First Look: ‘The Tale of Moana’ show aboard the Disney Treasure
Disney Cruise Line has revealed new details about “Disney The Tale of Moana,” which will debut exclusively at the Walt Disney Theatre onboard the Disney Treasure in December 2024.
The first stage adaptation inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios film will feature set design and music that highlights the culture of the Pacific Islands and immerse audiences in an adventure with Moana as she travels across the sea.
“The Tale of Moana” begins on the island of Motunui, with the spirit of Gramma Tala serving as narrator, introducing her granddaughter, Moana. The story of how the ocean chooses young Moana to restore the heart of Te Fiti is told through dance and songs in a mix of languages, including Tuvaluan, Tokelauan, and Samoan.
Transforming The Walt Disney Theatre in “How Far I’ll Go”
To present the iconic “How Far I’ll Go” scene from the movie, The Walt Disney Theatre will transform from Motunui into the open ocean as Moana’s adventure takes her from her island home in search of Maui.
During the song, the theater will be illuminated with twinkling stars, and a giant, glowing manta ray will soar above the audience to represent the spirit of Gramma Tala, lighting the way for Moana as she embarks on her journey to save her people.
“The Tale of Moana” will Feature Innovative Puppetry
Disney Live Entertainment’s creative director of puppetry and articulation, Jeff Conover, teamed up with master puppet designer Michael Curry (creator of the innovative puppets for Disney’s Tony Award-winning Broadway musical “The Lion King”).
The show’s large-scale puppets include the fiery Te Kā, a puppet of a scale Disney Cruise Line has never before produced. When Moana restores the heart of Te Fiti, Te Kā will shed his fiery shell and become the island goddess herself.
A New Song for “The Tale of Moana”
As the demigod Maui teaches Moana to face her fears before entering the Realm of the Monsters and facing Tamatoa, the two will perform “Warrior Face” for the first time in the stage show.
In addition to “Warrior Face” and “How Far I’ll Go,” “The Tale of Moana” will feature favorites from the movie’s Grammy-Award-winning soundtrack, including “We Know The Way,” and “You’re Welcome.”
“The Tale of Moana” will join fan-favorite shows like “Beauty and the Beast” and “Disney Seas the Adventure” in the Walt Disney Theatre onboard the Disney Treasure.
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In October, we learned the Treasure will also debut the Haunted Mansion Parlor.
