Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Art

Cast of 35 to present 'Disney's Moana Jr.' in Eveleth

The cast of the Lyric Center for the Arts production of "Moana Jr." performs a sneak peek April 26, 2023, at the Virginia Public Library in Virginia, Minnesota.

Lyric Center Youth Theatre Education will present the production, a 60-minute musical designed for middle school-aged performers based on the 2016 Disney film Moana. The play will begin at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

EVELETH — Respect for Pacific Islander culture and the environment is interwoven into a youth production of Disney’s Moana Jr. premiering Friday, May 5, in Eveleth.

Lyric Center Youth Theatre Education will present the production, a 60-minute musical designed for middle school-aged performers based on the 2016 Disney film Moana. Three performances are set and will begin at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

The cast includes 35 students led by Theatrical Director Susan Nelson, Musical Director Dorothy Sandness, Choreographer/Assistant Director Amy Peterson and Lighting Director Dustin Davidson.

"Lyric Youth Arts Theatre Education - Disney's Moana Jr."
Contributed
/
Lyric Center

A news release described the production as a thrilling and heartwarming stage adaptation of the coming-of-age tale of Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. She and the demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as she learns to harness the power that lies within.

This musical includes favorite songs by Tony, Grammy, Emmy, and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina, such as “How Far I’ll Go,” “Shiny” and “You’re Welcome.”

Lindsey Bergan headshot
Contributed
/
Lyric Center for the Arts
Lindsey Bergan of the Lyric Center for the Arts in Virginia, Minnesota.

Operations Manager Lindsey Bergan joined the Thursday, May 4, KAXE Morning Show to talk about the production and what audiences can expect.

“We live in Northern Minnesota. There are not many of us here who are from Pacific islands. We want to make sure that in telling a story of another culture, that we appreciate and respect their stories,” Bergan said.

The organization connected with Enormvs (li’o) Muñoz, a New York-based performance artist born on Hawaii, who provided choreography and cultural guidance.

“We wanted to source out maybe a mentor, who is born and raised in that culture, who could guide us along and make sure we’re making appropriate decisions — not making it stereotypes of tiki and luau, because that’s just kind of not what this story is about,” Bergan said.

Muñoz joined the cast by Zoom a few times, and Thursday, Bergan said he was on his way to Minnesota to be there for the final dress rehearsal and opening night.

Another priority of the production was to demonstrate to the youth cast that sets, costumes and props don’t have to be purchased new — thrifted and repurposed items are found throughout the performance, Bergan said.

“Maui’s hook was made out of papier-mâché and old cardboard boxes and such. And the kids have just been kind of realizing, you know, in your recycling bin, you can find these items and turn it into something magical,” Bergan said. “ … A big part of the story of Moana is conserving and protecting our oceans and our environment.” 

Tickets can be purchased online at lyriccenteronline.org, in-person at The Lyric Center Gallery, located at 510 Chestnut St., Virginia, or by calling 218-741-5577.

Disney’s Moana Jr. is presented through special arrangement and all materials are provided by Music Theatre International. Funding provided by a grant through Essentia Health and local small-business sponsors, Rachel’s Thrift Store and Culbert Realty.

Stay Connected