Moana JR

The show begins with the Chief Ancestors alongside the Ensemble telling the old tale of over a thousand years ago where the demigod, Maui, stole the Heart of the goddess Te Fiti (“In the Beginning…”). This was an act that caused the demon of fire, Te Ka, to attack Maui to obtain the Heart. Unsuccessful, the Heart fell to the ocean, which guarded the Heart for thousands of years to come.

The story turns to the present where Moana, the princess of the island of Motunui, is presented with the Heat by the ocean (“Tulou Tagaloa”). Moana has always felt that the ocean was a part of her, but her parents, Chief Tui and SIna, forbid her to sail beyond the reef, as Te Ka has made it too dangerous. They instead encourage her to focus on preparing to one day take her place as Chief of the island (“Where You Are (Parts 1 and 2)”).

The Villagers approach the Chief and fearfully explain how the trees have gone black and there are too few fish. Moana suggests that they simply fish beyond the reef,