William Paca Middle School will stage Disney’s “Moana Jr.” on January 30 and 31. The production is an adaptation of the 2016 animated film, following Moana as she journeys across the Pacific Ocean to save her village and learn about her heritage. Three performances are scheduled: a premiere on Friday, January 30 at 7 p.m., and two shows on Saturday, January 31 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. After the Saturday matinee, audience members can participate in a character meet-and-greet with the cast. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased online or at the door.
“When we began rehearsals for Moana Jr., we talked a lot about what it means to be a ‘wayfinder,’” said Meghan Jones, director of the production. “To Moana, it meant sailing beyond the reef to save her people. To our cast and crew, it meant stepping onto this stage – some for the very first time – and finding the courage to use their voices,” she added.
The cast features Alaina Manuel as Moana and Ja’Kell Reece as Maui. Other cast members include Janely Amaya, Ariana Crisci, Sabrina Rowehl, Colin Ryenolds, Elizabeth Aichroth, Gabriella Greco, Isabella Escalante, Grace Burns, Alaina Postiglione, Arianna Cummings, Emma Viola, Daniella Segurra and Xen Culbreth. Ensemble members are Seamus Gannon, Ilaniyah Garner, Janiyah Lester, Aaron Lotterhos, Makayla Medina, Daniela Ruiz Perez, Lucia Segurra, Victoria Tolliver and Sara Trevino.
The sound and light crew includes Chase Musolino, Alex Rizzo, Jack Heuer, Arianna DeLillo, Gionni DeAngelo, Kaiden Johnson, Declan Mehmel, Max Canales, Jackson Holmes, Nicholas Rizzo, Jack Reilly, Daniella Rubino and Benjamin Staab.
Kailey Randazzo is music director; Brian Hart oversees set design; Chris Mocera handles set construction; Cassandra Gray manages make-up and costumes; Lauren Farrell is responsible for props; Mabel Andia directs sound and light; Nicole Eterno choreographs; Meghan Jones directs with Kaylee Cardone as producer.
William Floyd School District serves over 9,400 students in New York across ten schools. The district offers programs in STEM fields as well as career training and arts education. It has received recognition for its music programs and encourages collaboration among students and educators to support student growth (https://www.wfsd.k12.ny.us/).
The show’s Playbill is available online for those interested in learning more about the production.
