Ace (musical)
Encyclopedia
ACE is a musical
with a book and lyrics by Robert Taylor and Richard Oberacker, and music by Oberacker. The story is about a boy, separated from his mother, who discovers his past and himself through a series of dreams about a flying ace. It was inspired by Robert Taylor's father training to be a pilot, and his mother having a near-fatal bout with depression.
The musical premiered the The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
, Missouri, in 2006 and has played in several regional productions.
Parts of Ace were shown at the National Alliance for Musical Theatre's (NAMT) Festival of New Musicals in New York in September 2005. Cheyenne Jackson
starred as Ace, with Christiane Noll
featured.
The musical debuted at the The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
, Missouri, September 6 through October 1, 2006. It was directed by Stafford Arima
and choreographed by Andrew Palermo. It then played at Playhouse in the Park in Cincinnati, Ohio
, from October 17 through November 17, 2006. This production was also directed by Arima and choreographed by Palermo. Another production by the same team played at the Old Globe Theatre
in San Diego, California
from January 13 through February 18, 2007. The cast included Michael Arden
as John Robert and Darren Ritchie as Ace.
The Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia production ran from August 26 through September 28, 2008. Directed by Eric D. Schaeffer
and choreographed by Karma Camp, the cast featured Jill Paice
, Emily Skinner
, Jim Stanek
and Christiane Noll
. In the Signature production, the boy Billy is renamed Danny, and the past is revealed through diaries rather than through dreams.
In St. Louis, Missouri
, in 1952, ten-year-old Danny Lucas telephones for help because his mother won't wake up. His mother, Elizabeth Lucas, has swallowed a bottle of sleeping pills and is taken to the psychiatric ward. The caseworker from social services, Mrs. Crandall, places an angry Danny in foster care ("It's Better This Way"). Mrs. Crandall informs Elizabeth that contact with Danny will be limited to gifts and letters. Elizabeth returns home determined to correct her past mistakes and get Danny back ("Fill In The Blank"). She writes to Danny asking him to follow her clues to their conclusion ("Letter From Elizabeth").
Danny's foster family is the Milligans, a childless couple awaiting a baby. Mrs. Crandall delivers, from Danny's mother, a model plane and instructions to speak with the elderly Harold Bixby. Through Mr. Bixby's remembrances, we are introduced to John Robert Anderson - a WWI fighter pilot ("In These Skies") who meets ("In This Moment") and falls in love with Ruth Whitlow ("In These Skies" (Reprise)).
At school, the troubled and angry Danny meets Emily. He tells Emily about the 'clues' from his mother. Emily enthusiastically offers to help him solve the mystery ("Now I'm On Your Case"). Mrs. Milligan struggles with baking Toll House cookies. She equates her success as a mother with successfully baking the cookies ("Make It From Scratch").
Elizabeth sends Danny the diaries of Ruth Whitlow. Through the diaries, we see that Ruth's relationship with John Robert Anderson leads to marriage ("Be My Bride"). John Robert is stationed in France. Ruth writes of her longing for him and her pride in his service ("Ruth's Letters"). John Robert challenges a hostile airman to a bet and teaches him a lesson ("Anique's Tavern Song"). Another letter from Ruth reveals that she is pregnant ("I'm Going To Have This Child"). John Robert continues his service in France ("The Dogfight") and his life ends there ("Act I Finale").
Act II
Danny is learning to trust his foster parents, the Milligans ("Now I Know"). Another package arrives from his mother. Through Ruth's diaries, we meet her young son Charlie Anderson, nicknamed "Ace". She sings of her dream for her son to be the aviator and hero that his father was. Charlie dreams of becoming an aeronautical engineer ("Soaring Again"). Also in this package is a letter from Elizabeth and her yearbook from St. Louis University 1935, and a photo. Through these items, Elizabeth Lucas and Charlie "Ace" Anderson are shown as they meet ("It's Just A Matter Of Time"; "I Know It Can Be Done") and fall in love ("Missing Pieces"). The photo of Ace is the first time that Danny has seen his father; his mother has previously refused to speak about him ("So That's Him").
After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Charlie, fueled by his mother's desires for him, joins the Air Force. Elizabeth opposes this but agrees to marry him before he leaves. While in training, Charlie feels the spirit of his father John Robert ("Father And Son"). Charlie is asked to join the "Flying Tigers" - a voluntary assignment. Elizabeth is furious that Charlie would put himself in danger for a voluntary mission. Charlie feels connected to the father he never knew and believes that he is making the best choice. Elizabeth, on the other hand, feels that the stories of John Robert's heroism have led Ace to make a bad choice. They argue and separate in anger.
