Children at a school in Dorchester say 'You're Welcome’ with their successful musical rendition of Moana Jr.

Pupils at Sunninghill Prep in Dorchester have just completed a run of three sold-out performances of Moana Jr, a 60-minute musical adventure.

The production included every child from Reception to Year 8, and is based on the Disney film Moana. The Sunninghill cast starred 130 students led by Lesley Nolan-Stone, Sunninghill’s director of music.

The musical is adapted for young performers and includes some favourites from the movie such as 'How Far I’ll Go,' 'Shiny,' and 'You’re Welcome'.

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Carolina, Form 8, who played Moana, said: “Being Moana is a gift, it is something I have always wanted to be since I saw the film.

"I really want to be part of the musical theatre industry, and this is a huge privilege."

Dorset Echo:

Alex, Form 8, who played Maui said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed being involved in this year’s production of Moana. It has been super fun to be a part of a project that involves the whole school.

"I was really keen to get the role of Maui, as he has always been my favourite character in the movie, and he has some great songs."

Mrs Nolan-Stone, who directed the musical, said: “After Covid stopped us in our tracks, I wanted to find a show that would involve and inspire all our pupils.

“I have been so proud of all the children for their commitment and enthusiasm to the show from the very start. I hope that in the spirit of Moana, our young theatre makers will take away from this that, like Moana, they too can accomplish anything they set their minds to.”

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The set, including Moana’s boat and pontoon, was built and decorated by a team of pupils and staff under the guidance of Sunninghill’s Head of Art, Susan Saines. Mrs Saines also worked with the pupils in their classes to create all the props, including the masks and colourful fish that adorned the walls and were waved by the junior prep during many of the songs of the sea.

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A talented group of parents, grandparents and staff helped with the costumes, hair and make-up.

Sunninghill headteacher, David Newberry, said: “I’m incredibly proud of all the staff and pupils who have worked tirelessly both on stage and in the technical roles to produce such a fabulous production.

"It really has been a huge team effort and has involved our whole school community, including parents, grandparents and other family members.

“It was a truly fantastic performance and they deserved every minute of the huge standing ovations that they received.”