Disney's Moana Jr.

38 young people between the aged of 8 and 12 took to the stage to guide us through the enchanting tale of Moana’s journey through the Polynesian Islands to face Te Ka, the demon of earth and fire, and thus safeguard her home island of Motuni from his wrath - and this they did with great enthusiasm. Sophia Munro made an excellent Moana with an extremely strong singing voice, as shown in her solos “How Far I’ll Go” and “Know Who You Are”, and good acting skills. Zach Twigger was impressive as the shapeshifter and demigod Maui with good stage presence, a strong singing voice and good comic timing making a good pairing with Moana. Mylo Walker as the Chief, Moana’s father had a strong voice - both speaking and singing – and good acting ability. Rebecca Paul as Gramma Talla too showed strong acting ability in her portrayal of Moana’s elderly mentor. Ruby Hay and Lucas Kirkham were delightful as Moana’s friends Pua and cheeky-chappy Hei Hei. Evelynne Oakley as giant, egotistical crab Tamatoa played the part with relish, assisted by Roman Peter as her Left Claw and Eidh McGrath as her Right Claw, in their rendition of “Shiny”. Strong support was given by Lily Munro (Sina, Moana’s mother), Emma Cordiner (Young Moana), Leon Duncan (Te-Kai), Jessica Duncan (Te-Fiti) and Olivia Stewart, Charlotte Cordiner and Tia McLoughlin (Chief Ancestors). The staging was kept very simple – 3 cubes in the centre of the stage becoming plinths for the ancestors, Moana’s canoe and the islands – allowing plenty of room for movement during the ensemble numbers with a moving video wall to show the travel across the Pacific Seas. The ensemble singing and movement – from the opening “In The Beginning” to the closing “We Know The Way” was strong. Many of the cast were on stage for the first time and Graham and his team of young helpers are to be congratulated on this Haddo Musical Theatre Schools first production which was greatly appreciated by the full house audience.

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