THE OLD MAN AND THE OLD MOON

[mjohnson2]

Posted: 9/27/14 at 8:12pm

This show started playing yesterday at the New Victory Theatre. I saw it at the Williamstown Theatre Festival and it reminded me of ONCE meets PETER AND THE STARCATCHER but actually good unlike those two. It features some of the most magical staging I've ever seen and tells an enchanting fairytale with splendid actors. If you have children or want to feel like a child again go see this as soon as you can.

Updated On: 9/27/14 at 08:12 PM

[mjohnson2]

Posted: 9/27/14 at 8:17pm

In case you are curious: The plot is about a man and woman who have been in love forever when the woman goes missing while searching for a melody and the man has to abandon his job (which is to fill up the moon so it doesn't run out) in order to go find her. Yes, it's pretty strange but it works beautifully.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 9/27/14 at 8:22pm

I wish PBS would broadcast something like this. I know it's not high profile, but I think it would be enjoyable to see.

[Visceral_Fella]

Posted: 9/27/14 at 9:11pm

This is one of the most magical pieces of theatre that I have ever seen. I highly recommend it to everyone.

[CurtainsUpat8]

Posted: 9/28/14 at 7:51pm

I saw The Old Man and the Old Moon tonight. I thought it was visually beautiful. They obviously had a lot of money for this production. Although I found much to be admired about the production... I have to say I didn't understand much of what was going on, and I am a fairly intelligent theatre goer. It grew tedious very quickly. I am not trying to be snarky, but I would not recommend this for children. It's convoluted and far too sophisticated for a child. Alas, I wasn't moved, I was bored and confused. It's a very complicated plot which is all over the place. The story telling is just not clear. If you are going to tell a fantastical story, like this is, and you intend to have children (and adults) understand it... you better make sure you tell it VERY clearly.

Updated On: 9/28/14 at 07:51 PM

[mpd4165]

Posted: 9/28/14 at 8:18pm

I saw this when it played in Chicago last fall. Hands down, one of my favorite pieces of theater. It's just beautiful storytelling.

[PJPan]

Posted: 9/29/14 at 4:20pm

Loved it. Absolutely loved it. PigPen has a very talented and strong ensemble that I'm happy to say (for me, at least) lived up to the hype.

It was wonderful to see my friends, the adults around as, and the children as well all enamored by the show. I can't even critique it too much, it was just so whimsical and enjoyable to watch.

[Mr. Musical]

Posted: 9/29/14 at 4:32pm

I saw this over the weekend and LOVED it. It's truly magical and PigPen are true talents and showed me storytelling at its best. I'm glad this is getting another run in NY.

[CurtainsUpat8]

Posted: 9/29/14 at 8:25pm

I seem to be the only dissenting opinion here, which makes me wonder what I missed. I go to the theatre often and I go with an open mind and an open heart. I want nothing more than to be involved with what is being offered. I went with a friend and we both felt the same way. I could tell there was great craft and highly talented people on that stage. It was designed beautifully. There was so much to like, but I couldn't follow the story and for all the good it had, it was boring.

[wexy]

Posted: 9/29/14 at 9:53pm

I love Pig Pen..been following them for a while. Saw this right after the Hurricane with a friend and her nine year old and we all loved it.

[CurtainsUpat8]

Posted: 9/30/14 at 7:38pm

Ben Brantley seems as confused as I was. He never says whether he enjoyed it or not. He only comments on the production values and the plot. Again, I am not trying to be snarky, but it sounds like he had a similar experience than I did. I wouldn't call it a rave or even a positive review. It's hardly a review at all. That being said, I hope to see something else from these talented young guys.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/01/theater/the-old-man-and-the-old-moon-from-pigpen-theater.html?hpw&rref=theater&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&version=HpHedThumbWell&module=well-region®ion=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well&_r=0

[ClydeBarrow]

Posted: 10/5/14 at 1:53pm

I somewhat agree with you, Curtains. I thought the show was good but doesn't warrant the effusive praise everyone is throwing at it. The show is way too twee for its own good.

There were moments when everything clicked which started around the time the old man **spoiler** got eaten by the fish. The "rock" song that plays during these scenes was by far my favorite of the show. Everything before that seemed like unnecessary padding of the story and too many gimmicks. The sword fighting scene was probably my least favorite bit and seemed to have been included for the purpose of waking up the kids in the audience.

On that note I must say that this didn't feel like it was meant for children. Not because it was hard to follow but mainly because it was boring and a little depressing. I heard that before there was an intermission. Thankfully the show has been cut to 90 mins straight through. I think there should be some additional cuts made to get it to 70 mins. I personally don't think shows for kids shouldn't be 90 mins because the kids were growing restless.