RIS Elementary School returns to the stage with its first full-scale musical production in over a decade.
View the complete digital program for cast lists, production credits, acknowledgements, and performance details.
For the first time in more than a decade, RIS Elementary School students took center stage in a full-scale musical production, bringing Disney’s Moana Jr. to life through three performances at the Performing Arts Center (PAC) on May 28–29, 2026.
Featuring more than 200 students from Grades 3–5, the production marked the return of a cherished performing arts tradition at RIS. Since auditions in October, students have spent months rehearsing, creating, and collaborating across theatre, music, dance, and visual arts while preparing for the stage.
More than a musical, Moana Jr. provided students with an opportunity to explore storytelling, performance, and collaboration on a scale rarely experienced in the Elementary School.
More Than a Musical
Directed by Ms. Tania (Kristania) Sue Fanega, Moana Jr. was selected not only for its memorable music and engaging story, but also for the opportunities it provided students to explore new perspectives through the arts.
"I knew the story of Moana would be meaningful to the students, just as it was to me. It's something they could connect with right away, especially through the music and the characters. But beyond that, I wanted to challenge them to explore a different culture, languages, and movements that carried meaning. As we went deeper into the rehearsal process, they grew to love it even more, and that's what made the journey so special."
Inspired by Polynesian storytelling traditions and culture, the production encouraged students to look beyond their own experiences while engaging with themes of courage, identity, leadership, and belonging.
Throughout the rehearsal process, students participated in acting, singing, choreography, character development, scenic design, and technical production. Every contribution—whether on stage or behind the scenes—played an important role in bringing the story to life.
A School-Wide Effort
One of the defining features of Moana Jr. was the way it brought together multiple disciplines across the Elementary School.
Students worked with specialists in theatre, music, dance, visual arts, and production while classroom teachers, administrators, staff members, and parent volunteers supported the process from start to finish. What audiences experienced on stage was the result of months of preparation, creativity, and collaboration behind the scenes.
As Ms. Tania explained:
"Producing a musical is a huge collaborative effort. Bringing everything together takes time, patience, and trust from everyone involved. But that's where the magic happened."
For Elementary School Principal Ms. Madeleine Bystrom, the production represented the revival of a cherished RIS tradition.
"Bringing back a large-scale Elementary School musical after more than a decade has been incredibly meaningful for our community. The energy, joy, and excitement throughout the process made every moment of preparation worthwhile. It has been a privilege to provide our students with an opportunity to shine and share their gifts with the community."
Families were equally enthusiastic about the production..
"The response from parents and the wider community was overwhelmingly positive. Many shared how impressed they were with the quality of the performance and the confidence our students demonstrated on stage. Parents truly appreciated the opportunity for their children to be part of such a meaningful and memorable experience."
Three Moanas, One Journey
A unique feature of the production was the decision to feature three different students in the lead role across the three performances.
Phitsinee (Priya) Manophirom (Grade 4-2) portrayed Moana in Show 1, Narinya (Meena) Klinkhajorn (Grade 4-3) took the lead in Show 2, and Naomi Cutchawaree (Grade 4-1) performed the role in Show 3.
The role of Maui was portrayed by Noppipat (Cooper) Puapatanakul (Grade 5-2) across all three performances.
Ms. Tania explained that the original plan was to cast a single lead, but the audition process quickly changed that direction.
Families were equally enthusiastic about the production..
"Initially, we planned for one Moana. But when Priya, Meena, and Naomi auditioned, we saw different versions of Moana in each of them. It was hard to choose just one, so the best decision was to cast them all."
Having three leads presented new challenges, but it also became one of the production’s greatest strengths.
"Each of them brought something unique to the role, and I think that's what made having three Moanas so special."
Learning the Power of Ensemble
While audiences saw the finished production, some of the most meaningful lessons happened behind the scenes.
According to Ms. Tania, one of the most rewarding outcomes was seeing students embrace the importance of teamwork and collective responsibility.
"The students helped each other behind the scenes, reminded one another of cues, made sure everyone was in the right place, and truly became a team."
Following the final performances, many students reflected on the same lesson.
"They realized that a musical only works when everyone supports one another. One of our greatest achievements was helping them understand what it truly means to be an ensemble."
In many ways, that lesson became one of the production’s greatest successes. Students learned that every performer, technician, artist, and volunteer plays an important role, and that the strongest performances happen when everyone works together toward a common goal.
Watch the Performances
Scenes from the Production
Looking Ahead
For many students, Moana Jr. was their first experience participating in a full-scale theatrical production. For RIS Elementary School, it marked the return of a longstanding tradition while reinforcing one of the production’s most important lessons: that every role matters and meaningful achievements happen when individuals work together as an ensemble.
As the curtain closed on the final performance, students left with more than memories of songs and applause. They discovered new strengths, built lasting friendships, and experienced the rewards of working together to create something larger than themselves.
The RIS community congratulates all students, faculty, staff, volunteers, and families who helped make Moana Jr. such a memorable success