Ace joins the Flying Tigers in China ("We're The Only Ones"). Ruth, Elizabeth, Ace and Danny each consider the emotional changes they are experiencing. Elizabeth reveals that she is pregnant ("Seeing Thing In A Different Light"). Ace perishes in the skies over Siam. Elizabeth sings of her overwhelming shock, anger and inability to forgive ("That's What It Should Say"). Ace" speaks to Danny. He tells Danny that he can "Choose To Fly" in many ways, in his heart and mind, not necessarily or only in a plane.
Danny is reunited with his Mother. He understands his past and their relationship is healed ("Chose To Fly"; "Finale").
2008 cast at the Signature Theatre
, winning six: Richard Oberacker and Robert Taylor, Outstanding New Play or Musical; Marie Anne Chiment
, Outstanding Costume Design; Chris Akerlind, Outstanding Lighting Design; David Korins, Outstanding Set Design; John H. Shivers and David Patridge, Outstanding Sound Design; and Noah Galvin, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical. It also won the Mickey Kaplan New American Play prize.
Musical theatre
Musical theatre is a form of theatre combining songs, spoken dialogue, acting, and dance. The emotional content of the piece – humor, pathos, love, anger – as well as the story itself, is communicated through the words, music, movement and technical aspects of the entertainment as an...
with a book and lyrics by Robert Taylor and Richard Oberacker, and music by Oberacker. The story is about a boy, separated from his mother, who discovers his past and himself through a series of dreams about a flying ace. It was inspired by Robert Taylor's father training to be a pilot, and his mother having a near-fatal bout with depression.
The musical premiered the The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
The St. Louis Repertory Theater is a repertory theater, based in Webster Groves, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis. It is often referred to locally simply as "The Rep".The Rep is an award-winning venue, and is well regarded in the St...
, Missouri, in 2006 and has played in several regional productions.
Background and productions
Taylor and Oberacker met and began to discuss the show while touring in 2003 with The Lion King.Parts of Ace were shown at the National Alliance for Musical Theatre's (NAMT) Festival of New Musicals in New York in September 2005. Cheyenne Jackson
Cheyenne Jackson
Cheyenne Jackson is an American actor and singer. He started in regional theater when he moved to Seattle, and after moving to New York City, made his 2002 Broadway theatre debut understudying both male leads in the Tony Award-winning musical Thoroughly Modern Millie...
starred as Ace, with Christiane Noll
Christiane Noll
Christiane Noll is an American singer and actress known for her work in musicals and on the concert stage. She is perhaps best known for originating the role of Emma Carew in Frank Wildhorn's Jekyll & Hyde, as well as her roles in Urinetown and City of Angels.-Life and career:Noll was born in New...
featured.
The musical debuted at the The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
The St. Louis Repertory Theater is a repertory theater, based in Webster Groves, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis. It is often referred to locally simply as "The Rep".The Rep is an award-winning venue, and is well regarded in the St...
, Missouri, September 6 through October 1, 2006. It was directed by Stafford Arima
Stafford Arima
Stafford Arima is a Canadian-born theatre director. Arima studied at York University in Toronto where he was the recipient of the Dean's Prize for Excellence in Creative Work.Arima is directing Carrie Stafford Arima is a Canadian-born theatre director. Arima studied at York University in Toronto...
and choreographed by Andrew Palermo. It then played at Playhouse in the Park in Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio. Cincinnati is the county seat of Hamilton County. Settled in 1788, the city is located to north of the Ohio River at the Ohio-Kentucky border, near Indiana. The population within city limits is 296,943 according to the 2010 census, making it Ohio's...
, from October 17 through November 17, 2006. This production was also directed by Arima and choreographed by Palermo. Another production by the same team played at the Old Globe Theatre
Old Globe Theatre
The Old Globe is a professional theatre company located in Balboa Park in San Diego, California. It produces about 15 plays and musicals annually in summer and winter seasons...
in San Diego, California
San Diego, California
San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. The birthplace of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round...
from January 13 through February 18, 2007. The cast included Michael Arden
Michael Arden
Michael Jerrod Moore , also known as Michael Arden, is an American stage actor, singer, and composer. He was born in Midland, Texas.-Early and personal life:...
as John Robert and Darren Ritchie as Ace.
The Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia production ran from August 26 through September 28, 2008. Directed by Eric D. Schaeffer
Eric D. Schaeffer
Eric D. Schaeffer is a theater director and producer based in Arlington, Virginia.He is the co-founder and Artistic Director of Signature Theatre., and is well known nationally for his re-invention of large American musicals for small black box venues...
and choreographed by Karma Camp, the cast featured Jill Paice
Jill Paice
Jill Paice is an American Broadway and theatre actress. Paice attended Beavercreek High School in Beavercreek, Ohio, graduating in 1998. She then attended Baldwin-Wallace College, graduating with a bachelor of music in 2002...
