This past Thursday, Saturday and Monday, dozens of student thespians from across Cicero District 99 sang, danced and entertained audiences in the District's musical production of "Finding Nemo Jr." 

Performed in Morton East High School's historic Chodl Auditorium, this school year's musical was chock-full of heartfelt storytelling of the Disney classic movie, which dives into the story of Marlin, an overprotective clownfish who loses the one thing he loves most — his child, Nemo. Swept away from the Great Barrier Reef, Nemo must navigate a vast, unfamiliar ocean while Marlin sets off on a desperate journey to bring Nemo home. 

Along the way, we met an unforgettable cast of characters: Dory, whose boundless optimism and hilarious forgetfulness stole every scene; Bruce, Anchor and Chum, sharks who tried very hard not to eat their friends;  Crush and Squirt, riding the East Australian Current with joy and swagger; and a colorful reef community, jellyfish, pelicans, seagulls and sea creatures who brought the ocean to life!

The D99 cast brought real emotional depth to the story,  capturing Marlin's fear, Nemo's determination and Dory's unwavering belief that things will work out. These students balanced humor and heart with confidence well beyond their years. 

Congratulations to the entire cast of students and for the leadership of the Fine Arts Department, including Ted Henley (department director), Joel Duran (production director), Esmeralda Bonk (vocal director), Marisa Winningham (choreographer), Anita Gray (costume designer) and Manuel Juarez (set designer)!

📷 Click through for photos from the show!