MTI musical · Broadway Junior
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Disney’s Moana JR.Script, Piano/Vocal Score & show details
- Broadway Junior
- Large cast (21+)
- Roles: 3 women · 2 men · 5 any-gender + ensemble
- G
The printed Moana JR. script comes with your MTI license. The digital version is a separate add-on for your whole cast and crew. See pricing
Moana JR. synopsis
Music and Lyrics by Opetaia Foa’i, Mark Mancina and Lin-Manuel Miranda
Disney’s Moana JR. is a 60-minute musical adaptation of the 2016 Disney animated film, bringing the adventures of Moana and her village of Motunui to life onstage. Moana JR. features all the beloved songs from the film, written by Tony®, GRAMMY, Emmy, and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina, including “How Far I’ll Go,” “Shiny,” and “You’re Welcome.”
This thrilling and heartwarming coming-of-age story follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. Moana and the legendary demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as both learn to harness the power that lies within. With empowering messages of bravery and selflessness, Moana JR. is sure to bring out the hero within each of us.
Full synopsis
The Chief Ancestors of Motunui and the Ancestor Ensemble recount the tale of how, over a thousand years ago, Maui, a shapeshifter and demigod, stole the heart of the goddess Te Fiti, the mother island ("In the Beginning..."). While trying to escape with the Heart, Maui was attacked by Te Kā, a demon of earth and fire. In their struggle, the Heart was lost to the sea. Fearing Te Kā's violent wrath, the Villagers of Motunui stopped voyaging, a defeated Maui disappeared, and the Ocean guarded the Heart of Te Fiti.
In the present, the Ocean entrusts the Heart to Moana on the island of Motunui ("Tulou Tagaloa"). Despite Moana's strong connection to the Ocean, her parents, Chief Tui and Sina, view it as dangerous and prevent her from venturing out beyond the reef. They advise Moana to embrace her future role as the chief of the village, and the other Villagers join in to encourage Moana to find happiness on the island ("Where You Are - Parts 1 and 2").
When the Villagers lament their blackened crops and the shortage of fish, Moana suggests fishing beyond the reef, but her father forbids it. Moana contemplates breaking the rules and voyaging out to sea ("How Far I'll Go"). Her friends, Pua and Hei Hei, try to stop her, but she remains steadfast. Together, the three push out to sea, but a large wave quickly capsizes their canoe.
Gramma Tala sees this failed expedition and decides to reveal the truth of their ancestors' voyaging past to Moana ("We Know the Way"). Soon, Gramma Tala grows weak, and in her last moments, urges Moana to draw courage from her inner voice, revealing that it is her destiny to return the Heart of Te Fiti ("Where You Are - Reprise"). After Gramma Tala's passing, an emboldened Moana resolves to fulfill her destiny and save Motunui ("How Far I'll Go - Reprise").
Moana lands on an island and meets the arrogant, yet charming, Maui ("You're Welcome"). She convinces him to help her restore the Heart of Te Fiti. However, Maui insists that they first find his magical fishhook, which allows him to shapeshift. To do this, they journey into Lalotai, the Realm of Monsters ("Warrior Face - Parts 1-3"). Here, they find Tamatoa, the giant, egotistical crab who collects valuable objects - including Maui's hook.
In Tamatoa's lair, Moana acts as a distraction while Maui finds his hook ("Shiny - Parts 1 and 2"). Maui tries to shapeshift and save them both from Tamatoa's clutches, but he fails to harness the hook's powers. To escape, Moana cleverly tricks Tamatoa into pursuing a piece of glowing algae that resembles the Heart of Te Fiti ("Shiny - Playoff").
Distraught over his failure to shapeshift, Maui loses confidence, but the ever-resilient Moana refuses to give up ("Warrior Face - Reprise / Logo Te Pate"). A revitalized Maui then agrees to teach Moana the ancient skills of wayfinding to help them in their mission.
As Moana and Maui finally approach Te Kā, they are met by treacherous seas. When Moana refuses to back down, a powerful wave cracks Maui's hook. Wanting to avoid permanent damage to the hook, Maui leaves Moana to finish the quest alone. Gramma Tala appears and reminds Moana of who she is and where she comes from ("Song of the Ancestors").
With her confidence restored, Moana finally faces Te Kā. Maui returns to help, but Te Kā destroys his hook. Listening to her inner voice, Moana suddenly has a realization about Te Kā and lets the monster approach. Face to face with
Te Kā, Moana places the Heart into Te Kā's chest ("Know Who You Are"). Te Kā transforms into the goddess Te Fiti and restores Maui's hook ("Te Fiti Restored" / "Tulou Tagaloa - Reprise").
Moana returns home to a revived Motunui. Once more, the Villagers of Motunui assume their identity as voyagers, now with Moana as their master wayfinder ("We Know the Way - Finale").
