The Old Man and The Old Moon
at University

Reviewed on November 22, 2019

Tracey Ho
Laguna Hills
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies

Spotlight on the moonlight, University's 'The Old Man and The Old Moon' shines
written by Tracey Ho, a sophomore at Laguna Hills High School

Upon a cliff by the sea, lives The Old Man and The Old Woman. Every night, The Old Man tends to the Old Moon, refilling its endlessly dripping light. Out of the blue, his wife leaves home. His wonderfully whimsical journey across, air, land, and sea to find her brings light to the impalpable power of love.

A touching tale accompanied by an eclectic ensemble and a stellar set, University High School delivers the tear-jerking adventure of "The Old Man and The Old Moon".

Starring as the weary Old Man, Davide Costa is timid and feeble. Despite his hunching stature, Costa lights up the stage with his constant wonderment and lovable awkwardness. As the moon's light fades, Costa's pleasant demeanor is challenged by the stressful conditions and obstacles he encounters. Later, he begins to display more liveliness as his long-forgotten memories resurface.

Stern and fierce independence characterize Hiromi Nishida's portrayal of Matheson. From second in command to the ship's captain, Nishida's enticing storytelling transforms into an apprehensive order as her suspicions of The Old Man grow. Sporting a tight bun and straight face, her authority is unmatched.

With their eccentric personalities, Zaman Merchant and Steven DeKeyser are the dynamic Callahan and Mabelu. Merchant's feisty fists and aggressiveness coincide with DeKeyser's nutty commentary and skillful comic timing. Restless and ragged, Gino Torquato is the crazed Perry. Each burst of blabber is amusing yet unsettling.

Lighting by Thomas Kim and operated by Andrew Kurani are dazzling. The Old Moon glows among the dim set and gradually loses its light in sections as it drips. Complemented by the suspended jars filled with twinkling Christmas lights, the night sky glimmers. In the fight scene between the sailors and rebels, the red and white strobe lights enhance the chaotic combat.

Emi Nishida and Logan Clarke's puppetry effects and design are incredibly detailed and adorable. Contained in a rectangular box, the shadow puppets are illuminated by flashing lights. Everything from the ship sailing at sea to the wavering tail of the giant fish is made of luan wood and flawlessly executed onstage.

"The Old Man and The Old Moon" at University delights with entrancing performers and an unforgettable adventure among the tides.

Abraham Nguyen
Fountain Valley
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Setting Sail for Adventure in "The Old Man and the Old Moon" at UHS
written by Abraham Nguyen, a senior at Fountain Valley High School

An old man, caretaker of the moon since time immemorial, is forced to make a difficult choice when his wife leaves their humble home in search of adventure. Resolving to pursue his wife, the old man sets down a treacherous path to long-forgotten memories and unlikely friendship. However, the old man's absence allows the silvery essence within the ever-leaking moon to escape, and the gradual fading of the moon's light forewarns of a grim disaster.

As the Old Man, Davide Costa staggers across the stage, an inherent uncertainty and hesitation in his walk. He paces frantically up and down the stairs, clinging desperately to the handrail as he mulls over the wellbeing and whereabouts of his beloved wife. When he asks the people of the town about his wife, the reluctance and anxiousness in Costa's voice is almost palpable. However, the Old Man's new decisiveness is reflected through Costa's more unwavering, unabashed voice when he resolves to push forward despite his bleak situation on the desert island.

Gino Torquato's portrayal of Perry amused and bewildered, with his initial shadowing of the Old Man establishing the eccentricity of his character. Reclining across the stairs and lazing around the belly of the giant fish, the antics and small distractions with which Torquato amuses himself makes clear his contentedness in mundanity. When the Old Man asks for his help in escaping the fish, Torquato reflects Perry's distress and hopelessness through his frustrated tone and exasperated hand gestures.

The production's lighting (Uni Lighting Team) made use of a multifaceted arrangement of lighting implements to establish the ambience of the show. For instance, hanging mason jars of fairy lights hung at various levels from one side of the stage to the other, resembling stars in the night sky. When the sailors do battle with the rebels, a striking red colour scheme is utilized with strobe lights to enhance the action on stage, and a cool blue light is used to emulate the colour of the water as the Old Man sinks into the depths.

A blend of mystifying music, enchanting shadow puppetry, and heart-wrenching performances, "The Old Man and the Old Moon" at UHS brings to life a story of how our moon came to be, and the perilous adventures of the Old Man who watched over it.

Caroline Ullem
St. Margarets
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

"The Old Man and the Old Moon" is a Stellar Treat for Uni!
written by Caroline Ullem, a senior at St. Margaret's Episcopal School

A twinkling moon lights up the old legend of a man who has worked for as long as he can remember to keep the light from dripping out of the moon. Although he is content with his simple life, he abandons his post when his wife is suddenly spurred to adventure to new lands. University's "The Old Man and the Old Moon" is a vivid epic of rediscovery, adventure, and abandoning the norm to find something truly extraordinary.

Leading the cast is Davide Costa, as The Old Man, who delivers each line with vivid emotion and active body language. Especially when impersonating the captain, Costa balances flourishing hand motions with his meek voice. Lauren Lee plays his wife, the Old Woman, and her gentle tone of voice reflects the warm, encouraging energy of her character as she prompts her husband to go on the adventure.

Hiromi Nishida further supports the cast as Matheson, a driven young sailor. Nishida's consistently confident posture and tone of voice are always energetic and reflect her regal, militaristic character (especially when she confronts Costa when she suspects he is hiding his identity.) Audrey Moore, playing Llewellyn, effectively contrasts Nishida with the use of a sprightly, excited voice as she buzzes around the stage. Keza Kananura as Cookie is bubbly when she is the center of attention and equally engaged when she is in the background, keeping her character lively throughout the production.

The narrators delivered each line with vivid emotion and active body language. In the darker scenes, Joe Saraceni translates the lines to ASL effectively and passionately. The ensemble of sailors develop unique, dynamic characters and bring the high-spirited ship to life.

Rose Koo composed and performed the music, taking into account the changing tone and progressing plot line. Koo created a beautiful score that celebrates the tone of each moment. Logan Clarke designed lovable, life-like puppets, most notably an adorable dog. Maddy Gastelo (hair) and Olivia Biase (makeup) fashioned realistic looks that seamlessly brings each character to life, especially in the old age makeup and facial hair.

Through sensational acting and effective tech, University's "The Old Man and the Old Moon" tells a timeless tale that reminds us all to embrace the odysseys that life has to offer.