Disney Moana Jr

Primadonna Productions Youth produced this bright and colourful musical based on the 2016 Disney film. Perhaps the most Nordic looking group of Polynesians outside Scandinavia, this cast nevertheless embraced the island lifestyle with a gorgeous laid-back production, well directed by Carole Dhu.

Simply set, using professional looking projections by Sian Wake and the provided backing track, the cast of 4 to 18 year olds worked beautifully as a team, with most principals doubling in the ensemble, and all embracing a professional approach to the performance. An example of this is the youngest performer Idris Wake (admittedly a fourth generation actor), who took a hard fall early in the show and was obviously in pain. He finished the scene, singing strongly and completing all of the choreography, as part of a wave, with tears streaming down his little face.

Izzy Pritchard was delightful in the title role, a feisty and strong Moana, who sang well. She was paired nicely with Darien Peckover, having fun as the narcissistic but very funny Maui, showing a great character arc.

The chief ancestors, who act as narrators, were played with lovely cohesion by Josie Fahl, Stephanie Fahl and Poppy Warburton.

Lovely warmth came from Moana’s family, with Max Bonner strong as her father Chief Tut, and Eveii Coles-Wood convincing as mother, Sina. Bonnie Crewman found all of the humor as Gramma Tala, an excellent character actress, playing to her strength. Besties Pua and Hei Hei were played with sweetness and a hint of mischief by Daisy Gordon and Addison Martin.

Giant Crab Tamatoa was played with an abundance of flair by Luke Willman, with lovely support from Maikah-Bella Vallance and Sienna Scarfe as his claws - the epitome of lovely assistants.

Goddess Te Fiti was played with grace and authority by Shayna Peckover (looking fabulous in a costume made by mum Tammy Peckover) with the evil Te Ka played powerfully by Caleb Archer.

The show looked beautiful, with the bulk of the colorful, creative costumes by Carole Dhu and Sian Wake, and boldly lit from a design by Lori Anders.

As we expect at a Primadonna show, the hospitality was warm and friendly and the audience are treated as part of the family. A warm, friendly and well-drilled production that was a joy to watch.

Kimberley Shaw