Moana Program Notes
Table of Contents
Event Details
Acknowledgement of Land
The Program
The Music Artists
Film Credits
CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
presents
Disney’s
Moana
Live-to-Film Concert
The North American Tour
6:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Eisenhower Auditorium
The program runs approximately 120 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission.
The screening of Moana will be presented with English captions.
Ticketholders are invited to a free Arts Engagement Family Program pre-show activity from 5:30–6:15 p.m. in the Eisenhower Auditorium Conference Room.
Sponsor
Support provided by
McQuaide Blasko Endowment
Accessibility services supported by
Sidney and Helen S. Friedman Endowment
Family pre-show activity supported by
Gerald B. M. and Sylvia Stein Memorial Endowment
Support for the Arts Family Engagement Program provided by
The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau
William E. McTurk Endowment for Program Support
A grant from the University Park Fee Board makes Penn State student prices possible.
Acknowledgement of Land
The Penn State University campuses are located on the original homelands of the Erie; Haudenosaunee (Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Mohawk, Seneca, and Tuscarora); Lenape (Delaware Nation, Delaware Tribe, and Stockbridge-Munsee); Shawnee (Absentee, Eastern, and Oklahoma); Susquehannock; and Wahzhazhe (Osage) Nations.
As a land grant institution, we acknowledge and honor the traditional caretakers of these lands and strive to understand and model their responsible stewardship. We also acknowledge the longer history of these lands and our place in that history.
Written by PSU Educational Equity in collaboration with the Indigenous Peoples Student Association and the Indigenous Faculty and Staff Alliance
Why do we make an acknowledgement?
The Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State gathers people together to foster communities, learn from our unique differences, and participate in civic engagement through the arts. We leverage the act of acknowledging the land to spark curiosity and conversation about our nation’s past, present, and future. This ongoing process can change our learning and healing journey as individuals and as a nation, and it is not meant to be resolved. We are not checking a box; we are living in the questions and the possibilities.
Visit Land Acknowledgment for more information.
THE PROGRAM
DISNEY’S MOANA LIVE-TO-FILM CONCERT
Disney Concerts and AMP Worldwide present Disney’s Moana Live-To-Film Concert North American tour, featuring a full-length screening of the beloved movie accompanied by live performances of a unique on-stage musical ensemble of top Hollywood studio musicians, Polynesian rhythm masters, and vocalists all celebrating the music and songs from this award-winning Walt Disney Animation Studios’ classic.
About the movie
Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped, and no one knows why.
From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes Moana, a sweeping film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) meets the mighty demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson), who guides her in her quest to become a master way-finder. Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds. Along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she’s always sought: her own identity.
Some flashing lights sequences or patterns may affect photosensitive viewers.
CONCERT PRODUCTION CREDITS
Tour staff
Company manager
Jennifer Holsapple
Production manager
Brianna Ballow
Audio engineer
Mario Alonso
Driver
Todd McClain
Special thanks to
- Grant Muāgututiʻa, cultural consultant
- Diane Burrell, tour logistics coordinator
- Black Ink Presents
- Clair Global, audio equipment
- Kuinise Leiataua Jr. and Anthony Kauka Stanley, Polynesian percussion section backline
- L.A. Percussion & Backline Rentals
- New Republic Merch
- Pride of Polynesia, Polynesian backline shipping
- Road Rebel Global, hotel arrangements
- Tri-State Travel, bus transportation
Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts. © All rights reserved.
THE MUSIC ARTISTS
VAEA A’ETONU (guitar and vocals) stands out as an exceptional artist whose illustrious career has left an enduring impact on the realms of entertainment and music. With over a decade of contributions to Disney’s creative ventures, he has become an integral part of the company’s artistic landscape. As a versatile guitarist, A’Etonu has performed with renowned artists such as Fiji, Tenelle, Pati, Local Culture, and Swells, bringing soulful and melodic performances that elevate every stage. In 2013, his dedication earned him the title of winner at the prestigious Weekend in Polynesia Talent Contest, a milestone that highlighted his outstanding commitment to his craft.
