This year at Newlands Intermediate we did Moana Jr as our school production. Over the course of three days and nights, we performed three shows, two evening shows, and a matinee. We’ve spent the last two terms preparing props, learning songs, and memorising lines. It was enjoyable but also took a lot of hard work to get the final result. We spoke to some of the lead roles about their experience.

MOANA: JADE TUFELE

We started by interviewing Jade Tufele who plays Moana in our production. “My least enjoyable part of the production was the rehearsals because, some of the time, we would have to go over things again and again, but I guess that is how you make progress. Having fun with my friends was definitely my favourite part.” She also said that she loved all the support she had from her friends and family because it made her feel more confident. Doing this production has encouraged Jade to do other productions outside of school.

MAUI: JESSICA-LEE GILGEN

“The bows were the best bit. I loved the bows because of how loud everyone was cheering. My least favourite part was waiting to go on stage. It was nerve-wracking because of how many people were in the audience. Overall, I found the experience heaps of fun because my friends were also in the show and we got to hang out together. My funniest moment was seeing everyone all dressed up and in their costumes for the first time as it was strange to see them in something different. Watching my friends do their best and have fun was an experience I will never forget. If I had the opportunity to do it all again, I would!”

CHIEF ANCESTORS: LARAINAH TAPELU, KATE COOPER, and CHARLI BICKERTON

Finally, we spoke to the Chief Ancestors, Larainah, Kate, and Charli. Larainah said

“My favourite bit was watching the show and standing on the black box because I loved seeing the audience smile. My least favourite part was having the first lines in the first scene of the show.”

Kate said her favourite bit was watching the show come together and her costume. The ancestors' costume was a white T-shirt with golden detail around the sleeves and a white pārēu. “My least favourite bit was going to early morning rehearsals because I had to wake up early.”

Charli's favourite bit was going on stage and performing at her best. She also said that “My least favourite bit was the technical rehearsals because things would often go wrong, and sometimes in the middle of singing the microphone would scream.” Charli’s funniest memory of the experience was Pua and Heihei screaming in rehearsals and when Mrs O-B accidentally called Pua, “poo poo.”

Despite all the hard work, early morning rehearsals, and loads of time it was definitely worth it. Overall everyone who was part of our Moana Jr cast had a really great experience and would love to do it again.