, Emily Skinner
Emily Skinner
Emily Skinner is an American musical theatre actress and singer. She has performed in such Broadway shows as Side Show, James Joyce's The Dead, The Full Monty, Dinner at Eight and, currently, in Billy Elliot...
, Jim Stanek
Jim Stanek
Jim Stanek is an American musical theatre, film and television actor.-Early life:Stanek was born in Havre de Grace, Maryland and raised in Cranberry Township, Butler County, a suburb of Pittsburgh. He attended the Seneca Valley School District where he performed in such musicals as Grease and...
and Christiane Noll
Christiane Noll
Christiane Noll is an American singer and actress known for her work in musicals and on the concert stage. She is perhaps best known for originating the role of Emma Carew in Frank Wildhorn's Jekyll & Hyde, as well as her roles in Urinetown and City of Angels.-Life and career:Noll was born in New...
. In the Signature production, the boy Billy is renamed Danny, and the past is revealed through diaries rather than through dreams.
Plot synopsis
Act IIn St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...
, in 1952, ten-year-old Danny Lucas telephones for help because his mother won't wake up. His mother, Elizabeth Lucas, has swallowed a bottle of sleeping pills and is taken to the psychiatric ward. The caseworker from social services, Mrs. Crandall, places an angry Danny in foster care ("It's Better This Way"). Mrs. Crandall informs Elizabeth that contact with Danny will be limited to gifts and letters. Elizabeth returns home determined to correct her past mistakes and get Danny back ("Fill In The Blank"). She writes to Danny asking him to follow her clues to their conclusion ("Letter From Elizabeth").
Danny's foster family is the Milligans, a childless couple awaiting a baby. Mrs. Crandall delivers, from Danny's mother, a model plane and instructions to speak with the elderly Harold Bixby. Through Mr. Bixby's remembrances, we are introduced to John Robert Anderson - a WWI fighter pilot ("In These Skies") who meets ("In This Moment") and falls in love with Ruth Whitlow ("In These Skies" (Reprise)).
At school, the troubled and angry Danny meets Emily. He tells Emily about the 'clues' from his mother. Emily enthusiastically offers to help him solve the mystery ("Now I'm On Your Case"). Mrs. Milligan struggles with baking Toll House cookies. She equates her success as a mother with successfully baking the cookies ("Make It From Scratch").
Elizabeth sends Danny the diaries of Ruth Whitlow. Through the diaries, we see that Ruth's relationship with John Robert Anderson leads to marriage ("Be My Bride"). John Robert is stationed in France. Ruth writes of her longing for him and her pride in his service ("Ruth's Letters"). John Robert challenges a hostile airman to a bet and teaches him a lesson ("Anique's Tavern Song"). Another letter from Ruth reveals that she is pregnant ("I'm Going To Have This Child"). John Robert continues his service in France ("The Dogfight") and his life ends there ("Act I Finale").
Act II
Danny is learning to trust his foster parents, the Milligans ("Now I Know"). Another package arrives from his mother. Through Ruth's diaries, we meet her young son Charlie Anderson, nicknamed "Ace". She sings of her dream for her son to be the aviator and hero that his father was. Charlie dreams of becoming an aeronautical engineer ("Soaring Again"). Also in this package is a letter from Elizabeth and her yearbook from St. Louis University 1935, and a photo. Through these items, Elizabeth Lucas and Charlie "Ace" Anderson are shown as they meet ("It's Just A Matter Of Time"; "I Know It Can Be Done") and fall in love ("Missing Pieces"). The photo of Ace is the first time that Danny has seen his father; his mother has previously refused to speak about him ("So That's Him").
After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Charlie, fueled by his mother's desires for him, joins the Air Force. Elizabeth opposes this but agrees to marry him before he leaves. While in training, Charlie feels the spirit of his father John Robert ("Father And Son"). Charlie is asked to join the "Flying Tigers" - a voluntary assignment. Elizabeth is furious that Charlie would put himself in danger for a voluntary mission. Charlie feels connected to the father he never knew and believes that he is making the best choice. Elizabeth, on the other hand, feels that the stories of John Robert's heroism have led Ace to make a bad choice. They argue and separate in anger.
Ace joins the Flying Tigers in China ("We're The Only Ones"). Ruth, Elizabeth, Ace and Danny each consider the emotional changes they are experiencing. Elizabeth reveals that she is pregnant ("Seeing Thing In A Different Light"). Ace perishes in the skies over Siam. Elizabeth sings of her overwhelming shock, anger and inability to forgive ("That's What It Should Say"). Ace" speaks to Danny. He tells Danny that he can "Choose To Fly" in many ways, in his heart and mind, not necessarily or only in a plane.
