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 2006-2007 season, Mr. Lonergan has assured us that he is committed to bringing the project to the Globe in the future,” said Old Globe executive director Lou Spisto. “The postponement allows us to present a delightful, high-flying musical.”
The substitution: “Ace.”
Opening night Jan. 13 at the Globe also mark the show’s West Coast premiere; the world premiere was a co-production that bowed in the fall, first at Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and then at Cincinnati Playhouse.
The show’s 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. But when Billy’s foster parents give him a toy airplane, he begins journeying nocturnally to the past, for which he harbors anger and resentment.
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, and 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 Theatermania.com.
Sadly, the creators of the roles of Ace and Elizabeth “” Matt Bogart (“Zhivago” at La Jolla Playhouse) and his wife, Jessica Boevers (Beatrice in “Much Ado About Nothing,” also at La Jolla Playhouse) “”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.
Book and lyrics are by Robert Taylor and Richard Oberacker, who also composed the music. Stafford Arima directs in the 581-seat Old Globe and it comes as no surprise that “Ace” has Broadway aspirations, as Arima also staged the off-Broadway hit “Altar Boyz,” which received the Outer Critics Circle Award.
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 to $75. The show runs though Feb. 18. For more information, visit www.theoldglobe.org or call (619) 23-GLOBE.