Synopsis courtesy of Music Theatre International (MTI).
Moana JR. characters & vocal ranges
The Moana JR. musical has 9 named roles plus an ensemble, for a large cast (21+). Many roles can be cast across gender. ‘Written as’ reflects how MTI lists each role.
| Character | Written as | Vocal range | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moana | Female | D5–G3 | The vibrant, tenacious, and optimistic daughter of Motunui’s chief. She struggles to reconcile her father’s plans for her to take over as the village chief with her own desires to voyage beyond the reef. Ultimately, Moana proves a compassionate and capable leader. Cast an actor who can portray great maturity, possesses incredible energy, a fun sense of humor, and can confidently deliver songs like “How Far I’ll Go.” |
| Maui | Male | B3–G2 | A demigod and master wayfinder with charisma to spare and a reputation of being a trickster. Despite his hard exterior, Maui becomes a wonderful friend and mentor to Moana throughout their journey. Cast an actor with great comic timing who can portray this shapeshifter’s larger-than-life personality through big gestures and high energy, making moments like “You’re Welcome” true showstoppers. Note: The character Maui is based on the fabled Pacific Island demigod, so proceed with respect and caution in costuming and portrayal. |
| Chief Ancestors (1-3) | Not listed | A4–G3 | Chief Ancestors (1-3) are the three ancient leaders of Motunui. They guide Moana on her quest and narrate her story through speaking and singing solos. These ancestors should be animated storytellers who have excellent diction. |
| Gramma Tala | Female | B4–G3 | Moana’s wise grandmother and the mother of Chief Tui. She is the village storyteller known for being eccentric and dancing to the beat of her own drum. Look for a playful actor and singer who can balance comic timing in “Where You Are (Part 2)” with heartfelt sincerity in “Song of the Ancestors.” |
| Chief Tui | Male | A#2–E2 | The proud leader of Motunui and Moana’s father. He prioritizes the safety of his people and his family. For this beloved and respected ruler, cast a mature and poised actor who can sing very well. After Chief Tui’s scenes at the top of the show, the actor can join the Maui, Monster, and/or Shiny ensembles before returning to this primary role at the show’s end. |
| Sina | Female | C#5–C#4 | Moana’s supportive mother. She is compassionate, perceptive, and strong-willed, and trusts her daughter to make the right decisions. With both speaking and singing solos, look for a confident singer and actor who can embody a mature and respected leader. After Sina’s scenes at the top of the show, the actor can join the Maui, Monster, and/or Shiny ensembles before returning to this primary role at the show’s end. |
| Pua | Not listed | C#5–B3 | Moana’s fiercely loyal friend. Pua always supports Moana – even if it means facing her own fears. An actor who is also a confident singer can make Pua’s moments in “Where You Are (Part 2),”“How Far I’ll Go,” and “We Know the Way (Finale)” stand out. |
| Hei Hei | Not listed | C#5–B3 | Moana’s not-so-bright friend. Hei Hei is well- meaning, but naive. Cast an actor who can portray Hei Hei’s innocence and own both speaking and singing solos in “Where You Are (Part 2),”“How Far I’ll Go,” and “We Know the Way (Finale).” |
| Tamatoa | Not listed | B4–B3 | The vicious and egotistical giant crab who lives in Lalotai, the Realm of Monsters. Tamatoa enjoys gathering shiny baubles to add to an ever-growing collection. For this self-centered crab with a keen sense of showmanship, cast an actor who isn’t afraid to own the stage and really shine. |
| Ensemble | Not listed | Not listed | Ensemble roles include Ancestor Ensemble, Ocean Ensemble, Villagers (Dancers, Weavers, Fishers 1 & 2), Maui Ensemble, Monsters, Gate Monster, Left Claw, Right Claw, Shiny Ensemble, Te Fiti, Te Kā |
Moana JR. song list
- In the Beginning...
- Tulou Tagaloa
- Where You Are (Part 1)
- Where You Are (Part 2)
- How Far I'll Go
- We Know the Way
- Where You Are (Reprise)
- How Far I'll Go (Reprise)
- You're Welcome
- Warrior Face (Part 1)
- Warrior Face (Part 2)
- Warrior Face (Part 3)
- Shiny (Part 1)
- Shiny (Part 2)
- Song of the Ancestors
- Warrior Face (Reprise) / Logo Te Pate
- Know Who You Are
- Te Fiti Restored
- Tulou Tagaloa (Reprise)
- We Know the Way (Reprise)
How to get the Moana JR. script & Piano/Vocal Score
The printed materials come with your MTI license. The digital version is an add-on that gives your whole cast and crew immediate access. See what that looks like
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Delivered through ProductionPro, MTI’s exclusive digital delivery partner. Looking for a free Moana JR. script PDF? The script comes with your MTI license, so it isn’t available on its own.
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