Omaha Community Playhouse Premieres The Old Man and The Old Moon

March 25th, 2025

The Omaha Community Playhouse is bringing a fresh take on storytelling to local audiences with the first regional premiere of The Old Man and The Old Moon in Nebraska. Originally created by PigPen Theatre Co. in 2015, this folk musical blends live music, puppetry, and inventive stagecraft to ignite the imagination.

Director Susie Baer Collins describes the production as a journey, saying, “It takes you somewhere and then brings you back a little better off.”

What sets The Old Man and The Old Moon apart is its unique approach to storytelling. The production weaves together shadow puppetry, live sound effects, and handcrafted visuals, all performed in full view of the audience. “We’re not trying to hide anything,” Baer Collins said. “We work with flashlights. We work with puppets that we’re holding in our hands.”

At the heart of the show is a story about devotion and adventure. Kevin Olson and Julie Huff star as the Old Man and the Old Woman, portraying a love story that transcends time and distance. Ethan Dragon guides the audience through the show, reflecting on the phases of the moon, while cast members Greta Hegarty, Seth Maisel, and Alex Zaleski bring additional characters to life—both as actors and puppeteers.

“It’s amazing what puppets can do and how we can imbue them with life and emotion,” Baer Collins said. The ensemble’s combined efforts create a world that feels both whimsical and deeply human.

The Old Man and The Old Moon runs at the Omaha Community Playhouse through March 30. More information is available at omahaplayhouse.com.

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