Young Company Presents “Luna,” a Magical Tale of Friendship and Connection

This enchanting production will take audiences on a journey with young Soledad as she navigates hard questions and finds her place in the universe

Like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, theatre returns to the stage and live performances with its first production of the season: “Luna.”

“Luna” tells the story of a migrant family and their young daughter, Soledad, as she goes on a magical journey to find her place in the universe and form connections and friendships. Exploring what it means to be alone, the play nevertheless remains hopeful as it looks at what can happen when people make meaningful connections.

Ellie Ostvig as Soledad. Photo by Madeline Mortensen, BYU Photo

“I think recognizing — especially after having been isolated with the global pandemic — what it means to be alone, and this desire to connect with other people is really prevalent in our show,” said director Kris Peterson. “There are some universal themes that really resonate about friendship and dreams and family that anybody in the audience will find that they can relate to.”

“This story is about belonging,” said Ellie Ostvig, who plays Soledad. “I hope [people will] be able to relate to the characters and also realize that it’s okay to be vulnerable, it’s okay to be brave, it’s okay to make mistakes. As long as we’re trying to just keep moving forward and as long as we are doing our best, things will work out.”

The play appeals to a wide audience, and the Young Company will be touring the show in the Provo community. While the show is aimed at kids between grades three and five, adults will find plenty to enjoy in the production as well. “Luna” will be performed bilingually, with lines in both Spanish and English. Audiences can also interact with the actors onstage and have a direct influence on what happens in the story.

“This is often the very first opportunity that students of a young age get to be a part of theatre in some way,” said Peterson. “And because our play is interactive, they have a very real influence on some of the actions and the dialogue of the characters. . . . they get a participatory role that they normally wouldn’t have.”

This production of “Luna” is performed by an all-female cast, and many of the actors come from a non-theatre major. With actors in majors like biology, family life and Latin studies, the acting experience has been a time of growth and progress.

Valerie Howell, who studies physiology and developmental biology, said that before she auditioned for the play, she had a difficult time opening up to others. “It’s hard for me to be vulnerable in that way,” she commented. “And throughout the play that’s something that I’ve had to learn how to do, and Kris has really helped me [with that].” 

Ellie Ostvig as Soledad. Photo by Madeline Mortensen, BYU Photo

She added that opening up her vulnerable side has helped make the connection between herself, her character and the audience more profound. “I’ve definitely been pushed way outside of my comfort zone, but that’s been good and I’ve felt growth from that,” Howell said.

“We have really come together with having to start at the basics and think about the ways in which we’re telling the story that’s going to be really clear,” said Peterson. “The progress of these non-performers throughout has been tremendous as we’ve worked together. . . [we’ve grown] together, not only as individual performers, but as a group [and] a community.”

The story of “Luna” is the story of building a supportive community of belonging, not only onstage, but also in the lives of those who attend the show.

Peterson hopes that audiences will come away from the play with a hopeful perspective. “We recognize that this is the very first live performance for the TMA department since the pandemic has hit,” she said. “We want it to feel hopeful and like we are connected, even when the universe separates us.”

“The show is a lot about belonging and about helping others, to see their value and to fit in,” said Joy Pizorno, who plays Mamá. “I just hope people walk away from seeing it and realize [that] the people around them may be struggling and that they can be the one to reach out and be brave and help them.”

Join Young Company and friends with “Luna” for an evening of friendship and connection you won’t soon forget!

For ticket information, go to arts.byu.edu.

All patrons are required to wear a mask while indoors at campus performance venues, regardless of vaccination status.


“Luna”

Nelke Theatre

October 6–8, 13–15 at 7:00 p.m.

October 9 & 16 at 2:00 p.m. & 4:00p.m.

ASL interpreted October 14

Post-show discussions October 7 & 14

After each performance, the Luna equipo invites families to stay after and meet the cast. Additionally, following the closing afternoon performance on October 16, we invite audiences to stay with us a little longer (or come back again to join us) for a community event. 

“Comunidad y Familia” is a workshop focused on the importance of storytelling in our communities and families. Building on the amazing story of “Luna,” we will explore the power of storytelling from various perspectives—including those of the audience. This event will be held on October 16 from 6:00-7:00 pm in the room B220 HFAC at BYU and is welcome to all amigos, familias and estudiantes!