Adapting "The Old Man and The Old Moon" to Film

Publication Date

2026

College

College of Music & Performing Arts

Department

Theatre and Dance, Department of

Student Level

Undergraduate

Faculty Mentor

Kacie Hittel and Valorie Quarles

Presentation Type

Talk/Oral

Summary

This proposal aims to adapt Pigpen Theatre Co.’s musical The Old Man and The Old Moon into a feature length film. This show follows the Old Man as he leaves behind his mundane life and sets out on a perilous sea journey in search of his missing wife. Along the way, he encounters new friends, battles dangerous foes, and nearly plunges the world into unending darkness. This film adaptation will expand upon the original source material, giving this adventure story a presentation of grand scale. For the sake of best connecting with a modern audience, a few key changes to the show will be made: musical numbers will be cut and instead referenced in the underscore, the Old Man will be given a name, and the ending will be adjusted to best fulfill all of the character arcs.

This show is the perfect story to adapt into film for a modern audience as it warns against staying trapped in the mundane routines of modern life and work. Instead, it inspires audiences to pursue their own forms of adventure through the things they love. Modern audiences are fond of adventure films, and, since this musical has yet to have any major adaptations, this film would be the perfect way to bring this creative and inspiring tale to a broader audience.

This presentation will invite attendees to envision the ways in which this story will be adapted into film through examples of how the opening scene will play out, who will be cast, the film location, and what the cinematography and visual style of this film will be. By means of intentional design throughout every step of the process, this film will bring the inspiring story and spectacle of The Old Man and The Old Moon to new audiences, encouraging them to seek out adventure in their own lives.

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