Entertainment Things To Do weekend activities

Matthews Playhouse featuring Finding Nemo, JR.

written by CSP Team September 25, 2023

Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts invites audience members of all ages to dive in and experience the magical big blue world of the ocean floor when ‘Disney’s Finding Nemo, JR.’ comes to life on stage Oct. 12-22. This vibrant underwater adventure, based on the popular 2003 Pixar film, shares a story about family, friendship, and adventure.

The production is being directed by Charlotte actor/director/theatre artist Sidney Horton, and features an all-youth cast portraying loveable characters like Nemo, Marlin, Dory and many others. Audiences will delight in the production’s imaginative costumes, an exciting underwater-themed set, creative puppetry, and memorable musical numbers composed by award-winning songwriting team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, best known for their Oscar-winning score for Frozen.

Purchase tickets here.

‘Disney’s Finding Nemo, JR.’ runs approximately 60-minutes with no intermission and is suitable for most children. This family-friendly musical adaptation of the Disney classic opens Thursday, Oct. 12 with a special “Pay-What-You-Can” preview performance benefiting C.O.S.Kids, a non-profit child care organization based in Matthews. Performances will continue through Sunday, Oct. 22. Here are some of the special events the theatre is offering in conjunction with the production:

Oct. 12: “Pay What You Can” Night

The 7:30 p.m. performance Thursday, October 12th will be a Pay-What-You-Can performance benefiting C.O.S.Kids. Seating is general admission and there will be no advanced reservations. Patrons will be seated on a first-come-first-serve basis. We suggest making a $10 donation per person, but any amount will be accepted. Donations can be made with cash or credit. Learn more about our Pay What You Can Performances.

Oct. 13: Family Pajama Night

Wear pajamas to the theatre? Yes, please! We’re taking Casual Friday to a whole new level on October 13th for Family Pajama Night at ‘Disney’s Finding Nemo, JR.’ ! Any child wearing pajamas to the 7:30 p.m. performance on October 13th gets to choose a fun prize from the Matthews Playhouse “Treasure Box”. So grab your favorite, most comfy PJs and join us!

Disney’s Finding Nemo, JR. Sensory Friendly Performance Oct. 21 at 11 a.m.

The 11 a.m. performance on Saturday, October 21st will be modified to accommodate children on the autism spectrum and/or with a cognitive or developmental disability. Tickets to this performance (and all other performances) can be made by going to https://www.matthewsplayhouse.com/finding-nemo-jr .

About the Sensory Friendly Performance of Disney’s Finding Nemo, JR.

This performancewill be modified to have lower sound and light levels and eliminate startling or loud sounds.
The theatre will remain dimly lit during the performance, and audience members will be allowed to stand, roam around, and come and go as needed.
Children are also welcome to bring certain items that provide them with comfort, i.e. cushions, stuffed animals, headphones, and other support items.
Designated quiet and calm spaces will be available to children as needed.

Kids with Disabilities in the Spotlight (KiDS) Mini-Camp Oct, 21, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Children ages 7-16 on the autism spectrum or who have a cognitive and/or developmental disability are invited to participate in the Finding Nemo, JR. KiDS Mini-Camp. The cost to participate is $25 and will include theatre games and activities, a back-stage-tour, an opportunity to meet cast members, and one (1) ticket for your child to attend the 11 a.m. Sensory Friendly Performance of Disney’s Finding Nemo, JR. Space is limited and advanced registration is required. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Ticket Information

Tickets to Disney’s Finding Nemo, JR. are on sale and range from $10-$19 and are available for advance purchase. Tickets and show times are available at https://www.matthewsplayhouse.com/finding-nemo-jr . All performances will be at the Fullwood Theatre, located inside the Matthews Community Center 100 East McDowell Street, Matthews, NC 28105.