Set Sail with Moana Jr. At The Dalles Middle School May 12-13 & 19-20
From The Dalles Middle School:
Disney’s Moana JR. is playing at The Dalles Middle School on Friday and Saturday, May 12-13, 2023 and Friday and Saturday, May 19-20, 2023. Friday shows begin at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday shows are at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Doors open 30-minutes before showtime. The 90-minute musical adventure, designed for middle school-aged performers, is based on the 2016 Disney film Moana. The seventh and eighth grade cast and crew includes 45 students led by TDMS Music Teacher, Leslie Sullivan. This musical is GENEROUSLY sponsored by our headline sponsor, Tonkin of the Gorge and Subaru!! The Dalles Middle School and Leslie Sullivan would like to thank them for stepping up during our time of need!
“I am a 7th grader who is very excited to be performing in my very first musical. At first I was very nervous to get out of my comfort zone. Being in this program has also been the number one reason I am motivated to come to school everyday, sometimes it calms my anxiety. Being a part of this program has also made me explore out of my comfort, and be more confident in myself. I am very excited for how this project is going and how everyone's hard work and dedication will shine through.” -N. Aviluz, “Chief Ancestor 3”
The Dalles Middle School Music Department is proud to present our 2023 Music Theater production, Disney’s Moana JR. This thrilling and heartwarming coming-of-age story follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. Moana and the legendary demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as both learn to harness the power that lies within. With empowering messages of bravery and selflessness, Moana JR. is sure to bring out the hero within each of us.
Celebrating the rich history of Oceania and based on the beliefs and cultures of the people of the Pacific Islands, Moana was developed in collaboration with an Oceanic Trust – a group of anthropologists, cultural practitioners, historians, linguists, and choreographers from the Pacific Islands. The same respect and attention to detail used to develop the film was carried forward in the creation of this stage adaptation. Disney’s Moana JR. is a 60-minute musical adaptation of the 2016 Disney animated film, bringing the adventures of Moana and her village of Motunui to life onstage. Moana JR. features all the beloved songs from the film, written by Tony®, GRAMMY, Emmy, and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina
Get Your Tickets!
Tickets are available to purchase at the door.
Only Cash and checks are accepted.
(Sorry, no credit card payments can be taken at the door).
Advanced tickets with credit cards may be purchased through the main office during school hours (Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.). For information on purchasing tickets please email Leslie Sullivan at sullivanl@nwasco.k12.or.us or call the TDMS office at (541) 506-3380.
Disney’s Moana JR. is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are provided by Music Theatre International. For more information about licensing Moana JR. or other Disney shows, please visit www.DisneyMusicals.com.
The mission of The Dalles Middle School Music Theater is:
• To teach creativity and responsibility
• To encourage teamwork and personal integrity
• To foster self-esteem and appreciation for live musical theater
Music Opens the Door on Learning
For this show, students have learned more than music, lines, and choreography. Ms. Leslie Sullivan has been teaching students about the culture of the Pacific Islands. Students have learned to sing in languages Tokelauan and Samoan as well as learned traditional Samoan dancing. They are continuing to learn how the show aligns with the culture of Oceania, as well as the wonderful underlying story of personal trauma and redemption told through the eyes of the characters in Moana Jr.
Ms. Leslie Sullivan states, “I am amazed at the passion and enthusiasm of these young people. Some people can say they truly enjoy going to work each day and I am one of those fortunate few! I love seeing each of these students grow in their gifts and talents and I am proud to share their efforts with the community! Moana Jr has been, by far, one of my favorite musicals to direct. It has been amazing to teach about the culture of Oceania and Samoa through teaching the students songs in native languages, as well as learning cultural dancing and traditions.”
Sullivan goes on to say, “I love the beautiful story of personal trauma and redemption that is painted well by the hard work of the cast and crew! It is my heartwarming reminder of the trauma our students have faced, and the redemption that I know each student is capable of.”
