Moana Jr co-director Alisha Beavis (far right) and vocal coach Sarah Mott (centre) with the Kyabram cast members, including (from left) Evie Bassett (Gramma Tala), Eden Cornwall (ensemble), Madeline O'Brien (Young Moana), Ayla Cornwall (ensemble), Willow Nicholas (Tamatoa) and Jasmin Grima (ensemble). Photo: Tamara Cadd
Kyabram kids aren’t just joining Moana Jr — they’re helping drive it.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
With co‑director Alisha Beavis at the helm and six young performers from the district stepping into major roles, Kyabram’s talent is about to hit the stage with force in Echuca-Moama Theatre Company’s junior production.
For Alisha, watching her hometown’s kids step into the spotlight has been so rewarding.
“I was really excited by how many Kyabram kids auditioned, because I know there is a lot of talent in our town,” she said.
“It’s a big commitment for their parents, and our Kyabram cohort is really fortunate to have a network sharing the load of the commutes.”
Willow Nicholas of Kyabram stars as Tamatoa in EMTC’s Moana Jr.
The Kyabram contingent includes Evie Bassett, who brings wisdom and warmth to the role of Gramma Tala, and her sister Lyla Bassett, who stars as Moana’s loyal sidekick Pua.
Willow Nicholas takes on the larger‑than‑life crab villain Tamatoa, while Ayla Cornwall, Eden Cornwall and Jasmin Grima form part of the ensemble, returning after performing in Frozen Jr last year. Kyabram’s Sarah Mott is also supporting the cast as vocal coach.
Director Alisha Beavis paints Eden Cornwall's face during Echuca-Moama Theatre Company’s Moana Jr photoshoot.
Alisha said the community’s response had matched the children’s enthusiasm.
“Delivering posters around town was wonderful. Business owners said the kids were beautifully mannered, well spoken and confident — a testament to their families and the communities around them,” she said.
With 43 young performers involved, Moana Jr has demanded commitment, stamina and teamwork — qualities Alisha said theatre helped build in young people.
“I think theatre plays such an important role in building confident and resilient young people,” she said.
“They learn preparedness in auditions, professionalism and work ethic in rehearsals, responsibility through learning scenes and choreography, and confidence by pushing beyond their comfort zones in a supported environment.
“And they get to do all of that while singing, dancing and dressing up, which is pretty fun.”
With rehearsals nearing the finish line, Alisha said praised the young performers’ growth and how they had embraced the cultural elements of the show with maturity.
“Some of the kids have been asking our cultural advisors for guidance to make sure they’re honouring Polynesian culture. Seeing them take that responsibility seriously is really beautiful,” she said.
Moana Jr runs for five performances from October 23 to 25 at Echuca Paramount.
20°C