"Moana JR.," a new stage musical, is set to premiere for the first time in Central Missouri this week at St. Joseph Cathedral School.
The inspiring musical follows the same story as the Disney animated movie of the same name.
Denise Gillam, along with co-director Missy Newberry, will lead the cast of 66 students in grades 4-8. Junior high students will fill the lead roles, while those in grades 4-5, who are part of a small choir, will be the side of the stage as backup singers.
"It's a fun show because the ensemble plays a really important part; several of our ensemble girls are the ocean since it's an actual character in the show and it's a really important part of the musical," Newberry said.
Moana will be played by Caroline Roepe, with Fisher Jones filling the role of Maui. Other actors include Clarah Odneal as Grandma Tala, Joshua Quinones as Tomatoa and Leah Polley as Te Fiti.
Producing "Moana JR." doesn't come without a few struggles; the cast and crew have had to solve issues such as transporting large set pieces across stage, learning to sing in new languages and more.
"We've had to build Moana's canoe with an outrigger that turned out quite large, so we're having to deal with maneuvering this large boat on stage with 30-some-odd cast members moving it and acting on it and around it," Newberry said.
The students have also had to learn parts of their songs in Samoan, a challenge they've excelled in, according to Newberry.
"That's been a neat cultural experience for them as well," Newberry said.
"Moana JR." opens Friday and also runs Saturday and Sunday. The show will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students. To reserve tickets, call the school office in Jefferson City at 573-635-5024.
Joe Gamm/News Tribune photo: Grandma Tala, right, played by Clarah Odneal, advises Moana, played by Caroline Roepe, to be adventurous. She explains that the family's ancestors went beyond the reef during rehearsal for Moana JR. at St. Joseph Cathedral School.
Joe Gamm/News Tribune photo: Tomatoa, left, played by Joshua Qùinones, battles Te Fiti, played by Leah Polley, during rehearsal for Moana JR. at St. Joseph Cathedral School.
Joe Gamm/News Tribune photo: Chief Tui, left, played by Jameson Bailes, tells Moana, center, played by Caroline Roepe, that everything the family needs is right on the island, as Sina, played by Marielle Lewis, watches during rehearsal for Moana JR. at St. Joseph Cathedral School.
Joe Gamm/News Tribune photo: Maui, played by Fisher Jones, is backed up by a chorus of sunglasses-adorned singers who sing "You're Welcome," to Moana during rehearsal for Moana JR. at St. Joseph Cathedral School.
Joe Gamm/News Tribune photo: Maui, played by Fisher Jones, sings "You're Welcome" to Moana during rehearsal for Moana JR. at St. Joseph Cathedral School.
Joe Gamm/News Tribune photo: Grandma Tala, right, played by Clarah Odneal, advises Moana, played by Caroline Roepe, to be adventurous during rehearsal for Moana JR. at St. Joseph Cathedral School.Cathedral School.