‘The Old Man and the Old Moon’ at Mission San Juan Capistrano – News

‘The Old Man and the Old Moon‘ at Mission San Juan Capistrano from the South Coast Repertory’s Outside SCR by PigPen Theatre Co.

Embark on a captivating journey this summer as South Coast Repertory (Artistic Director David Ivers and Managing Director Paula Tomei) returns for a final season at the 250-year-old Mission San Juan Capistrano with ‘The Old Man and the Old Moon‘, featuring book, music, and lyrics by PigPen Theatre Co. This enchanting production, presented outdoors under the celestial canopy, will run from July 20 to August 11, 2024.

Under the direction of SCR Associate Artistic Director Kim Martin-Cotten, ‘The Old Man and the Old Moon‘ invites audiences to traverse an epic adventure spanning land, sea, and sky—all in pursuit of love. With its indie-folk melodies and innovative staging, this tale weaves a spellbinding theatrical experience unlike any other. When the Old Man awakens to discover his wife missing, lured away by a mysterious melody, he embarks on a quest filled with colorful characters, apocalyptic storms, and encounters with giants of the deep. Can he reunite with his beloved before the moon fades and darkness envelops the world? Recommended for ages 7 and up, ‘The Old Man and the Old Moon‘, promises an unforgettable theatrical odyssey.

“Audiences are in for an extraordinary journey steeped in the timeless allure of transformative storytelling this summer. It’s remarkable to reflect on Outside SCR’s four-season collaboration with Mission San Juan Capistrano,” remarked Ivers. “The Old Man and The Old Moon offers a radiant, music-filled voyage that embodies the essence of a magical night of theater under the stars. I’m thrilled to see Associate Artistic Director Kim Martin-Cotten make her directorial debut, confident that her vision will elevate this experience into an unforgettable gathering.”

The genesis of ‘The Old Man and the Old Moon‘ traces back to seven budding theater artists during their time at Carnegie Mellon University. These seven—Alex Falberg, Ben Ferguson, Curtis Gillen, Ryan Melia, Matt Nuernberger, Arya Shahi, and Dan Weschler—later formed PigPen Theatre Co. Their second creation, ‘The Old Man and the Old Moon‘, premiered off-Broadway in 2012, captivating audiences at venues including the Williamstown Theatre Festival, Writers Theatre outside Chicago, The Old Globe, Kansas City Repertory, and the Wallis Annenberg Center in Beverly Hills.

At each stop, the production garnered acclaim for its folk-inspired music, imaginative use of simple materials, puppetry, and whimsical storytelling. In his review for The New York Times, Ben Brantley hailed it as “a story of time and tides and quests, the sort of fable on which mythologies and religions are founded.”

“‘The Old Man and the Old Moon‘ unfolds as a spellbinding odyssey, narrated by a shape-shifting indie-folk ensemble that carries us across oceans, beneath starry skies, and into the belly of a colossal fish—all in pursuit of love,” shared Martin-Cotten. “I am delighted to share this transformative tale amidst the breathtaking setting of Mission San Juan Capistrano, welcoming audiences of all ages to join us on this magical voyage.”

Martin-Cotten, who joined SCR in 2021 as Associate Artistic Director and Co-Director of the Pacific Playwrights Festival, brings a wealth of experience as a producer, director, actor, and educator. Her diverse portfolio includes directing projects such as The Moors, Twelfth Night, and Othello for Kansas City Repertory Theatre.

The cast features seasoned SCR veterans alongside newcomers, including Jess Andrews (Appropriate and The Little Foxes), Tommy Beck (A Christmas Carol), Armando Gutierrez (Million Dollar Quartet), Matt MacNelly (music director for Cambodian Rock Band), Joe Ngo (Cambodian Rock Band), Alex Lydon, and Ana Marcu.

Behind the scenes, the design and creative team, including Efren Delgadillo Jr. and Stephanie Bernardini (set design), Kish Finnegan (costume design), Lonnie Rafael Alcaraz (lighting design), Jeff Polunas (sound design), Michael Arden Larsen (associate director and movement coordinator), and Matt Cotten (puppet designer and assistant director), work tirelessly to craft a captivating visual and auditory experience. Joanne DeNaut, CSA, serves as casting director, while Maisie Chan, Kathryn Davies, and Natalie Figaredo manage production and stage management.

Launched in response to the pandemic, Outside SCR debuted in 2021 as a means to safely reintroduce live performances. Over the years, it has showcased productions like American Mariachi, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Million Dollar Quartet, and La Havana Madrid, expanding SCR’s reach to new communities and audiences.

“At Mission San Juan Capistrano, we’ve found an ideal partner who shares our dedication to community and culture, and we remain deeply grateful for their unwavering support,” noted Tomei. “As we conclude our final summer with Outside SCR at this historic venue, The Old Man and The Old Moon promises to enchant families with its magical storytelling amidst this stunning backdrop. We look forward to offering yet another unforgettable evening under the stars.”

“Mission San Juan Capistrano eagerly anticipates the return of audiences for a captivating summer performance of ‘The Old Man and the Old Moon‘ in our historic Central Courtyard. This enchanting tale will captivate audiences of all ages in an unparalleled setting,” remarked Mission San Juan Capistrano Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence Adams. “While this summer marks the conclusion of our successful four-year collaboration with SCR for outdoor theater at the Mission, we sincerely hope that appreciative audiences, near and far, will continue to support the outstanding productions presented by Orange County’s premier and award-winning South Coast Repertory, wherever they may take place.”

Outside SCR extends its heartfelt gratitude to Season Producers Michael Ray and Apriem Advisors, Honorary Producers Susan Shieldkret and David Dull, and Corporate Honorary Producer Haskell & White LLP for their generous support.