Did I just step into a Pixar animated film? As the lights dim in the Kennedy Center Family Theater, a dazzling projection of an underwater universe glistens on stage. Then in one seamless motion, the curtains part, the opening score begins, and I have my answer. Director Adrienne Campbell-Holt’s artistry as a compelling storyteller comes to life through the stellar ensemble cast she assembles for Finn. The acclaimed writing duo Michael Kooman and Christopher Dimond join forces with Chris Nee (book, music, and lyrics) to create a vibrant and immersive musical experience. In its world premiere, Finn shines not only in its ability to explore themes of self-discovery, friendship, and belonging but also by spreading joy through expertly choreographed musical numbers and catchy songs arranged to bring a Disney-movie vibe to this family-friendly story. Dylan Toms as Finn in ‘Finn.’ Photo by Teresa Wood. Finn is about a young shark named Finn (Dylan Toms) who wants to sparkle in a world that pressures him to remain achromatic. Within, he feels vastly different from other sharks, including his big sister, Aggie (Caelyn D. Wiliams). Despite this, he still desires to uphold family tradition by joining the Shark Guard — an elite group that all “real” sharks aspire to be a part of. Along Finn’s journey, he encounters a regal tang fish named Seasil (Kalen Robinson) en route to the Jet Stream Jubilee, an event Finn is charged with guarding. An unlikely friendship sparks between them, one that bucks societal norms. The pair inspire each other to swim against the current, explore hidden dreams, and embrace facets of themselves otherwise shunned by their loved ones. These choices, however, come with perilous consequences that quickly force them to confront their biggest fears. TOP: The cast of ‘Finn’; ABOVE: Dylan Toms as Finn and Caelyn D. Williams as Aggie in ‘Finn.’ Photos by Teresa Wood. Dylan Toms splashes onto the stage as Finn, exuding a warmth and innocence that endear him to the audience. Caelyn William’s portrayal of Aggie shimmers with spunk, sultry vocals, and a snarky New York/New Jersey–esque accent. Her comedic timing keeps the audience rooting for her to whip her Shark Guard recruits into tip-top shape. Her name also fits her to a tee, as Aggie always seems a little aggravated with Finn for not doing everything he can to be the perfect carbon copy of her. The song “Today’s the Day” sets the tone for their sibling dynamic, distills their unique outlooks on the world, and presents the audience with several core questions we see Finn grapple with while navigating his Shark Guard tryouts: What is strength and is there only one acceptable way to be strong in this world? Is it worthwhile to suppress who I truly am for the sake of fitting in? What should I do when the world’s perception of me differs from how I see myself? Just when the audience thinks Finn may never muster up the courage to tackle these questions head-on, Seasil (Kalen Robinson) and her high-falutin Auntie (Kara-Tameika Watkins) sashay onto the scene to save him and steal the show. Their relationship is a striking parallel of Finn and Aggie’s, but it’s the fun-loving Seasil-Finnship that swims away with our hearts. Not only does this duo find refuge in each other, but they serve up synchronized dance moves and riveting duets that could easily jumpstart a new TikTok trend. These two are bestie goals, hands down. Kalen Robinson is a showstopper in her beautifully adorned regal tang costume with shimmering pops of lapis and yellow (costume designer: Ann Closs Farley). Not since Dory from Finding Nemo has there been a deep sea creature that captures hearts and minds so convincingly. Robinson brought it all — flawless dance moves, a booming voice ripe for Broadway, and a magical presence that makes the audience want to laugh and cry all in the same breath. Just as Ellen DeGeneres earned Dory a spin-off, Robinson’s interpretation of Seasil deserves her own as well. Special kudos go to Auntie (Kara-Tameika Watkins) as she embodies all the pomp and regal spectacle that comes with being one of the most colorful creatures under the sea, and when she sings the audience is transported. Make no mistake, Auntie brings the class and glee to the jubilee. Roscoe (Deimoni Brewington), Lola (Jamie Goodson), and Bruce (Ben Riber) round out the Shark Guard crew and bring the ensemble into full bloom. They each play multiple characters throughout the musical, and Deimoni Brewington shows that he’s a triple threat. He fuels his performance with high-octane energy, crisp dance moves, and a killer voice that adds a rich tone to Finn’s chorus. The production was not without a couple of minor stumbles, though. I’m still trying to make sense of the excessive belching layered into the persona of one Shark Guard ensemble character. While it may have been intended as a source of comedic relief, unfortunately, it lands flat and distracts from the otherwise impeccable narrative. There was also a moment when the lead (Toms) dropped a prop he needs for his costume mid-scene; he recovered quickly, endearingly making the audience adore him all the more. Campbell-Holt’s exceptional prowess of filling every movement in a production with meaning keeps the audience leaning forward, singing along to every chorus, and grooving to each swag-filled eight-count. Moreover, the set and projection design (You-Shin Chen and Patrick W. Lord, respectively) immerse the audience hundreds of miles below the ocean’s surface. When it’s hard to distinguish whether you’ve been plopped into an animated film versus a physical theater, the production team has done something right. Even though Finn is billed as a youth production geared toward children 5+ years old, it’s also a timeless story for all ages. Moreover, the show is unafraid to embrace the LGBTQIA+ community, with references and tributes to the culture sprinkled throughout. This, combined with the musical’s universal messages of belonging and self-acceptance, invites anyone who has ever felt misunderstood or like an outsider into the Jubilee to celebrate the uniqueness of who they are. Lastly, the Kennedy Center offers a learning guide for educators, students, and individuals looking to unpack the musical’s themes more fully with young audiences. Finn and his friends struggle to find their place in a binary world. Intersectionality and filling up the liminal spaces in life are just as tricky to navigate under the sea as they are for us to reckon with on land. Hence, the learning guide offers a framework for helping youth delve into these topics. The guide’s curators align it to a range of educational standards, including the common core, for educators to weave into their existing curriculum. It’s worth a read. Running Time: 60 minutes, with no intermission. Finn plays through December 22, 2024, in the Family Theater at the Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC. Purchase tickets ($25.30, including a $3.30 service charge) in person (the Hall of States Box Office is open Monday – Saturday, 10am – 9pm and Sunday 12pm – 9pm), by calling the box office at (202) 467-4600, or online. Recommended for grades K-5 View the digital program here. View the Learning Guide (for educators and students) here. COVID Safety: Masks are optional in all Kennedy Center spaces for visitors and staff. If you prefer to wear a mask, you are welcome to do so. See Kennedy Center’s complete COVID Safety Plan here.