Towering puppets, theatrical transformation for Disney's 'Moana'

It is the first stage adaptation of this classic coming of age tale inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios film.

Towering puppets

To create the incredible puppetry that will bring some of the characters to life on stage, Jeff Conover, Disney Live Entertainment creative director of puppetry and articulation, teamed up with master puppet designer Michael Curry, whose creations are featured in Disney's Tony Award-winning musical 'The Lion King' on Broadway.

The massive, fiery Te Kā will be a puppet of a scale Disney Cruise Line has never before produced. When Moana meets Te Kā and restores the heart of Te Fiti, the giant Te Kā puppet will shed its fiery shell and become the gentle island goddess, Te Fiti herself.

'Warrior Face' comes to the stage

Moana and Maui will perform the song 'Warrior Face' for the first time in the stage show when the demigod teaches Moana how to face her fears before entering the Realm of the Monsters to face Tamatoa. 'Warrior Face' will join classics from the Grammy-Award winning soundtrack in the stage show, including 'You’re Welcome,' 'We Know The Way' and 'How Far I’ll Go.'

'Disney The Tale of Moana' will begin in modern day on the fictional island of Motunui, in a set design filled with hints of Pacific Islands cultures that will appear throughout the show. The spirit of Gramma Tala, the narrator, will introduce her granddaughter, while through dance and songs in a mix of languages including Tuvaluan, Tokelauan and Samoan, the audience will learn how the ocean chooses young Moana for an incredible journey to restore the heart of Te Fiti.

Moana's journey, guided by a giant manta ray

Transforming the theater

In this iconic scene, the Walt Disney Theatre will transform from the island of Motunui into the open ocean tracing the great voyage Moana’s longed for her entire life. Twinkling stars will swirl overhead and a giant, glowing manta ray will emerge and soar above the audience as a newfound sense of courage fills Moana. The manta ray is the spirit of Gramma Tala, illuminating the way for Moana on her journey to save her people.

'Disney The Tale of Moana' will join shows including 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'Disney Seas the Adventure' aboard Disney Treasure.