Contributed Photo
Video clips on the 25-foot by 32-foot rear digital projection screen help give Disney on Ice's "Finding Nemo" depth.

Nemo, Dory and Marlin are the character stars of Disney On Ice's production of "Finding Nemo," but fans who see one of the shows next week at McKenzie Arena might also marvel at the staging, according to cast member Daniel Jones.

Jones, 24, a Toronto native who previously skated in Disney On Ice productions of "Monsters Inc." and "Toy Story 2," said "the stage is very filled and colorful."

"The way the show stands out is there is a lot going on, but it is easy to follow along. We have a (video) screen that assists us."

Video clips on the 25-foot by 32-foot rear digital-projection screen, special lighting on the ice and colorful costumes help create the feeling of depth in an undersea world, Jones said.

The effects were created by Emmy Award-winning designer Peter Morse. The scenes on the screen include the ocean bottom, Mount Wannahockaloogie, the Great Barrier Reef and the aquarium, where Nemo is joined by members of the Tank Gang.

The screen is used to give audience members a sense of the aquarium, both from the inside looking out and the outside looking in. The dentist and his niece, Darla, for example, appear larger than life as they stare into the tank.

The show will be presented in eight performances over five days starting Wednesday.

IF YOU GO

What: Disney on Ice presents Disney/Pixar's "Finding Nemo."

When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Oct. 23; 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. Oct. 24; 2 and 6 p.m. Oct. 25.

Where: UTC's McKenzie Arena, Fourth and Mabel streets.

Admission: $12-$42.

Phone: 266-6627.

Tennessee Aquarium hosts magical journey with Mickey and Minnie

Disney On Ice will team with the Tennessee Aquarium to host an underwater journey with Mickey and Minnie to celebrate Disney on Ice's production of "Finding Nemo" at the UTC McKenzie Arena.

Visiting children will visit Nemo and his fishy friends with fish crafts, a meet-and-greet with the characters and a scavenger hunt through the aquarium.

The event will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the aquarium and is free for members. Aquarium admission is required for nonmembers.