Nagaland: Maple Tree School stages ‘Moana Jr’ musical at 13th annual function

Maple Tree School (MTS) captivated its audience on December 12, with a vibrant and emotionally charged staging of Moana Jr, presented by senior students as the highlight of the school’s 13th Annual Function 2025. The colourful production, filled with energetic performances and heartfelt moments, left parents and guests visibly moved.
Directed by well-known actor Bendang Walling, the musical brought together students from Classes 9 to 12, who had spent weeks collaborating with teachers, choreographers and mentors. Titled The Ocean Is Calling, the show featured singing, dancing and storytelling inspired by Disney’s Moana, the 2016 animated film rooted in ancient Polynesian mythology. Students also played key roles behind the scenes crafting sets, designing costumes, managing props and assisting with stage operations.
Creative support was provided by Limanungdang and Mapulemba, working alongside the school’s music department and student choreographers.
In her welcome address, school director Sashi Imchen highlighted how the annual function has grown into a platform for students to discover their talents and learn the value of teamwork. She noted that the foundation year programme for Nursery to Class 2 had been held earlier on December 6. Imchen also reflected on the school’s long-standing commitment to the arts, recalling widely loved past productions such as Beauty and the Beast, Oliver Twist, High School Musical and A Christmas Carol. Imchen emphasised that such events offer students more than stage exposure—they teach confidence, teamwork and empathy. She thanked parents, alumni and well-wishers for their constant encouragement and wished all families a restful winter vacation and a blessed Christmas. The evening’s programme was hosted by Mitela Kinny of Class 11
The evening opened with Golden, a lively performance by students of Classes 3 to 5, followed by the middle school’s Cante Intermedio Flamenco, presented by Classes 6 to 8. Both acts showcased weeks of preparation under the guidance of the art, music and dance departments. The programme was hosted by Mitela Kinny.