After weeks of individual preparations, readings, auditions and callbacks, the cast list for this year’s ASD HS musical has finally been determined. The actors have just completed their first script read-throughs.

“I’m excited to bring this musical to life — it’s a beautiful story with really distinct characters,” said N. Bayon (‘21), a member of the ensemble. L. Ji (‘22) added, “I’m excited about the music in the musical because it’s all folk music … something I really like listening to.”

The Old Man and the Old Moon is a musical primarily based on acting rather than singing. It portrays the story of an old man who must fill up the moon every night so that its light does not run out. It is filled with interesting characters who follow along with his story. A. Toivonen (’21) explained, “I am Llewellyn, a young sailor on board an adventure (with my crew) to go to war! We run into the Old Man whilst on this adventure, whose identity remains unknown to my crew until a bizarre turn of events…”

Toivonen highlighted a rather rare and unusual element in The Old Man and the Old Moon: puppets.

While some may find the idea of puppets onstage “off-putting,” she suggested they are an effective element of the show. “Believe me,” she said, “when I say the artistic choice of puppetry makes the story even more meaningful. Don’t worry, the audience still sees the awesome costume work, and the actors themselves! Puppetry is simply used as a transition element to different scenes.” 

Toivonen encouraged the ASD community to come out for the show in its final form. “Come see the show in November!” she said. “Even if you’ve never heard of it, I can say it’s one of the most meaningful shows I’ve been in. It’s a really relaxing way to finish off the school week or day! An hour of entertainment, supported by our audience, allows the fine arts department — and ASD — to grow immensely.”