Everyone’s favorite clownfish is swimming onto the CMTM stage this summer in Disney and Pixar’s FINDING NEMO: A 60-Minute Family Musical!

The story of a devoted father crossing the ocean to find his son, this fin-tastic adventure is bursting with music, color, and larger-than-life ocean creatures. Making this production extra special are Bill and Rowan Mimikos – a real life father and daughter team who are playing the roles of Marlin and Tad/Gurgle, respectively. We spoke with Bill and Rowan about their experience working on this production together.

CMTM: Bill and Rowan, please tell us a little about yourselves and how you started doing theatre.

Bill: My first theatre experience was in eighth grade as Charlie Brown in YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN. I only auditioned for the role because the theatre teacher, Mrs. Jennings, saw me give a speech when I was running for class treasurer and encouraged me to give it a try. I had never sung in front of a crowd before, so it was pretty terrifying. But it was also a lot of fun. I loved making the audience laugh, and it’s been a part of my life for over forty years now.

Rowan: My dad (Bill) saw a theater camp and asked if I wanted to go. It took me a while to actually answer but I said yes, and I’m very glad I did. After a time of going to the camp, he asked me if I wanted to audition for STROLL HAUNTED YARMOUTH. That took even longer to answer, but I finally said yes just in time for us to still audition. That was my first show and I have loved it ever since.

Bill Mimikos (Marlin) rehearses with Brixton Torrieri (Nem0) and the cast of Disney and Pixar’s FINDING NEMO: A 60-Minute Family Musical.

CMTM: Rowan has appeared onstage at CMTM before, but this is Bill’s first production here. Rowan, what made you want to return to CMTM, and Bill, what made you want to join in the fun?

Rowan: It seemed like a really welcoming place and I really enjoyed acting there.

Bill: I was an usher at somewhere close to twenty of Rowan’s performances in SHREK THE MUSICAL: THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES VERSION. Watching that cast get ready for each show was an amazing experience. I’ve never been around a cast that was filled with so much joy. It was obvious that everyone there felt welcomed and valued. I wanted to be a part of something like that.

CMTM: What has working with this intergenerational cast of adult and youth actors been like?

Rowan: Everyone has been really welcoming and I think this has been the fastest I’ve ever made a friend.

Bill: It has been such an uplifting experience to see so many talented actors, across so many generations, all come together to create something special. I think I’ve learned something from or been inspired by every single member of the cast by this point. And it’s really special to watch them interact with each other. For example, seeing Jesse Murphy (Crush) interact with the kids playing Squirt and them coming up with their special handshakes was just such a great moment to be a part of.

Rowan Mimikos (Tad/Gurgle) rehearses a scene with Ava Friday (Nemo).

CMTM: Has working on this production together taught you anything new about each other?

Bill: I had no idea that Rowan picked up on dance moves so quickly! She definitely does not get that from me, but she’s been super helpful behind the scenes teaching me!

Rowan: Nothing.

CMTM: What is your favorite onstage moment that each other has in this show?

Rowan: They're both specific lines, but “Nemo, you think that you can do these things but…I know you can” or “And for the next one, just a guess…me?” during the I-Spy scene.

Bill: I love Rowan’s performance as Gurgle in the Tank Gang, and especially during the “We Swim Together” song, where the personality she’s created for the character really shows through.

CMTM: What do you hope audiences will take away from seeing this production?

Rowan: That sometimes you have to go with the flow.

Bill: As a parent, I love Marlin’s journey. The show’s message of cooperation is a powerful one. It’s wonderful to see so many varied characters working together to help one another.

CMTM: What advice or message would you share with other people who want to create theatre, especially young people?

Rowan: Be yourself and make bold choices!

Bill: I hear people say that you should “be brave,” but I think I would say it’s okay to be scared to take the plunge. I am scared every time I take the stage, but it’s worth the fear. So, be scared, but do it anyway. You will be surprised at what you can do.

Disney and Pixar’s FINDING NEMO: A 60-Minute Family Musical opens June 27 and runs through August 23, 2026 at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine.

Ready to make a splash? Come experience Disney and Pixar’s FINDING NEMO: A 60-Minute Family Musical, a fin-tastic adventure bursting with music, color, and larger-than-life ocean creatures!

When young Nemo is captured and taken far from home, his dad Marlin sets off across the sea—meeting sharks, sea turtles, and the unforgettable Regal Blue Tang, Dory, along the way.

This vibrant production invites kids and grown-ups alike to celebrate bravery, resilience, and the power of believing in yourself.

PURCHASE TICKETS

Meet the Artists: Father + Daughter Team Bill and Rowan Mimikos