Preview of "Moana, Jr." by Amity MS Bethany Spartan Players

BETHANY - The Spartan Players at Amity Middle School’s Bethany campus are presenting their fall musical production of “Moana Jr.” this weekend.

Performances of Moana Jr. are Friday, Nov. 12 at 6:30 PM and Saturday, Nov. 13 at 6:30 PM.

With a generous grant from their headlining sponsor, The Jamie A. Hulley Arts Foundation (jamiehulleyartsfund.org), The Squarefoot Theatre Company’s Patrick Laffin has teamed up with Amity staff members Keith Smolinski, Robert Fragione, and Marissa Nall to bring “Moana” to the stage.

The Spartan Players do an admirable job of bringing this energetic story to life on the Amity Bethany stage, with a strong ensemble and talented middle school students cast in the leading roles. Everyone has mastered their lines and the choreography is solid.

There are many tropical outfits for the human characters and some imaginative costumes for the fantasy characters. I was really impressed with the scenic design, which includes Moana’s boat on a rotating platform and a shiny set piece for the crab.

There is a projection screen that adds to many of the scenes and the technical aspects of the show are pretty impressive overall. The waves of the ocean are suggested by billowing blue fabric.

The young lady who portrays Moana is a triple threat in the making and the young man who plays Maui, a shapeshifter and demigod, is a very strong actor who gets some of the funniest lines. Another student does very well in the role of Gramma Tala. Tamatoa, the giant, egotistical crab, is also played well by a young performer.

Since “Moana Jr.” celebrates the rich history of Oceania and is based on the beliefs and cultures of real people, the production team has considered their community and embraced the opportunities to include and learn about the cultures of the Pacific Islands.

The students perform with clear plastic masks and do well speaking and singing with them. The performers spent a month working on learning the music with Dr. Smolinski.

This is a great show for the youngest of audience members, with a familiar story, colorful costumes and great music...and both acts fit into 75 minutes. Everything is very family-friendly.

Performances of “Moana Jr.” are Friday, Nov. 12 at 6:30 PM and Saturday, Nov. 13 at 6:30 PM.
Advanced tickets are available through amsb.ptboard.com and will be on sale at the door for all performances. The school lobby is decorated for the performance as well.

Front Row: (Left to Right) Joseph Gallagher, Judy Primavera, sponsor, Grace Millard, Daniel Del Prete

Back Row: (Left to Right) Keith Smolinski, Musical Director, Fred Hulley, sponsor, Patrick Laffin (Square Foot Theatre Company), Thomas Francese, student