“We tell the stories of our elders in a never-ending chain.”
-Moana, JR.
Welcome to Moana, Jr. and the Island of Motunui!
Whether you’re a seasoned Davis musical supporter or joining us for the first time—prepare to be amazed. If you’ve never seen a Davis production, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. Davis Theatre is like no other youth theatre in the nation. Our productions feature large-scale, Broadway-level values and design; most importantly, there are no cuts. That means every child who wishes to participate has a place on our stage. Every voice matters. Every story counts.
It takes a strong, talented, and beautiful village—much like the Village of Motunui — to bring a production like this to life. Tonight, that village includes every student, teacher, administrator, staff member, family member, mentor, and volunteer who poured their heart into this journey. Please join us in celebrating these incredible young artists with your generous applause, uplifting energy, and enthusiastic connection. Let’s fill this theatre with the joy, warmth, and awe they deserve.
The poignant lyric "We tell the stories of our elders in a never-ending chain" from Moana Jr. is our contolling metaphor for this production and told in the style of Greek Theatre.IT reminds us that we are part of something much greater than ourselves. Moana is a story about finding one’s voice, stepping into leadership, and having the courage to face the unknown—not just for oneself, but for one’s people. It is a story of bravery, legacy, and love—a story that beautifully mirrors our Jewish values and the journey we each take as individuals and as a community.
In Moana, the strength to move forward comes from behind—from the voices of ancestors, the guidance of elders, and the memories of those who came before. Moana quite literally stands upon her grandmother's wisdom, her people's legacy, and the traditions of her land and sea. This is l’dor v’dor—from generation to generation. We, too, are carried forward by those who paved the way before us—our ancestors, families, teachers, and mentors.
This production has been a powerful expression of that legacy. Ten alumni mentors stepped back onto our stage to share their passion and guide the next generation. Twelve alumni parents and grandparents returned to support this show with their time, wisdom, and heart. Over the past four months, over 25 rehearsal mentors lent their talents, and five additional alumni gave their energy to our tech and backstage crew. Their presence is not only a gift—it’s a reminder that we are never walking this path alone.
In Jewish tradition, we say that we “stand upon the shoulders of giants.” Every child in this cast carries with them not only their own spirit, but the love, faith, and vision of those who have nurtured them. As we pass stories down and bring them to life on stage, we strengthen the sacred chain that binds generations together.
This brings me to why I love theatre and believe it is a deeply spiritual experience. The word "theatre" comes from the Greek word thea-tron, meaning "seeing place." Theatre is not just entertainment but a mirror we hold up to humanity. It allows us to see each other’s stories, to reflect the joys, sorrows, triumphs, and failures that define our shared existence. On stage, actors embody the experiences of others, and audiences are invited into a sacred act of seeing and being seen.