A'Etonu’s journey began in his homeland of American Samoa, where he honed his skills alongside local legends like the late Harry Miller. These early experiences shaped him as an artist and laid the foundation for his later successes. Today, he is a vital member of the Polynesian trio Faiva, a dynamic group poised to make waves in the industry. Beyond his solo and group work, A’Etonu remains engaged in the cultural performing arts community of Southern California, underscoring his devotion to celebrating and preserving the traditions of the Pacific Islands.
As a self-taught musician, A’Etonu immersed himself in genres such as jazz, rock, RnB, reggae, country, and his favorite, Polynesian music. Hailed as the preeminent guitar player from Samoa, his extraordinary career reflects passion, artistry, and dedication. From the enchanting islands of the Pacific to the grand stages of Disney and the reggae music scene, and now as a member of Faiva, A’Etonu continues to share the beauty of his heritage with the world.
KAI KALAMA (drums and percussion) is a full-time musician out of Eastvale, California, who continues to spread joyful connection to every kind of audience. Kalama was featured as a semi-finalist on the 2009 season of American Idol when he was 26. He was recently a featured score vocalist on Disney’s Lilo and Stitch live-action remake. Kalama, along with his brother Ryan, can also be heard as vocalists on the AppleTV+ production Chief of War. Kalama strives to continue creating avenues to further connect and share his Aloha through music and entertainment with all who are open.
RYAN KEAU KALAMA (bass and vocals) is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and educator from San Clemente, California. As a member of the Kalama Brothers with Kai, he has shared the stage with legends of Hawaiian music, appeared on NBC and PBS, and performed for many years at Disneyland’s Trader Sam’s. His voice can also be heard on the Apple TV series Chief of War, scored by Hans Zimmer and James Everingham. A lifelong Disney fan, Kalama is honored to join the Disney’s Moana Live-to-Film Concert tour, sharing peace, love, and aloha with audiences everywhere.
LAUREN KOSTY (percussion) is a multi-percussionist based in Los Angeles and London. She performs regularly in a range of genres including classical, jazz, musical theater, and recordings for film, TV and pop. Performance highlights include appearances with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl; the International Bruckner Festival in Vienna; Clean Bandit at the European Music Awards; Snoop Dogg at the Hollywood Bowl; and Cirque Du Soliel live on MTV. She also has recorded at Capitol Records with Grammy Award-nominated artist David Benoit and Sony Scoring Stage with Emmy Award-winning composer Bear McCreary. Kosty spends time touring in the United Kingdom for artists such as Ministry of Sound Classical, Sir Karl Jenkins, Russell Watson, Aled Jones, and Gareth Malone. She holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music and Master of Music from Carnegie Mellon College of Fine Arts.
ERICA “KIKA” PARRA (percussion), born in New York City and raised in New Jersey, is a Latin and Afro-Colombian percussionist, drummer, educator, and teaching artist. Related to Catalino Parra, one of the first members of the legendary musical dynasty Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto, her connection to traditional music of Colombia’s Atlantic coast runs deep. In the 1970s, her father, Oscar Parra, was one of the pioneers of Afro-Colombian traditional music in Barranquilla. With his guidance she started to play percussion at the age of 13. Parra later studied with Moris Cañate, her musical mentor and Rebolu bandmate. She then enrolled at the Boys & Girls Harbor Conservatory in New York, where she studied and performed with both the Colombian and Latin jazz ensembles under the direction of Pablo Mayor and Louis Bauzo, respectively. She is a graduate of Berklee College of Music with a bachelor’s degree in music education. Parra has since worked and collaborated with Center for Traditional Music and Dance, Folklore Urbano, Gregorio Uribe Big Band, Totó La Momposina, Sonia de Los Santos, Ruben Rodriguez, Miss Yaya, Roberto Cuao, Alex Acuña, Edmar Castañeda, and C&C Music Factory. As a drummer and percussionist, Parra has performed at festivals and events such as the Montreux Jazz Festival, Lincoln Center Outdoors, Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, SXSW, Mundial Montreal, Carnaval de Barranquilla, the Library of Congress, Getty Center, Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, NPR Tiny Desk, and many more. She was also one of the recording musicians for Disney’s film Encanto, inspired in Colombia, in which Parra also won three Grammy Awards and an Oscar Award. She is also one of the touring musicians and music director for the Encanto Sing-Along Film Concert. Parra La Gente is a new project co-founded by Erica “Kika” Parra and Eric Parra, which is inspired and focused on the relationship between a musician and dancer.
