The Old Globe has pulled off what could be a serendipitous switcheroo, substituting a highly touted new musical for the previously announced world premiere of Kenneth Lonergan’s “The Starry Messenger” featuring Matthew Broderick. The cancellation is due to delays in Lonergan’s current film project.
“While we’re disappointed that ‘The Starry Messenger’ won’t be part of the 2006/07 season, Mr. Lonergan has assured us that he is committed to bringing the project to the Globe in the future,” said Lou Spisto, Old Globe executive director. “The postponement allows us to present a delightful, high-flying musical.”
The musical ” “Ace” ” makes its West Coast premiere at the Old Globe. The world premiere was a co-production that bowed in the fall, first at Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and then at Cincinnati Playhouse. Book and lyrics are by Robert Taylor and Richard Oberacker and music by Oberacker. Stafford Arima directs in the 581-seat Old Globe Theatre Jan. 13 through Feb. 18, with a press opening Thursday, Jan. 18.
It comes as no surprise that the show has Broadway aspirations. Arima, who staged “Ace” in its world premiere co-production, also staged the Off-Broadway hit “Altar Boyz,” which received the Outer Critics Circle Award.
To give readers some idea of what to expect of “Ace,” the plot concerns a troubled 10-year-old named Billy (critically praised Noah Galvin, who created the role). He’s been placed in foster care because his mother, Elizabeth, suffers extreme depression and has been institutionalized. He is angry with her and with his absent father. His foster parents give him a toy airplane and soon afterward he begins journeying nocturnally to the past. His guide, a World War II pilot named Ace, introduces the lad to Ruth and John Robert, a World War I ace. Billy’s experience is a healing one. To say more would constitute a spoiler.
“Ace” was termed “smart, ambitious and emotionally satisfying” by the Cincinnati Enquirer and the score “moving and exhilarating” by Theatremania.
Sadly, Matt Bogart (“Zhivago” at La Jolla Playhouse) and his wife, Jessica Boevers (Beatrice in “Much Ado About Nothing” at La Jolla Playhouse), who created the roles of Ace and Elizabeth, are unable to make this leg of the journey; however, the Globe has cast numerous actors that may be familiar to local audiences, including Darren Ritchie as Ace, Michael Arden as John Robert, and Lisa Datz as Elizabeth.
A loose connection: Ritchie portrayed Jonathan Harker in Des McAnuff’s Broadway production of “Dracula: The Musical.” Arden is remembered for his stunning vocalism as the son in the Globe’s recent world premiere of “The Times They Are A-Changin’.” Datz created the role of Pam in Jack O’Brien’s production of “The Full Monty,” both at the Old Globe and on Broadway.
Tickets for “Ace” are on sale now and range in price from $47-$75. For tickets and information, visit www.theoldglobe.org or call (619) 23-GLOBE.