You won't need a wayfinder to find your way to this one. Echuca-Moama Theatre Company’s Moana Jr sails confidently into the spotlight, riding a wave of young talent, big laughs and Disney magic to deliver a production that is full of heart and soul.
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From the moment the curtain rises, the audience is swept far from Echuca and straight into the heart of the Pacific.
With pounding drums, swirling smoke and dramatic lighting, the story opens with the ancestors’ (Maggie Oliver, Hunter Finn and Chloe McLaren) stirring tale of how the demigod Maui stole the heart of Te Fiti, unleashing the darkness which threatens the islands.
At the centre of it all is Mayla Pianto as Moana, and quite simply, she was born for this role.
The Goornong performer captures everything audiences love about Disney's fearless heroine. She brings warmth, determination and vulnerability in equal measure, while delivering the show's big musical moments with a voice both powerful and beautifully controlled.
More impressively, she makes you believe every step of Moana's journey. The emotion is there in every glance, every decision and every song.
Supporting her are Denvah Born and Meaghan Gould as loving but protective parents Chief Tui and Sina, while Evie Bassett delivers a standout performance as Gramma Tala.
Showing maturity well beyond her years, Bassett injects humour, wisdom and genuine heart into the role, particularly in a touching scene with Moana which is sure to tug at a few heartstrings.
Once Moana sets sail with the delightfully chaotic Hei Hei (Amelia Krause) and adorable Pua (Lyla Bassett), the adventure really finds its rhythm.
The boat itself deserves special mention. Built by stage mum Jenna Laughlin, this piece of stagecraft magic adds another layer of wonder to the production. How it works is best discovered in person.
Josh Parker is perfectly cast as Maui, strutting onto the stage with all the swagger, vanity and oversized confidence the demigod demands.
His rendition of You're Welcome earns plenty of laughs, while his chemistry with Pianto gives the show much of its charm. Their witty back-and-forth keeps the pace moving and provides some of the show’s funniest moments.
Then there's Tamatoa. If Pianto is the heart of the show, Willow Nicholas threatens to steal it outright as the gloriously self-obsessed giant crab. Drenched in glitter, and dripping with sass, Nicholas absolutely devours every second of Shiny as the conniving crustacean.
Backed by Angela Attahl and Aarush Bhatia as her covetous claws, it is one of the musical’s most entertaining scenes and a visual feast thanks to the sparkling costumes.
The youngest cast members also shine, particularly as the surprisingly cute gate monsters, whose ferocious roars are met with almost as many "awws" as laughs.
As the story moves towards its emotional climax, Alisha Beavis' impressive Te Kā puppet becomes a genuine showpiece, expertly manoeuvred by young Noah Watson.
The final transformation of Te Fiti, portrayed with grace by Talitha Lawson, delivers the uplifting conclusion audiences will be hoping for.
In her directorial debut, Molli Johns has achieved something remarkable. Guiding a cast of 43 performers aged between eight and 18 is no small task, yet she succeeds in creating an energetic and heartfelt show which never loses its sense of fun.
Supported by vocal director Chloe Grant, vocal coach Sarah Mott, choreographer Melissa Keenan and dance assistant Parker Goulding, Moana Jr is packed with strong vocals, dynamic dance numbers and impressive attention to detail.
From Darcy McLindon's stunning costumes to Murray Ross' colourful set work, every corner of the production has been crafted with care.
Just as importantly, the inclusion of cultural advisors April Richardson and Maria Keil ensures the story is told with respect and authenticity, allowing Polynesian culture to inform the music, movement, language and design rather than simply serving as a backdrop.
Featuring talented young performers from across Echuca-Moama, Kyabram, Goornong, Rushworth, Numurkah and Deniliquin, Moana Jr is a joyful celebration of community theatre and the next generation of local talent.
Do yourself a favour: Gather the family, climb aboard and let this talented cast take you on an adventure across the ocean.
And if you're looking for a reason to book a ticket, well... what can I say except, You're Welcome.
Moana Jr runs from October 23 to 25. Tickets are available through the Echuca Paramount website.