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Moana Jr

Author: Catherine Dixey

Information

Date
17th February 2023
Society
The CTC
Venue
The Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge
Type of Production
Musical
Artistic Director
Bridie Rowe
Director & Musical Director
Erin Simpson
Choreographer
Rosie Fuller

This Disney production, apart from being a very beautiful, heart-warming and creative show also had many cultural messages based on the rich history of the Oceanic Islands. It was collaborated with members of an Oceanic Trust paying attention to the detail and respect of the Pacific Islanders, their cultures, language and traditional dances. Many of the lyrics are sung in either the languages of the Samoan or Tokelauan people.  All respect and credit should go to this 70 strong cast for not only learning fifteen songs, but learning many in an unknown language. This was CTC’s junior production with ages starting from just 5 years and with a few older members mainly in the leading roles, who were up to the age of 15.

It is set on the fictional island of Motunui. As ancient legend has it, the sacred heart of the Goddess Te Fiti was stolen by the demigod and shape-shifter Maui and in a battle with the demon of earth and fire the heart was lost to the Ocean and Maui disappears. The story begins with Moana, the daughter of Chief Tui and Sina. She had been entrusted with the Heart by the Ocean. The islanders are fearful of the Ocean and will not venture out beyond the reef.  However as their crops fail and the fish disappear Moana decides she has to venture beyond the reef.

Ebony Cranshaw plays Moana. She is amazingly confident in her role and with a beautiful singing voice. She captures the incredible strength in this brave and courageous girl with a steely determination.  Chief Tui (Charlie Bowden-Smith) and Sina (Ilinca Stanuta) both gave a good portrayal of her caring parents who are fearful of the ocean beyond the reef and forbid her to leave. Beth McCormack is her Gramma Tala, she is excellent in her portrayal of this tender and knowledgeable old lady. She tells Moana the truth about her ancestors voyages and in her dying moments she reveals that it is Moana’s destiny to return the Heart to Te Fiti and to save the island of Motunui.

Despite her parent’s warnings and with her inner strength from Gramma’s dying words she sets off on her raft.  She lands on an island where she mets Maui (Sam Behnia). Sam is perfect in this role showing impressive characterization of a charming, cheeky young person. She convinces him to help her return the Heart, but first he has to find his magical fishhook which allows him to shape-shift. On their voyages to far and distant lands they face Tamatoa (Maisie Scott) a vicious giant crab. Maisie plays the part well, she is totally self-centered and determined in her own quest to collect many bright and valuable shiny objects. It is here the pair find Maui’s hook enabling them to return the Heart to Te Fiti (Louella Chapelle), who lifts the curse and Moana is able to return to her island.

The songs are uplifting and all sung confidently from the older chorus right down to the very young. It is amazing to see and hear such talent from those so, so young children. There are some beautiful solos and songs from all the different groups including the Chief Ancestors, the Ancestors and Villagers, the Maui Ensemble and the Ocean dancers. All credit to Erin Simpson in giving them all the confidence to tackle such difficult songs. The dancing and movement from a cast of 70 performers is also brilliant and quite an achievement.  They all knew exactly what to do and are perfectly in time with the music and each other. This is due to the incredible patience and expertise of Rosie Fuller along with her dance captain Louella Chapelle. The Ocean dancers had long flowing layers of blue and green shimmering fabric which covered their arms and when they danced it replicated the movement of the waves. I have to say it was just so innovative and  beautifully effective.

Much care and attention had gone into putting together the wonderful costumes; the majority of which were all from the CTC wardrobe department adding to the spectacle. With such a large cast as this, the scenery needed to be kept simple,. This was achieved well, was enhanced by some effective lighting and good sound levels. Remarkably the pace was well maintained throughout and the stage never looked too overcrowded as full use was also made of the side isles.

All credit must go to the vision and dedication of Bridie, all her creative team and to the utter talent of all her  young cast.

 

 

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