The students in the John W. Dodd Middle School Drama Company took audience members on an epic journey across the sea during their production of "Moana, Jr." on Jan. 19.
The stage adaptation of the animated movie featured a vibrant set which provided a scenic stage for the talented middle school students to tell the tale of self-discovery and family heritage. With Genesis Adams playing the courageous Moana, Daniel Melendez as Maui the demigod and Tefiti, Jennah Newton as Gramma Tala, Nixon Reyes as Chief Tui and Kaylah Willams as the evil fire monster Te Ka, the student-actors performed with emotion and compassion.
Co-directed by Dodd teachers Vashti Burke and Renson Delos Santos, the students diligently rehearsed their singing, acting and choreography to honor and preserve the cultures and practices of the Oceanic region. The audience was thoroughly entertained throughout the outstanding performance.