Rocco NW Siok has quite a bit of experience on stage, and the Riverside seventh grader is about to add Disney’s Moana JR. to that list. We caught up with Rocco, who encourages all to come out and see the show, with a Q&A before he takes the stage starting this weekend …

Part in Musical: Hei Hei

Current Grade: 7th

Been in musicals/plays since: Matilda at Riverside High School was my first musical.  I was in third grade and played Nigel.

Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in: Matilda-Nigel; Seussical the Musical-a Who; Mary Poppins-Michael Banks; Newsies-Romeo; and currently Moana-Hei Hei

Favorite Song in this musical: “You’re Welcome”

What interested you in this role: The connection with my co-leads, such as Pua, Moana, Sina, and the Chief

What is an iconic prop in the musical or favorite part of your costume: I actually was able to design and create multiple prop and set pieces!  My favorite props are the monster masks.

What’s the hardest part about your role: Personifying a chicken with speaking and responses while simultaneously mimicking the motions of a chicken.  Hei Hei doesn’t speak in the movie so this was a fun challenge on stage.  

Has your character taught you anything “life changing” or that will stay with you after the show: Well, I’m a chicken-so survival of the fittest I suppose!

What do you think the audience will like about the musical: It differentiates from the original movie, adding an element of surprise for the audience.

What is unique about this musical: It is a fast paced production with a variety of song and dance with Samoan origin.

If you could have a part in any musical … what would that musical be and why: Michael Jackson in MJ because it would be a challenge both vocally and physically, but one I would enjoy to try!

What other activities are you involved in: Cross Country, Track and Field, New Castle Mini-Stars, Robotics, and  Envirothon/EnviroQuest.

Future plans: I would like to study law at Penn Stare

Anything else you would like to add: Be sure to grab your tickets, they’re selling fast!  Looking forward to seeing everyone on opening night!

Don’t Miss the Show!

Disney’s Moana JR. is a musical based on the 2016 Disney animated movie Moana, about an adventurous teenager who embarks on a daring mission across the Pacific Ocean to save her people. With the once-mighty demigod Maui as her unlikely companion, Moana sets sail to fulfill the quest of her ancestors and discover her own destiny. Moana Jr. follows the spirited teenage daughter of a Polynesian chief who is chosen by the ocean to return a mystical stone to the goddess Te Fiti to save her island from a blight. On her quest, she teams up with the once-mighty demigod Maui, and together they navigate the ocean, face monsters, and complete an ancient task. Along the way, Moana learns about her identity, her ancestors, and finds her inner strength.

Show dates include May 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17: Fridays, & Saturdays: 7:30 p.m. and Sundays: 2 p.m.

Get tickets here

Online sales end approximately one hour prior to the start of the show.