Pittsfield, MA – Berkshire Theatre Group (BTG) and Kate Maguire (Artistic Director, CEO) are excited to present Disney’s Moana JR., adapted from the original Oscar Award–winning movie and featuring over 40 youth actors from all over Berkshire County. Berkshire Theatre Group is grateful to Berkshire Bank for being the lead sponsor for Disney’s Moana, JR.
Disney’s Moana, JR. features students from across Berkshire County from the following schools: St. Mary’s School, Berkshire Waldorf School, Morris Elementary School, Lanesborough Elementary School, Capeless Elementary School, Herberg Middle School, Hancock Elementary School, Craneville Elementary School, Egremont Elementary School, Morningside Community School, Montessori School of Berkshires, Conte Community School, Becket Washington School, New Lebanon Jr/Sr High School, Walter B. Howard Elementary School, Monument Mountain Regional High School, W.E.B. DuBois Middle School, Connexus Academy (online school), Williamstown Elementary School, BART Charter School, Lenox Memorial Middle and High School, Pittsfield High School, Nessacus Regional Elementary School, Muddy Brook Regional Elementary School, Pittsfield High School, Richmond Consolidated School, Crosby Elementary School and Taconic High School.
Kate Maguire comments, “Moana, JR. is a great journey for our young company of artists. Not only are the children, who represent 28 schools in our community, working creatively together, but they are also learning about another culture and exploring more deeply our natural environment. As one parent said, ‘Right now recognizing and honoring other cultures is so important…This work is so meaningful…Cheers to an amazing production.’ We are fortunate to have the support of so many of our families, caretakers and educators. On April 21, 22 and 23, The Colonial Theatre will be a destination of discovery of our small world, the footprints we all leave and the courage it takes to make it better.
“Disney’s Moana JR. is a thrilling and heart-warming coming-of-age story that follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. With direction and choreography by Kathy Jo Grover, additional choreography by Joseph Poulson, music direction by Erin M. White and including all the beloved songs from the film, Disney’s Moana JR. is sure to bring out the hero within each of us. Grover says, “I’m really so very thrilled to be bringing our younger actors back onto the big stage at the Colonial again. To bring them back for this show, which is a celebration of the culture of the part of our world called Oceania and the rich history there, is truly exciting. The deep respect for the planet and particularly the ocean that permeates the story are deeply meaningful for all of us given the climate issues we face. At its heart there is a very human truth that we all have moments of both confidence and doubt, and these characters always manage to lift one another when the doubt sneaks in.”A portion of the proceeds from this production will benefit Oceana.
Tickets for Disney’s Moana, JR., as well as our exciting summer season productions are on sale now. All plays, schedules, casting and prices are subject to change. To purchase tickets, visit www.BerkshireTheatreGroup.org or contact our box office by calling 413-997-4444.
The box office is open Tuesday through Sunday 12pm-5pm or on any performance day from 12pm until curtain. BTG’s Pittsfield Campus is located at 111 South Street, (The Colonial Theatre) Pittsfield, MA.
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At The Colonial Theatre
Disney’s Moana JR.
music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancinabook
adapted by Susan Soon He Stanton
music and orchestration adapted and arranged by Ian Weinberger
based on the 2016 Disney film Moana
direction and choreography by Kathy Jo Grover
additional choreography by Joseph Poulson
music direction by Erin M. White
featuring over 40 Berkshire County elementary, middle and high school students Lead Sponsor: Berkshire Bank
at The Colonial Theatre
Performance Dates: Friday, April 21 at 7pm; Saturday, April 22 at 2pm & 7pm; Sunday April 23 at 2pm
Tickets: Adult $15; Children $10
ABOUT:
This thrilling and heart-warming 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. Featuring 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.” 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, Disney’s Moana JR. is sure to bring out the hero within each of us. A portion of the proceeds from this production will benefit Oceana. ###
Safety ProtocolsFor safety protocols please visit BTG’s COVID-19 information page:www.berkshiretheatregroup.org/covid-19-information/
About Berkshire Theatre Group
The Colonial Theatre, founded in 1903, and Berkshire Theatre Festival, founded in 1928, are two of the oldest cultural organizations in the Berkshires. In 2010, under the leadership of Artistic Director and CEO Kate Maguire, the two organizations merged to form Berkshire Theatre Group (BTG). Berkshire Theatre Group’s mission is to support wide ranging artistic exploration and acclaimed performances in theatre, dance, music and entertainment. Every year, BTG produces and presents performances to over 68,000 attendees and, through our Educational Program, serves over 11,000 Berkshire County school children annually. In July2020, Berkshire Theatre was the first company in the United States to earn approval fromActors’ Equity Association to produce a musical (Godspell) in the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic.