Earlier in the school year, Hawaii’s youth showcased their talent through the heartfelt and moving story of “The Little Mermaid, Jr.” at Sacred Hearts Academy.
Sponsored by Mo‘olelo Studios, the production included students from the Academy, Punahou School and Kamehameha Schools. Mo‘olelo Studios encouraged the young performers to “give it their all.”
A beautiful sunset gala took place on the opening night in September, inviting community members, families and alumnae to enjoy a night under the sea on campus. With stunning immersive projections in the school’s auditorium and throughout the play, the audience was drawn into the story and captivated by the cast’s talent.
Beyond the performance itself, the evening also created space for meaningful connections within the school community. The Academy’s student ambassadors connected with alumnae, sharing stories about their time at the school.
“I found it so exciting that alumnae were able to communicate with current students and share stories comparing and contrasting from then,” student ambassador and senior Keira Wheeler said.
With Academy students, like junior Sage Nguyen—who portrayed the villain Ursula—showing their dedication to the craft, the performance highlighted both the challenges and emotions that come with theater. Freshman McKinnely Harris also starred as the main character, Princess Ariel, her first production in her first year at the Academy.
“Theater has this way of teaching lessons without saying it full out,” Nguyen said. “You learn this story in a way that’s digestible. You learn more when you’re watching the show rather than someone just telling you.”
Not only did students from the Academy participate, but one of the school’s teachers and parents, Kehau Bugado, also helped behind the scenes as the “backstage mom.”
“If everyone can come and support our theater program, we put on some amazing shows,” Bugado said.
Mo‘olelo Studios is now preparing for the annual Christmas Spectacular, which was a sold-out event on campus last year.
This year’s celebration will feature the winter production of “The Year Christmas Was Almost Cancelled” and include festive activities for all ages. Guests can enjoy a simulated snowstorm across campus, a s’mores station, letters to Santa and holiday-themed game stations.
