(DEAL PARK, NJ) -- The Axelrod Performing Arts Academy presents a musical adaptation of Disney's Moana, Jr. at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center in Deal Park. Moana Jr. is a 60-minute musical based on the groundbreaking 2016 animated film, bringing the adventures of Moana and her village of Motunui to life on stage. Performances take place Saturday, April 6 at 7:00pm, and Sunday, April 7 at 2:00pm.

This performance features 15 local students, ages 7-13, from the Axelrod Performing Arts Academy. The show includes beloved songs from the film written by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina, including “How Far I’ll Go,” “Shiny,” and “You’re Welcome.”

“Working with these amazing students to bring this beautiful and iconic Disney movie to life on the stage has been a dream,” says director Justin Christopher Odon, founder and artistic director of Theatre@Home and Junior Theatre Productions. “This is a show you do not want to miss. Come take a journey with us!”

This thrilling and heartwarming coming-of-age story follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. Moana and the legendary demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as both learn to harness the power that lies within.

Celebrating the rich history of Oceania and based on the beliefs and cultures of the people of the Pacific Islands, Moana was developed in collaboration with an Oceanic Trust – a group of anthropologists, cultural practitioners, historians, linguists, and choreographers from the Pacific Islands. The respect and attention to detail used to develop the film was carried forward in the creation of this stage adaptation. With empowering messages of bravery and selflessness, Moana Jr. will bring out the hero within each of us.

Ticket prices are $10 for students and $15 for adults. The Axelrod Performing Arts Center is located at 100 Grant Ave., Deal Park. Parking is free. For tickets, call 732-531-9106 ext .14 or visit www.axelrodartscenter.com.

The Axelrod Performing Arts Center fosters artistic excellence by showcasing varied and distinct cultural programs which enrich the imaginative, intellectual and creative soul, inspire Jewish journeys, and cultivate an appreciation of our diverse communities through the pursuit of the arts. A 501c3 organization, funding support for the Axelrod PAC comes from individuals, foundations, and grants that enable the arts center to present our year-round events and programming.