H.C. Crittenden Middle School students delivered a rousing performance of the musical “Moana Jr.,” an entertaining show that brought the audience to its feet.
The show, involving 50 students in the cast and another 30 in the crew, was performed three times at the middle school last weekend. There were big dance numbers, beautiful costumes, amazing lighting and creative scenery.
It was the first live performance on the H.C. Crittenden stage in two years.
“Congratulations to the cast and crew of ‘Moana Jr.’ for putting together such a wonderful performance and giving us the gift of live theater,” said Kate Smith, a director of the show and the chorus teacher at the middle school. “It was a special gift not only for the students to participate but for the community to enjoy a live performance.”
“The students were amazing,” she added. “They were so energized.”
The musical is about Moana’s journey to help save the people of her island home. Along the way, she meets the demigod Maui, who helps her fulfill the ancient quest of her ancestors. The show touches on the themes of patience and perseverance as characters of various backgrounds and experiences bravely work together as members of a community, Ms. Smith said.
The cast and crew similarly joined together to put on a terrific show. “The students embodied the themes of the musical while preparing and performing the musical,” Ms. Smith said.
Seventh grader Kendall Sorenson, who played Moana, said being in the show was a great experience.
“I got to meet so many new people and develop strong friendships while having the time of my life,” she said. “The performance was great. Everyone had so much energy and we were all having a blast up on stage, singing and dancing our hearts out!”
Pete Pauliks, the District’s Director of Fine Arts, congratulated the cast and crew for the sensational production.
“The empowering messages of bravery and selflessness shined through in this show,” he said. “Thank you to the faculty, staff, and families for supporting our students in creating this beautiful production.”
Audience members rose as the actors took their bows.
“They loved it,” Ms. Smith said. “Everybody was raving and really impressed."