Danny is reunited with his Mother. He understands his past and their relationship is healed ("Chose To Fly"; "Finale").
- This summary is based on the 2008 Signature Theatre version of the musical.
Characters and cast
Original Cast- Billy - Noah Galvin
- Mrs. Crandall/Clara Whitlow - Traci Lyn Thomas
- Elizabeth - Jessica BoeversJessica BoeversJessica Boevers is an American actress who has appeared in a number of notable Broadway productions, as well as Off-Broadway, film, and television....
- Louise - Amy Bodnar
- Emily - Gabrielle Boyadjian
- Edward/Stampley - Duke Lafoon
- Ace - Matt Bogart
- John Robert - Chris Peluso
- Ruth - Heather Ayers
- Lt. Sanders/Tim Sullivan - Richard Barth
- Colonel Whitlow/Chennault - James Judy
- Tennaman/Stein - Kevin Reed
- Cooper/Myron - Danny Rothman
- Teacher/Ensemble - Susan Kokot Stokes
- Nurse/Ensemble - Kelli Barrett
- Anique/Ensemble - Gabrielle Stravelli
- School Bully/Young Charlie - Jimmy McEvoy
2008 cast at the Signature Theatre
- Danny - Dalton Harrod
- Mrs. Crandall/Clara Whitlow - Florence Lacey
- Elizabeth - Jill PaiceJill PaiceJill Paice is an American Broadway and theatre actress. Paice attended Beavercreek High School in Beavercreek, Ohio, graduating in 1998. She then attended Baldwin-Wallace College, graduating with a bachelor of music in 2002...
- Louise - Emily SkinnerEmily SkinnerEmily Skinner is an American musical theatre actress and singer. She has performed in such Broadway shows as Side Show, James Joyce's The Dead, The Full Monty, Dinner at Eight and, currently, in Billy Elliot...
- Emily - Angelina Kelly
- Edward/Stampley - Duke Lafoon
- Ace - Matthew Scott
- John Robert - Jim StanekJim StanekJim Stanek is an American musical theatre, film and television actor.-Early life:Stanek was born in Havre de Grace, Maryland and raised in Cranberry Township, Butler County, a suburb of Pittsburgh. He attended the Seneca Valley School District where he performed in such musicals as Grease and...
- Ruth - Christiane NollChristiane NollChristiane Noll is an American singer and actress known for her work in musicals and on the concert stage. She is perhaps best known for originating the role of Emma Carew in Frank Wildhorn's Jekyll & Hyde, as well as her roles in Urinetown and City of Angels.-Life and career:Noll was born in New...
- Lt. Sanders/Sullivan - Richard Barth
- Col.Whitlow/Chennault - George Dvorsky
- Tenneman - Jason Reiff
- Harold Bixby/Cooper/Myron - Danny Rothman
- Mrs.Gebert/Clara - Tracy Lynn Olivera
- Nurse/Librarian - Elizabeth Share
- Anique - Gabrielle Stravelli
- Sidekick - Brooke Bloomquist
- Young Charlie - Ari Goldbloom-Helzner
- Bully - William Beech
Musical numbers (2006-07)
- In These Skies
- Life Can Be Cruel
- It Took This Moment
- Make It From Scratch
- Be My Bride
- Letter From The Front
- The Dogfight
- Soaring Again
- It's Just A Matter Of Time
- I Know It Can Be Done
- Missing Pieces
- Sooner Or Later
- In The Skies (reprise)
- We're The Only Ones
- Seeing Things In A Different Light
- That's That It Should Say
- Finale Sequence
Awards and nominations
ACE was nominated for twelve 2006 Kevin Kline AwardsKevin Kline Awards
The Kevin Kline Awards were started in 2006, to recognize outstanding achievement in professional theatre in the Greater St. Louis area. The awards are sponsored by PTAC, the Professional Theatre Awards Council, and were named in honor of Kevin Kline, a St...
, winning six: Richard Oberacker and Robert Taylor, Outstanding New Play or Musical; Marie Anne Chiment
Marie Anne Chiment
Marie Anne Chiment has created sets and costumes for hundreds of productions across the United States for opera, theatre and dance. Ms. Chiment’s sets and costumes have graced the stages of Santa Fe Opera, Chicago Lyric Opera, Kennedy Center, Wolftrap Opera and Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre...
, Outstanding Costume Design; Chris Akerlind, Outstanding Lighting Design; David Korins, Outstanding Set Design; John H. Shivers and David Patridge, Outstanding Sound Design; and Noah Galvin, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical. It also won the Mickey Kaplan New American Play prize.