Disney’s Moana Jr to delight Cape Town audiences this December
This December, Sonwa Sakuba Institute for the Performing Arts (SSIPA) proudly presents its Cape Town debut production – Disney’s Moana Jr – a heartwarming, adventure-filled musical on stage for one week only.
Based on the beloved Disney animated film and featuring an all kids cast aged 6 to 18, Disney’s Moana JR is a vibrant celebration of courage, identity and the power of self-discovery.
The show features all the beloved songs from the original film, written by Tony®, GRAMMY, Emmy, and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina, including ‘How Far I’ll Go,’ ‘Shiny Heart‘ and ‘You’re Welcome‘ and more.
Disney’s Moana Jr is Directed and Choreographed by Sonwa Sakuba, an acclaimed South African performer, choreographer and director whose work has been celebrated on stages across the country with credits such as SARAFINA!, The Tramp, Buzani Kubawo, and Once On This Island to name a few.
Sakuba is the founder of the East London based Sonwa Sakuba Institute for the Performing Arts, a leading training institution that has staged multiple award-winning productions at the National Arts Festival (NAF) in Makhanda, including Afrika Sings!, Dear Tata and Abangoni.
His productions are well known for their fusion of African storytelling, contemporary movement, and musical theatre artistry.
Musical Direction is by Kay Mosiane, whose extensive experience spans music direction, vocal performance, and education. She has played leading roles in Cinderella, Chicago, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change and Little Shop of Horrors.
She also starred in the acclaimed one-woman show NEXT! directed by Amanda Bothma and has shared the stage with South African icons such as Sibongile Khumalo, Gloria Bosman, Ringo Madlingozi, and Hugh Masekela.
Set Design is by Sonwa Sakuba and Robin Palm with Costume Design by Sonwa Sakuba and Marianne Hilstead.
Sakuba says:
“Moana JR represents everything SSIPA stands for – empowerment, imagination, and the discovery of self-expression through the arts. To see such young performers embrace this story of courage and connection is incredibly inspiring, especially as we mark our first production in Cape Town.”
This production is a milestone for SSIPA. After four successful years of training and performances in East London, the Institute is expanding to Cape Town and Johannesburg, offering its full suite of Kids & Teens, Foundational, and Professional Training Programmes.
The Cape Town staging of Disney’s Moana JR serves as the official launch of SSIPA’s Kids & Teens Programme in the region. Offering a dynamic training platform nurturing the next generation of South African triple threat performers.
Audiences can look forward to a dazzling, family-friendly theatrical event that is a perfect festive-season outing that celebrates young talent, storytelling, and the spirit of adventure.
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Show Information
Disney’s Moana Jr.
Venue:
Theatre Arts, Observatory, Cape Town
Dates & Times:
16 to 23 December 2025
Daily at 11h00 and 19h00
Tickets:
R150 Adults | R120 Scholars & Children here
Age Restriction:
All
