By: Mr. Simon Norton 

Mont’Kiara International School (M’KIS) Middle Years Programme (MYP) & International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) Theatre Teacher

Moana Jr. was a Mont’Kiara International School (M’KIS) Middle School and High School (MS & HS) musical production, performed to full-house audiences on 21 and 22 November 2025 at the M’KIS Theatre.

When school productions are remembered, they are often defined by the big, show-stopping moments: the leads who carry the narrative, the high notes, the sweeping choreography. And while Moana Jr. certainly had all of these, the story I want to tell is something deeper. This production—more than anything—was a testament to growth. To courage. To the small victories that happen quietly, long before the audience arrives. Our musical theatre programme is not simply a class; it is a place where students discover strength, resilience, and joy in themselves and one another.

From the very beginning, our process was structured to build the foundations slowly and intentionally. In class, we focused first on ensemble choreography and singing—the building blocks of the show. We shaped the large group numbers, learned harmonies, rehearsed formations, and created the movement vocabulary that would become the life of the village and the spirit of the ocean.

Meanwhile, many of our lead performers worked on their solo numbers, scene work, and character development. Afternoon rehearsals brought all of these threads together. This was when we integrated performers who were not in the in-class ensemble—our Chief Tui, Sina, Gramma Tala, and others—staging their scenes and crafting transitions. In class, understudies stepped into these roles so we could rehearse continuously and give all students a chance to see how the story fit together.

By the time we reached the final weeks, we had built a production in layers—each class, each rehearsal, each student contributing something to the whole.

Our performers carried the narrative with grace, confidence, and emotional honesty. Their ability to learn demanding music, refine intricate choreography, and embody rich characters—while balancing academics and daily life—was remarkable. Our principal cast anchored the show with strength and generosity, allowing the ensemble around them to shine. 

Just beyond the spotlight, however, lived another story—one that reveals the true spirit of this production.

It is the story of the ensemble members who grew quietly but profoundly. Students who arrived at the first rehearsal feeling overwhelmed by choreography, returned every day, without complaint, repeating the steps until something clicked. By opening night, they had transformed into confident dancers and committed storytellers.

We also witnessed moments of remarkable bravery: our high school student who played the Claw stepped far outside of his comfort zone, creating a cameo that was unexpected, heartfelt, and wonderfully endearing—a reminder of how theatre invites us to take bold risks.

Among the ensemble, we saw countless contributions that shaped the world of the story. Our weavers and gatherers worked with a gentle precision, performing their tasks with sincerity and care. Their quiet storytelling added depth to scenes. These roles demanded consistency, timing, and genuine presence—and they delivered all three with increasing confidence.

Our Ocean Ensemble blended strength and grace as they carried some of the heaviest set transitions while maintaining the fluid, shifting energy of the ocean. Their focus and stamina were extraordinary, and their work added a sense of magic to the movement of the stage.

Our Monster Gate dancers took on some of the most strenuous choreography of the entire show—breakdance-inspired poses, dynamic floorwork, and intense physicality. They pushed themselves far beyond what they thought they could manage and brought incredible energy to the scene.

And then there was the Monster and Maui Ensemble, our vibrant Grade 6 group, whose enthusiasm was absolutely infectious. They sang boldly, danced joyfully, volunteered constantly, and stepped into any missing role without hesitation. Their excitement reminded all of us why we love musical theatre.

Our Chief Ancestors, rehearsing across different classes and rarely all together during the day, learned to unify timing, delivery, and presence through sheer dedication. Their ability to find cohesion despite the logistical challenges was a true testament to teamwork.

Our high school dancers deserve special recognition. Their discipline, grace, and focus set the tone for every rehearsal. They led not with words but through example—always prepared, always working hard, always willing to help. Their presence raised the standard for everyone, and their influence on the younger students cannot be overstated.

Across the village, ocean, monster, ancestor, and Maui ensembles, every subgroup contributed something essential. The examples above represent only a handful of the many small moments that brought richness to the production. 

These are the victories that reveal what a musical theatre programme truly offers: a space where students discover not just how to perform, but how to grow.

Moana Jr. was a beautiful performance. But it was an even more beautiful process. It was built on collaboration, courage, and countless quiet triumphs that may never be seen from the audience but were felt deeply in the rehearsal room.

To every student—leads, ensemble, dancers, set painters, and everyone in between:

You mattered.
You were essential.
You made this show what it was.

Your work deserves to be celebrated, and we are profoundly proud of each of you.

Check out excerpts of Moana Jr. performance at this Youtube link.