Mayla Pianto leads the wave of young performers in EMTC's Moana Jr. Photo: Tamara Cadd.
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Tamara Cadd
Mayla Pianto’s childhood dream is about to explode on to the stage, starring as Moana in Echuca-Moama Theatre Company’s junior production.
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The Goornong teenager grew up idolising Disney’s Moana and to be cast as the lead is a “dream come true”.
“Playing Moana really gives me a lot of courage,” she said.
“She was my childhood character. She’s taught me to be resilient and to look out for my culture.”
At just 14, the Marist College student has maturity beyond her years and carries her indigenous heritage with pride.
“My grandfather is indigenous,” she said.
Mayla leads a cast of 43 young performers who have been rehearsing since July to bring Moana Jr to life at the end of October.
Goornong's Mayla Pianto stars as Moana in Echuca-Moama Theatre Company's (EMTC) production of Moana Jr.
While it is Mayla’s first show with EMTC, the teenager has performed in several other productions.
“I’m loving being part of the this show and looking forward to everyone in our cast family looking out for each other,” she said.
“All the kids here really gravitate towards me, and I love that.”
Mayla Pianto of Goornong stars as Moana in EMTC's Moana Jr. Photo: Tamara Cadd.
Co‑director Alisha Beavis said the moment Mayla was cast is one she won’t forget.
“Mayla is the very picture of Moana, with the voice to match,” she said.
“Calling her to tell her she’d won the role was incredibly emotional. Her mum even sent photos of her dressed as Moana as a little girl. This really is a childhood dream coming true.”
Mayla Pianto, aged 5, dressed as her favourite character, Moana. Photo: Supplied
And she’s not the only local talent driving this production.
Madeline O’Brien, from Pine Grove, will step into the spotlight as Young Moana, while Tennyson siblings Denvah Born (Chief Tui) and Tauria Born (ensemble), and Rochester’s Nellie O’Brien (ensemble) all return after performing in Frozen Jr last year.
The Rochester and district contingent of EMTC's Moana Jr includes (from left) Denvah Born (Chief Tui), Madeline O'Brien (Young Moana), Mayla Pianto (Moana), Tauria Born and Nellie O'Brien (both ensemble). Photo: Tamara Cadd.
Co‑director Molli Johns said Moana Jr was more than entertainment — it’s a showcase of what young regional performers can achieve when given the space to grow.
“With colourful costumes, vibrant choreography, familiar songs and plenty of laughs, Moana Jr is a celebration of young talent and the magic of live theatre,” she said.
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