Huge cast brings story of Moana to life at Huron Heights Public School in Kincardine

A 130-member cast of Grades 3-6 students brought the magnificent and colourful story of “Moana Jr.” to life on the stage at Huron Heights Public School, Kincardine, last week.

Performances were held for Huron Heights students, as well as those from neighbouring schools, with two public shows held April 18 and 19.

Given the age of the cast and the sheer number of actors, it was quite amazing to see them sing and dance, and move on and off stage, as well as throughout the crowd, with great confidence and precision.

Kudos to producer/director Elaine Slade, director Alanna Boucher and music director Heather Weber for creating such a tremendous and vibrant show. Also, praise to costume designer Krista Ritchie for some fantastic outfits, particularly for Hei Hei and Tamatoa with his Left Claw and Right Claw.

The music and singing were even more impressive when you realize songs were not all done in English. Many of them have connections to two Oceanic languages: Samoan and Tokelauan. When Oceanic languages are used in a song, they are often used to convey the message of wisdom and power.

While all the performers did a great job, there were a few stand-outs, especially Ruby Wreford who played the title role of Moana, the adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people.



Grades 3-6 students perform We Know the Way from "Moana Jr." at Huron Heights Public School in Kincardine

During her journey, Moana meets the once-mighty demi-god, Maui, who guides her in her quest to become a master way-finder. Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds. Along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she always sought: her own identity.

Other stellar performances were by Jack Slade as Hei Hei, Everly Ryan-Kerr as Gramma Tala, Ryder Dietrich as Maui, Myles Fraser as Tamatoa, Spencer McKenzie as Left Claw, and Henry Ogilvie as Right Claw.

Also taking on major roles, were Hunter MacPherson as Chief Tui, Brooke Roppel as Sina, Megan Ridley as Pua, Alecsys Burrows as the Gate Monster, and Myla Aitchison as Te Ka and Te Fiti.

It was an impressive, colourful show and the audiences enjoyed it immensely, offering up one standing ovation after another.



Ruby Wreford is Moana in the show at Huron Heights Public School in Kincardine