A talented cast carries the performance with their strong personalities.

By Camille Bounds

Camille Bounds

South Valley Civic Theatre’s children shows are always a grand surprise. And when director Jenn Oliphant leads a production, audiences enjoy a creative musical experience that goes beyond the ordinary. There always seems to be a part of her presence that makes the audience a part of the show as it unfolds. That is a true gift.

“Moana JR” is a delightful 75-minute adaption of the 2016 Disney animated movie. It offers fresh music, characters, and a few fun changes in the storyline compared to the original film.

Delphine Sen, 13, leads the cast as “Moana,” a young Polynesian woman with an adventurous soul who feels restless among her insular island village community. Her energetic personality endears the audience to her as she goes through her adventures, making getting through the journey delightful fun.

The challenges begin when Moana, in defiance of her family’s wishes, casts off on a quest to restore the stolen heart of an ancient spirit in order to save her village from blight and famine. Along her way she encounters “Maui,” a boisterous demigod with a personality leagues different from what Moana is used to.

Adam Hart, 12, plays the shape-shifting trickster with a comic flair. Together, the two unlikely companions brave mythic dangers in order to right the wrongs of the past and save the world.

A talented cast carries the performance with their strong personalities. Their enthusiasm is truly enjoyed. Seven-year-old Sienna Avila and 8-year-old Savannah Torres especially deliver their roles as Moana’s friends with super energy and vigor.

The SVCT production’s Natalie Fitzgibbons provides choreography for this fast-moving production. Special effects keep adults and kids in awe.

The real heroes of this production are the technical people and parents backstage. Can you imagine what to do with 64 kids from 6 to 14 waiting for their cue in a small backstage area? Malisha Kumar is the assistant director, Clara Shem Tov and Spencer Oliphant lighting, with Brian Bourke on sound — all do their jobs well. Lorraine Bell, Megan Christian and Katy Torres create costumes of high Broadway caliber.

For an enchanting afternoon or evening, this children show will take you on a fun musical adventure.

Camille Bounds is the theater columnist for Morgan Hill Life.