WNYC: Ryan Melia, who plays the lead in “The Old Man and the Old Moon,” Dan Weschler, who plays a variety of roles, the accordion, and was involved in composing the music and writing the script; and Lydia Fine, set, costume, and puppet designer, discuss the PigPen Theatre Co.’s Off-Broadway play, which features PigPen’s signature blend of original music, shadow puppetry, live action, and lighting effects. “The Old Man and the Old Moon” is playing through January 6, 2013 at The Gym at Judson.
5 comments:
I am so glad that PigPen is getting so much press on their production. It seems to have been really well received so far. It excites me to hear Ryan, Dan, and Lydia talk about their show and how they got to where they are today. I was particularly excited by the part where they were discussing how the low budget for shows at CMU helped to prepare them for their production of "The Old Man and The Old Moon." Although they may have had a small budget for their Off-Broadway production, they have seemed to do a whole lot with what they were given. I think that this is a talent all on its own and is something fresh and exciting to audiences. It proves that big, flashy shows are not necessarily what theatre is all about. Instead, productions like "The Old Man and The Old Moon" bring magic through inspiration, simplicity, and smart creativity. I plan to see this production in the winter, and I can't wait to feel the sense of pride I am already feeling for these talented people being CMU alumni.
I am really happy to see and read this article! I think its amazing that these CMU alum were able to create this production and mount it off broadway! I love hearing from these alum in this article and seeing what they have to say about the production and about their training at CMU. I have always thought that big budget productions are not always the best theatre and I love that they are proving it with this production! I can't wait to see this production in the winter!
I was actually lucky enough to see their production of "The Old Man and the Old Moon" over mid-semester break and I was stunned by the amazing production. Many people talk about how great it is to have CMU grads getting so much press, however, I love seeing such great theater getting good press. Their production has the elements of everything that makes theater great for me: spectacle, relateability, and an amazing story. If you can tell me a story, make me feel it, and give me something breath taking to look at, you've got me. This is what PigPen Company did for me. The story pulled me in and in the end, I felt for every character. The set and puppets impressed me with every scene in terms of the ingenuity. I canot wait to see this company go places and when they come out with they next work, I'll be in line to see it.
I cant say i have heard anything about this play before this point but from what i read it looks like something id like to see. Shadow puppetry is something i haven't really seen at all in any productions but it seems like it could add an interesting element to the show. Not to mention the show is produced by pig pen and its great to see that they're continuing to be successful and continuing to put on fantastic shows.
After going into the website of this production and reading all of the information, I could feel how much effort and time Dan Weschler, Lydia Fine, and Ryan Melia have put. Also, it is so awesome to see this kind of occasion in which CMU alumni gather together to create a production, which then becomes the "first company in history to win the top honor for a play at the New York City International Fringe Festives two years in a row." I also think that combining live music, puppetry, and lighting effect is another creative and innovative way to create a show. Looking at the video with the puppetry scenery, I can see the intricate cut outs of the scenes and movement. I am really glad to see how PigPen's productions are getting so successful with a great shows produced. I wish I can see their productions one day.
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