EMTC's Moana Jr. cast sets sail
Echuca-Moama Theatre Company (EMTC) is ready to make waves with Disney's Moana Jr., announcing a talented cast ready to answer the call of the ocean.
It follows two days of auditions which attracted 64 hopefuls from across the region.
The final cast of 43 performers, aged between eight and 18, are from Echuca-Moama, Kyabram, Goornong, Rushworth, Numurkah and Deniliquin, showcasing the local wealth of performing arts talent.
Leading the voyage is Goornong's Mayla Pianto as Moana, alongside Josh Parker as the larger-than-life demigod Maui.
They are joined by Evie Bassett as Gramma Tala, Willow Nicholas as Tamatoa, Denvah Born as Chief Tui, Meaghan Gould as Sina, Madeline O’Brien as Young Moana, Amelia Krause as Hei Hei, Lyla Bassett as Pua, Angela Attahl and Aarush Bhatia as the mischievous Claws, Talitha Lawson as Te Fiti, three Chief Ancestors played by Maggie Oliver, Hunter Finn and Chloe McLaren, plus a vibrant ensemble of 28 young performers.
Based on the beloved Disney film, Moana Jr. follows the spirited Moana, daughter of a Polynesian chief, who answers the call of the ocean and embarks on a daring journey across the Pacific to save her island. Along the way she teams up with demigod Maui, discovering courage, friendship and the power within herself – all while delivering a soundtrack audiences know and love.
Co-director Alisha Beavis said she was blown away by the standard of auditions.
“It’s great to have so many standout young people new to EMTC, along with more than 25 returning performers who appeared in last year's production of Frozen Jr.,” she says.
"It’s fantastic to see our junior performers growing in confidence and skill. We definitely found a cast who are ready to answer the call of the ocean!"
Alisha said casting Mayla as Moana was a particularly special moment.
"Mayla is the very picture of Moana, with the voice to match. Making the phone call to tell her she had won the role was incredibly emotional. Her mum even sent through photos of Mayla dressed as Moana when she was younger, so this really is a childhood dream coming true."
There are plenty of other characters ready to steal the spotlight, with some unexpected stars emerging from auditions.
"Three standout performers from auditions will take on the role of chief ancestors, helping guide the audience through the story. Sisters Evie and Lyla from Kyabram both landed roles, which is such a special moment for them," Alisha says.
"I was completely blown away by Willow as Tamatoa. She brought such a sassy, energetic and larger-than-life personality to the role, with Angela and Aarush as her claws bringing their own superstar energy. They are going to be so much fun to watch."
Co-director Molli Johns says the final casting decisions were among the toughest the team had faced.
"There were so many strong performers with incredible character, personality and talent. Every young person who auditioned gave everything they had, which made the decisions incredibly difficult," she says.
The production team steering the canoe includes co-directors Alisha Beavis and Molli Johns, choreographer Melissa Keenan assisted by Parker Goulding, musical director Chloe Grant, vocal coach Sarah Mott, stage manager Darcy Harrison, production manager Brigid Dullard and costume coordinator Darcy McLindon.
Rehearsals have officially begun, with the cast learning songs and choreography as they prepare to take audiences on a journey they won’t forget.
"Audiences can expect to be transported across the ocean and immersed in Polynesian culture through dance, language and music,” Molli says.
Disney’s Moana Jr. will sail into the Echuca Paramount from October 23-25. Tickets will be on sale through the Paramount from next month.
For more information and updates, follow EMTC on Facebook and Instagram.
