MANSFIELD — The Mansfield Playhouse will be opening its 54th season at the 95 E. Third St. theater with a production of Disney’s “Moana Jr.” next week. This cast is packed with amazing vocal talents of Mansfield and the surrounding areas youth who have been in the rehearsal process over the last several weeks.
With this new opening, the Playhouse is a faced with yet another tough decision, but the responsibilities to the community will stay at the forefront. In other words, due to the again rising numbers of COVID infections and the for the protection of the children of the cast and audiences alike, masks will now be required to attend.
The Playhouse continues to make the facility a destination of some of the best live theater in the area while keeping up with safety concerns. “Moana Jr.” will be the first of the full season the Playhouse has planned since almost two years ago.
Music and Lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetiaia Foa’i & Mark Mancina, Moan Jr. is based on the 2016 Disney film, “Moana” book adapted by Susan Soon He Stanton. Music/orchestrations are adapted and arranged by Ian Weinberger.
The Chief Ancestors of Motunui 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.
While trying to escape with the Heart, Maui was attacked by Te Ka, a demon of earth and fire. In their struggle, the Heart was lost to the sea. Fearing Te Ka’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 has given the Heart to the future Chief of Motunui, Moana. With this choosing, Moana must now take on the task of finding Maui and returning the Heart to the goddess Te Fiti and save her own island and the future of others.
Show dates are Sept. 10, 11, 17, 18 at 7 pm and Sept. 12 & 19 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are only $5 for children 12 and under and $10 for all adults. Tickets are available online at www.mansfieldplayhouse.com or by calling the box office, Wednesday through Friday, from 1 to 6 p.m. at (419) 522-2883.
