By Addison Coffey

The Jag

Students at Blue Springs South are getting ready to take the stage later this week with their production of The Old Man and the Old Moon. 

After weeks of rehearsals, late nights, and trying to balance homework with memorizing lines, the cast says they’re excited for everyone to finally see what they’ve been working on. 

The play runs Friday, February 13 through Saturday, February 14. Tickets can be purchased at bsshs.seatyourself.biz for $10. 

This year’s show is led by junior Max Bergman, who plays the Old Man. Bergman said the role has been a huge challenge, but in a way that’s pushed him as a performer. 

“The hardest part of playing the Old Man is creating whole different mannerisms.”

He said that things have become more intense as opening night approaches, but he still remembers sitting in a circle with the cast, reading the script for the first time. 

Director Timothy Haynes, who has guided the cast through everything from blocking to character development, said he was drawn to The Old Man and the Old Moon because of its creativity and complexity. 

“I fell in love with this show because of how technically challenging it is,” he said. “Everything about it pushes us—it’s a play with pit musicians, puppetry, and constant movement. But like we always do here, we just embrace that.” 

There are several larger roles this year, including one played by Camryn Jerome, who appears as Matheson. Jerome said the role has pushed her in ways she didn’t expect. 

“It’s been super challenging trying to play this character with so many levels,” she said. “Starting the show as a confident storyteller and then also being a character in the story that’s silly but also a leader while having to deal with loss and betrayal is tough.” 

She said that she has enjoyed bonding with the cast and getting to know everyone better. 

Even students with smaller roles say the show has been a positive experience. Savanna Saucier, who plays Solomon, said theatre has given her memories she’ll carry with her. 

“I think one of the greatest things about theatre is the memories,” she said. “The connections and laughs you have are something you always keep.” 

Molly Rhea, who plays the Old Woman, agreed. 

“The cast and crew is really close together,” she said. “A lot of my best friends are in the cast, so I love doing the show with all of them.” 

While the actors rehearse lines and scenes, the crew has been building sets, organizing props, and adjusting lighting and sound. Many cast members noted that the show wouldn’t be possible without the technical team working behind the scenes. 

Haynes said he’s been impressed by how unified this year’s production feels. 

“We have all these different facets of theatre—tech, acting, design—and this year everything just clicked,” he said.  “All the visions, front and back of stage, came together so seamlessly it almost felt like something should’ve gone wrong. Except the lights… but that was my fault,” he joked. 

With opening night approaching, the cast is running full runthroughs, fitting costumes, and polishing the smallest details. 

Bergman said watching the show come together has been especially rewarding. 

“This role has challenged me with ensuring that I walk, talk, and act like the Old Man even in high-energy scenes,” he said. 

Jerome shared a similar thought. 

“I just hope people leave feeling entertained and happy, but also realizing the message that you never really know what you have until it’s gone.” 

As final rehearsals wrap up, students say they’re excited, nervous, and mostly just ready for an audience. They hope families, students, and community members will come out to support their work. 

“I hope when people are done watching The Old Man and the Old Moon they feel inspired to chase the adventures out there,” Saucier said. “I hope they want to live a life full of wonder, hope, and imagination.”