Years 5 and 6 Moana Jr Musical
Jerome McClimont (Chief Tui) and Nylah O’Neill (Sina), Year 6
After a term of hard work, Years 5 and 6 students successfully staged the musical Moana Jr on 12 and 14 September.
With a double cast, everyone had more opportunity to take on lead roles, and Nylah (playing Sina on Tuesdays) and I (Jerome, portraying Chief Tui on Tuesdays) thoroughly enjoyed the couple of scenes we were in together.
We both loved the entire process of being part of Moana Jr, from getting our hair and makeup done to participating in dress rehearsals. Even though some of the rehearsal days were tiring, it was so much fun getting the chance to spend time with our friends.
We want to express a massive thank you to the parents for their tremendous support in allowing the lead cast to attend Wednesday and Sunday rehearsals, as well as for their invaluable contributions with hair and makeup, and the arrangements for refreshments.
Additionally, our heartfelt thanks go out to our dedicated teachers for their exceptional work in organising costumes, props, managing backstage, microphones, overseeing hair and makeup, producing, designing the set and program, and patiently waiting in the science labs on the night(s) to provide us with the opportunity to chat.
We'd also like to acknowledge Dina Zaitman who helped to rehearse the leads (we hope she enjoyed it as much as we did!), and we mustn’t forget Miss Radford who did an amazing job directing the musical AND teaching the classes their scenes. We hope she will enjoy her long service leave break.
Overall, this year's musical of Moana Jr was the absolute highlight of our year!
Jasmine Zhang (Moana), Year 5
My experience of performing as Moana was incredible. On the night of the performance, I initially felt quite anxious, but as soon as I stepped onto the familiar stage, all my worries seemed to wash away.
Some of my personal highlights include singing 'How Far I’ll Go' and seeing the entire cast strive to do their best. I particularly enjoyed all of the afterschool rehearsals and out-of-school rehearsals. After spending countless hours on the production, it was so amazing and eye-opening to see it come to life on stage.
Massimo Mammone (Maui), Year 6
As the curtains flew open on stage, a surge of excitement and anticipation rushed through us. After weeks of rehearsals during and after school, including weekends, this was the moment for all Years 5 and 6 students to shine.
I was thrilled to be playing the loveable, cheeky, and gregarious character of Maui - the demigod of the wind and sea. A larger-than-life character, it required hours of practice in order to portray him convincingly. As I stepped onto the stage, all my concerns just melted away.
Singing the song ‘You’re Welcome’ was especially challenging, but also the highlight of my evening. My favourite scene was ‘Maui’s Island’ where Maui meets Moana, played by Jasmine Zhang, for the first time. This is because Maui appears on stage as a big tough-talking character loved by everyone, and is truly shocked when Moana informs him the opposite is true!
I truly enjoyed working with Jasmine throughout the show, as well as the other cast members. It’s been such a great opportunity for me to make new friends and further develop my performing skills.
The efforts of every student culminated in a fabulous show, which received great cheers from the crowd. We all had such an invigorating and memorable experience, and I’m already looking forward to seeing future productions and the amazing performances yet to come.