Brisbane audiences will be the first in Australia to dive into the Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s (QPAC) and CDP Theatre Producers’ production of Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo: A 60-Minute Family Musical when the beloved tale takes centre stage for its Australian premiere in a Queensland debut season next June.
Presented as part of QPAC’s acclaimed children’s festival, Out of the Box, the production will open at QPAC’s Playhouse on 23 June and run until 11 July 2027, before continuing north to Cairns, to complete its premiere season at Cairns Performing Arts Centre from 15 to 17 July 2027.
QPAC Chief Executive Rachel Healy said the production celebrated the magic of live theatre, bringing a beloved story from the screen to the stage.
“We are delighted to host the Australian premiere of Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo: A 60-Minute Family Musical as part of QPAC’s children’s festival, Out of the Box, and to welcome audiences from across Queensland and beyond to experience this remarkable show,” said Ms Healy.
“Few stories are as closely connected to Australia’s natural wonders as Finding Nemo. Bringing this much-loved movie to life on stage in Queensland creates a wonderful connection between story and place.
Inspired by the Academy Award®-winning animated film, Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo: A 60-Minute Family Musical follows the journey of a brave young clownfish, his overprotective father Marlin, and their unforgettable friend Dory.
Directed by Liesel Badorrek, Nemo and his underwater entourage are brought to life through beautiful handcrafted puppetry, featuring designs by award-winning designer Isla Shaw and puppets by Australian puppetry company Things of Foam and Wood.
Under the musical direction of Michael Tyack and featuring the book, music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the award-winning team behind Frozen, the production transports audiences beneath the waves in a captivating theatrical adaptation of the iconic film.
CDP Producer Yolande White said the production is the result of a remarkable creative journey, shaped by imagination, craftsmanship and collaboration.
“Bringing Nemo, Dory and the colourful characters of the ocean to the stage has been an extraordinary creative journey for our team,” said Ms White.
“Premiering this production in Queensland, where the story’s inspiration started, makes this premiere season particularly special.”
Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo: A 60-Minute Family Musical is the flagship production for QPAC’s internationally acclaimed children’s festival, Out of the Box, returning in 2027 from 22 to 27 June.
Tickets for Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo: A 60-Minute Family Musical are on sale now from $49.90 at qpac.com.au.
