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In recent decades, Disney has expanded its theatrical presence, producing stage adaptations that have gained popularity, rivaling its acclaimed films and theme parks. Shows like The Lion King and Newsies, along with the more recent Frozen, have showcased Disney’s talent in live theater. However, some of the company’s most innovative productions can be found well off Broadway, particularly aboard its newest cruise ship, the Disney Treasure.
The Walt Disney Theater on this ship, with a capacity of 1,274, serves as the centerpiece for on-board entertainment, offering three different shows during each week-long cruise: Beauty and the Beast, the Goofy-led Seas The Adventure, and a new, exclusive production titled The Tale Of Moana.
The Tale Of Moana, a reinterpretation of the beloved 2016 animated film, features Kaena Kekoa in the lead role. Kekoa has been part of this project since 2020, initially participating via Zoom from Honolulu. Reflecting on her involvement, she says, “Even then, we knew this was going to be special.”
Bringing the story to life on stage necessitated some adjustments. Director Connor Gallagher explains that elements originally designed for film, such as close-ups and intricate animations, were altered or omitted to suit the live performance format. Gallagher, along with co-choreographer Peter Rockford Espiritu, sought to include native Pacific Island and Polynesian performers in key roles, emphasizing cultural authenticity.
Apart from their roles in The Tale Of Moana, the cast members also contribute to the other productions on the ship, enriching the overall theatrical experience. Gallagher notes that this version of Beauty And The Beast features a diverse cast, stating, “We’re diversifying the talent in a way I haven’t seen on a Disney ship before.”
While Broadway-style performances are not new for Disney Cruise Line, The Tale Of Moana represents an ambitious direction for Disney theater, whether on land or at sea. The production incorporates lavish puppetry (including a stunning depiction of Te Fiti), 4D effects like smoke-filled bubbles, and imaginative staging with a canoe, blurring the lines between cruise entertainment and Broadway caliber. This raises an intriguing question: could the show eventually make its way to New York?
Gallagher expressed a desire for the show to have a life beyond the ship, saying, “Would I love for the show to have a life [off the ship]? Yeah, of course I’d love that. [But] I’m just celebrating it on the ship now. This, I’m happy with it.”
Interviewed alongside Gallagher, Kekoa, and Ainsley Hylton, who portrays Maui, shared insights on their experiences leading up to the production’s debut.
On Bringing Moana To The Stage:
Connor Gallagher: “Many shows don’t challenge me to deeply explore and educate myself. We needed to consider how to create something that respects and honors a specific culture. It was an exciting opportunity to celebrate the Pacific culture while making it accessible for audiences unfamiliar with it.”
Ainsley Hylton: “This production is created with Hawaiian culture at its heart, involving cultural advisors and performers from Hawaii. The Tale of Moana emerges from our stories, crafting a narrative that resonates with our heritage.”
On Differences Between Broadway & The Treasure:
Kaena Kekoa: “Performing on the ship means we rotate between Beauty and the Beast and Seas The Adventure. It can be a challenge to switch mental gears. However, our cast excels at immersing themselves in each story we tell.”
CG: “There’s a comforting aspect to performing on a cruise ship. Our audience is already primed to enjoy the stories we tell; they come in with affection for these characters.”
On Pre- & Post-Show Rituals:
KK: “About five minutes before we go on stage, we perform a Hawaiian chant in Oli, called ‘E Hō Mai.’ It centers us and prepares us mentally and spiritually for the performance.”
AH: “The E Hō Mai is also beneficial for vocal warm-ups, allowing us to connect as a cast. We gather in a circle, holding hands, to share our energy.”
KK: “Unlike theater on land, where you simply go home after the show, living on the ship requires us to support one another more. I often unwind by diving into video games, like ‘The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’ when the day ends.”
On Growing Up Disney:
CG: “Mary Poppins was a huge influence on me as a child. Growing up during the Little Mermaid and Lion King era, it often feels surreal to now work within the Disney framework, where stories connect generations and offer lessons on love and care.”
AH: “Watching Lilo and Stitch was a cherished memory from my childhood. It was profound to see Hawaiian culture authentically represented, especially through my mother’s eyes.”
KK: “Ariel has always been my favorite princess. Meeting her at a young age was a magical experience. Now, being able to inspire young audiences, particularly those who share similar backgrounds, feels like a dream come true.”
These interviews have been edited and condensed for clarity.
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