenes efforts, and guidance were invaluable in bringing this magical production to life. From costumes, props, hair and make-up to programmes, pre-show video, lights, sound, backdrop, bar staff and backstage organisation, everyone went above and beyond to ensure the show ran as smoothly as possible. Their commitment to nurturing the creative spirit of these young performers deserves the highest of praise.

It has been such an inspiration to have had Michelle as my co-director for this production. Her passion for theatre and dedication to the school community has added a whole other dimension to this musical. Michelle has given the brilliant students at St. Joseph’s an invaluable opportunity of growth in a variety of directions, and we have seen children blossom in confidence throughout this entire process.

In conclusion, Finding Nemo Jr. was not just a school musical; it was a testament to the power of dedication, teamwork, and artistic passion. The students' talents shone brightly, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. The students and wider school community of St. Joseph’s should be immensely proud of the outstanding showcase of talent and the collaborative spirit that made this production an unforgettable experience which will be cherished and remembered for years to come!

Miss Cleere.