Music Theatre International (MTI) is the rights’ holder for Disney’s Moana Jr. and provides the license for school and community groups to produce the show.  MTI have provided notes on the approach to casting Moana Jr. which our production team will follow:

Although fictional, the island of Motunui is an amalgamation of many real Oceanic cultures. So, unlike the stories of some musicals, Moana JR. is based on the beliefs and customs of real people.

When producing Moana Jr. with young performers, it is best to cast actors whose strengths will allow them to excel at the role they are assigned. Talent, need, capacity, and representation are all important considerations when casting a show. Some roles require a great deal of personality (such as when an actor is asked to play a comedic sidekick) and others require a level of gravitas best expressed by more mature performers (such as a parent figure). Casting young performers based on their appearance alone is best avoided.

Additionally, MTI provides some insight into the history and culture of the Pacific Islands, including information on geography, history, language, wayfinding, and mythology. We have engaged a Polynesian Cultural Integration Advisor to ensure our production is respectful of, and authentic to Pacific Island culture, and we will be engaging all cast in these aspects of Moana Jr.