By Jeanni Ritchie
Listening to over 370 students sing along with Moana to How Far I’ll Go reminds me why Lagniappe Theatre’s school shows always have my favorite audiences. Their excitement and energy is contagious.
Disney’s Moana JR. brings the beloved animated film to the stage in a 60-minute musical filled with fan-favorite songs like Tulou Tagaloa, Warrior, and You’re Welcome.
The story follows Moana (Lily Clouse) as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village, discovering courage, identity, and purpose along the way. Teaming up with the reluctant yet hilarious Maui (Corbit Bonner), Moana follows Gramma Tala’s (Sarah Arnold) words to restore the heart of Te Fiti.
One of the funniest scenes took place in the sparkly Lalotai, the dark underwater Realm of Monsters. Giant crab villain Tamatoa (Reagan Sweat) steals the show in Shiny, flaunting his treasure-covered shell and dismissing the idea of inner beauty. Flanked by Left Claw (Maximus Flatt) and Right Claw (Rhett Schexnayder), it was my favorite number in the musical.
Unexpected scene stealers were some of the youngest cast members as the Ocean. I talked with Emmy Ruby, one of the ribbon-wielding stars, post-show.
“I had a lot of fun,” Emmy shared.
I remembered growing up in theatre myself. Looking to the older students with bigger roles, knowing one day it would be my turn to memorize lots of lines. Learning that being in a production meant no part was too small.
The Ocean was definitely a big role in Moana, the colorful waves playing a part mere words couldn’t convey. I was impressed with the choreography of the sea, as well as its young performers.
Chief Ancestors Sophia Guin, Rylee Burgess, Max Warren, Logan Lemoine, and Lyla Moran helped bring the spirit and history of Motunui to life throughout the production.
As always, it takes an entire cast to make a great show, and Lagniappe has no shortage of talent. Rounding out the cast are Coya Pierce, Kaia Simmons, Lyla Taylor, Malachi Marzett, Natalie Johnson, Daisy Wester, Eli Robinson, Audrey Johnson, Lily Blakeney, Canaan Robinson, Cy Robinson, Ja’mari Wilson, Skyler Cruse, Abigail Upton, Amelia Beck, Aubrey Eaglin, Avery Davis, Avyanna Wilson, Baylee Vanderlick, Camylla Torres, Claire Strandquist, Ella Ruby, Ellie Jaques, Ellison Kirkland, Emma Brundrett, Emmaline Westbrook, Emmy Jolley, Evie Beaubouef, Gianna Hines, Grace Brundrett, Kaylee Shelton, Kloey Stone, Lizzie Strandquist, Lorelai Elston, Lucy Brundrett, Lucy DeKeyzer, Madison Colbert, Mary Francis Brundrett, Mary Gootee, Mary Hampton Beck, Mia Ellington, Natalie Kirkland, Nathalie Buller, Olivia Roberts, Reese Toney, Renlee Toney, Stella McCullough, Zaria Hudson, Dylan Boudreaux, Ezra Robinson, Flynn Cahill, Leland McCullough, and Ray Kelone.
They showed there’s no limit to how far Lagniappe performers will go to put on a great show!
Coming up next for Lagniappe, Guys and Dolls hits the stage July 9–12, and multiple summer camps for ages 3–18 are just around the corner for performers looking to sharpen their stage skills and join the fun. Each weeklong camp culminates in a production. Visit lagniappetheatre.com
