Barrington students are excited to share two performances of Disney’s Moana Jr. early next month.

Hampden Meadows School students have been rehearsing the exciting production, which will take the stage on Jan. 6 and 7. 

The 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. 

“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,” stated a release from Arts Alive! “With empowering messages of bravery and selflessness, Moana Jr. is sure to bring out the hero within each of us.”

Dena Davis, of Arts Alive! Barrington, is directing the play. 

“I am so excited to be directing Moana Jr. this year!” Davis said. “Firstly, because I love the richness of the music and secondly, because I think it is written in a thoughtful way that makes the character of Moana flip the stereotypical idea of the ‘princess’ on its head.

“The script gives us a clever rendition of ‘the Hero's Journey’ through the story of a young girl who embraces her culture, feels a duty to her people, but is driven to do something which will require her to leave and embark on a journey to save her village. Theater has the power to teach us and inspire us to think differently. This is something I take very seriously working with young people.”

Performances will be held on Friday, Jan. 6, at 7 p.m. and on Saturday, Jan. 7 at 1 p.m. Both performances will be held at Barrington High School. 

Tickets are general admission and cost $8 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets will be available online at www.artsalivebarrington.org as well as at the door (cash only) before each performance. 

Arts Alive! Is asking all audience members to adhere to the school department’s Covid-19 protocols during performances.