Disney's Moana Jr to sail onto school stage this week for three big shows

A number of enthusiastic actors, singers and dancers from Southern Cross Catholic College have been busy rehearsing for their upcoming musical which will be performed over three big shows this weekend.

The cast of 75 students and 15 crew have been rehearsing for more than three hours every Sunday since March in preparation of their new musical, Disney’s Moana Jr.

Speaking to Moreton Daily, Director Vanessa Hall said she was proud of all the work everyone had put into the production, which will be the school’s first musical in more than 12 years.

“This is the first time Southern Cross has had a musical in more than 12 years, which means we have students at our school who have never been involved in anything like this before,” Vanessa said.

“We have been rehearsing since early March, which is 17 weeks, and all the kids have been amazing in giving up three or four hours every Sunday.

“We have 75 cast members, half of which is made up of our primary school students from Year 4-7, and the other half is made up of students from Year 7-12.

“We also have a team of 15 crew which is made up of parents and teachers.”

The musical is based on the 2016 animated movie Moana, which tells the story of a strong-willed girl who is chosen by the ocean to reunite a mystical relic with a goddess in a bid to save her island.

Moana, who is the Chief’s daughter, sets sail in search of Maui - a legendary demigod - in the hope of returning the heart of Te Fiti and saving her people.

The musical features all the songs from the movie - which were written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Opetaia Foa'I – plus one new song.

“The extra song, which is called Warrior Face, happens just before the scene with Tamatoa the crab. Maui is telling Moana to be brave and put on her warrior face,” Vanessa said.

“For me, my favourite song in the musical is definitely the reprise of How Far I’ll Go, which is sung twice in the show.”

Vanessa also explained how the musical is helping students to learn more about the Polynesian culture.

“One of our students, who is playing the chief, is a very proud Samoan boy and he been sharing his culture with us,” she said.

“Before the show, he will do a prelude where he will speak about his culture and why it is important to him.

“He will also be wearing a traditional piece of clothing which has been passed on from his grandfather.”

See more photos of the cast below.

Head along

Southern Cross Catholic College’s production of Disney’s Moana Jr will be held on Friday, September 2 and Saturday, September 3 in the Brother Timothy Peter Centre, located at 299 Scarborough Rd, Scarborough. 

Tickets are still available for Saturday’s performances and can be purchased here.

A matinee will be performed from 2-4pm, followed by an evening show from 6-8pm.

Tickets are $20 for adults and secondary students, and $10 for a primary school student. A family ticket for two adults and two children is $50.