LESTER PAREDES (woodwind) is a Venezuelan artist and dynamic performer of diverse woodwinds, bringing global musical traditions to life with expressive, vibrant sound. For the past seven years, he has toured the world as a multi-instrumentalist and bandleader with Cirque du Soleil while also collaborating with a wide range of artists and world class productions. Alongside his woodwind mastery, he weaves in plucked strings and percussion to enrich his performances across India, the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. A Latin Grammy Award-nominated artist, Paredes fuses tradition and innovation to create soulful experiences that captivate audiences everywhere.
ANTHONY KAUKA STANLEY (percussion) is a ukulele virtuoso, composer, music director, and cultural ambassador who dedicates his life to preserving and sharing the beauty of Polynesia through music. The youngest son of renowned Kumu Hula Kathy Heali’i ‘O Nālani Gore Stanley, he has served as music director of Heali’i’s Polynesian Revue since age 15, helping to lead the company to numerous awards while inspiring new generations through his artistry. His career has taken him from Hawai’i and Tahiti to Qatar, Mexico, and across the United States, with performances at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, SeaWorld San Diego, Disneyland, and as a guest artist aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. As a master teaching artist for the Center for World Music, Stanley teaches hundreds of students each week, fostering cultural appreciation in schools and universities. A sponsored ukulele artist for Kala Brand Music Co., he continues to use his platform to bring Polynesian music to broader audiences. Whether performing, teaching, or collaborating with symphonies and cultural organizations, he continues his mission to preserve and celebrate Polynesian heritage through the universal language of music.
SIOELI TAMEFUNA (percussion) is a multi-instrumentalist from Orange County, California. Growing up, Tamefuna got his first taste for playing music in church. Since then, he’s traveled all over the world as a touring musician in the island reggae scene. Tamefuna also comes with an educational background in music technology and experience in Polynesian folk music and drumming.
NINA SOSEFINA (vocals) is a proud first-generation Samoan American woman, born and raised in Long Beach, California. “Growing up in a community rich with culture and resilience, I’ve carried my heritage with me in everything I do. Through both music and acting, I strive to create representation, open doors, and pave the way for Pasifika youth to see themselves reflected in spaces where we’ve historically been overlooked. My journey is not only about pursuing my own passions, but also about building a platform that uplifts my community, honors my roots, and inspires the next generation to dream boldly and unapologetically.”
FILM CREDITS
Directed by
John Musker, Ron Clements
Co-directed by
Chris Williams, Don Hall
Produced by
Osnat Shurer
Screenplay by
Jared Bush, Jennifer Lee
Original score by
Mark Mancina
Original songs by
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, Mark Mancina
Film voice cast
- Moana — Auli’i Cravalho
- Maui — Dwayne Johnson
- Gramma Tala — Rachel House
- Chief Tui — Temuera Morrison
- Tamatoa — Jemaine Clement
- Sina — Nicole Scherzinger
- Heihei/Villager No. 3 — Alan Tudyk
- Fisherman — Oscar Kightley
- Villager No. 1 — Troy Polamalu
- Villager No. 2 — Puanani Cravalho
- Toddler Moana — Louise Bush
© Disney
About Disney Concerts
Disney Concerts is the concert production and licensing division of Disney Music Group, the music arm of The Walt Disney Company. Disney Concerts produces concerts and tours, and licenses Disney music and visual content to symphony orchestras, choruses, choirs, and presenters on a worldwide basis. Disney Concerts’ licensed concert packages include a variety of formats, such as “live-to-film” concerts and themed instrumental and vocal compilation concerts, that range from instrumental-only symphonic performances to multimedia productions featuring live vocalists and choir. Featuring concerts from the largest movie franchises in the world — from Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, Pixar, and 20th Century Studios — current titles include the Star Wars Film Concert Series, Toy Story, Aladdin, Disney Princess: The Concert, Coco, The Lion King, Up, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, and The Muppet Christmas Carol.
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