Disney Moana Jr.

Music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina. Book adapted by Susan Soon He Stanton. Music and Orchestrations adapted and arranged by Ian Weinberger. Gosnells Primary School. Directed by Grace Johnson. Nov 2-4, 2021

Gosnells Primary School’s biannual production features four classes of Yr 5 and 6 students, working beautifully as a team to present this Disney favourite. 

The school’s enclosed undercover area has been converted into a very functional, intimate theatre and these students, most of whom are making their theatrical debuts, have a wonderful understanding of theatrical conventions and presentation, working well to disguise the little mishaps and hesitations that happen even to professional performers.

Moana’s world is beautifully created, with a performance that uses the whole space, a lovely organic costume design from Chris Keep. Atmospheric lighting is created by Scott McArdle on a set designed by director Grace Johnson, supported by Technical Management by Stephen Carr. The central set piece, Moana’s boat, is beautifully created and well manipulated by the young cast.

Lovely work from Kapryse Macrae in the title role, giving a very sweetly sung performance that conveys lovely understanding of the pressures Moana feels. Her parents, Chief Tui and Sina, are played with maturity and caring by Maxz san Buenaventura and Matilda Minn, Kriztann Samantha Tolentino gives a beautifully gentle eccentricity to Gramma Tala, while Kallayah Makiri, Abang Garang and Ethan Heerey have sage authority as the Ancestors.

Moana’s friends, Her Her and Pua, are played with a good sense of fun by Caleb Din and Hamish Edmunds.

The other hero of Moana is bad-boy who comes good, Maui. Pearse Overy brings lots of personality to this larger-than-life Demi-god, in a very likeable performance. 

Villain-of-sorts Tamatoa the crab, lover of all things shiny, is given a shiny, dynamic performance by James Coombes. He is well supported by some rather dapper claws, confident Right Claw Joshua Ryniker and Landon Pel, as Left Claw, very capably filling in at the last moment for an ill William Venus. Elisha Htay gives lovely gravitas to Goddess Te Fiti, and the monstrous Te Kã, to whom she transforms without her heart.

Well supported by a very strong Core Ensemble, playing multiple roles, there are also four class ensembles, each taking responsibility for two production numbers. Lovely to see many members of the ensemble completely focused and acting throughout, including Favor Reeder and Abbey Prosser, testament to the adage that there are no small roles.

Congratulations to all involved with this up-beat, feel-good production that touched the heart - not only of Te Fiti, but of every audience member.

Kimberley Shaw