The Signature Theatre concluded their production of ACE on Sunday, September 28th. The show opened on August 27th, 2008 With music by Richard Oberacker and book and lyrics by Robert Taylor and Richard Oberacker, ACE was directed by Signature's Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer with choreography by Karma Camp. Set just after WWII, ACE is an epic story of a young boy's search to come to terms with his past and unlock his future. A tale of triumph, humor, and heart as seen through a child's eyes, ACE magically explores the heroic lives and unforeseen legacies of the men and women of America's Greatest Generation.
11-year old newcomer
Dalton Harrod played the role of Danny.
Jill Paice, lauded for her performances in London's Gone with the Wind and Broadway's Curtains and The Woman in White, played Danny's mother Elizabeth. The character Ace was performed by
Matthew Scott of Broadway's
Jersey Boys and
A Catered Affair. Danny's foster parents were played by
Emily Skinner of Broadway's Side Show and Signature's Witches of Eastwick, and
Duke Lafoon from the original production of ACE. Broadway regular and Witches of Eastwick star
Christiane Noll was Ruth and
Jim Stanek of Broadway's Lestat and Little Woman was
John Robert. The social worker Mrs. Crandall was played by
Florence Lacey of Signature's Saving Aimee. Danny's friend Emily was played by
Angelina Kelly. Performing in the ensemble were
Richard Barth,
Tom Galantich,
Tracy Lynn Olivera,
Jason Reiff,
Danny Rothman,
Elizabeth Share, and
Gabrielle Stravelli.
The production featured scenic design by
Walt Spangler, costume design by
Robert Perdziola, lighting design by
Ken Billington and Jason Kandrowitz, projection design by
Michael Clark, orchestrations by
Jonathan Tunick, and musical direction by
David Kreppel. The production stage manager was
Kerry Epstein.
ACE was originally produced by The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. ACE was presented at the National Alliance for Musical Theatre's Festival of New Musicals in 2005. ACE is presented in association with
Tom Smedes and
Nancy Nagel Gibbs.
Signature Theatre's 2008-2009 Season is partially supported by a grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information please visit
www.signature-theatre.org.
Photos by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.
Ace: A New Musical
William Beech
William Beech, Brooke Bloomquist and Ari Goldblooom-Helzner
William Beech, Brooke Bloomquist and Ari Goldblooom-Helzner
Gabrielle Stavelli, Elizabeth Share and Tracy Lynn Olivera
Gabrielle Stavelli, Elizabeth Share and Tracy Lynn Olivera
Gabrielle Stavelli, Elizabeth Share and Tracy Lynn Olivera
Gabrielle Stavelli, Elizabeth Share and Tracy Lynn Olivera
Dalton Harrod
Angelina Kelly
Angelina Kelly
Angelina Kelly
Jason Reiff, Richard Barth and Danny Rothman
Jason Reiff, Richard Barth and Danny Rothman
Jason Reiff, Richard Barth and Danny Rothman
Florence Lacey and Tim Lynch
Florence Lacey and Tim Lynch
Florence Lacey and Tim Lynch
Florence Lacey and Tim Lynch
Emily Skinner and Duke Lafoon
Emily Skinner and Duke Lafoon
Emily Skinner and Duke Lafoon
Emily Skinner
Duke Lafoon leads the cast
Emily Skinner
Christiane Noll and Jim Stanek
Christiane Noll and Jim Stanek
Christiane Noll and Jim Stanek
Christiane Noll and Jim Stanek
Christiane Noll and Jim Stanek
Christiane Noll and Jim Stanek
Christiane Noll and Jim Stanek
Christiane Noll
Jim Stanek
Jill Paice and Dalton Harrod
Jill Paice, Dalton Harrod and Matthew Scott
Jill Paice, Dalton Harrod and Matthew Scott
Jill Paice, Dalton Harrod and Matthew Scott
Jill Paice, Dalton Harrod and Matthew Scott
Jill Paice
Jill Paice, Dalton Harrod and Matthew Scott
Dalton Harrod and Angelina Kelly
Dalton Harrod and Angelina Kelly
Dalton Harrod
Dalton Harrod
Angelina Kelly
Tracy Lynn Olivera, Richard Barth, Elizabeth Share, and Gabriella Stravelli
Richard Barth
Richard Barth
Tim Lynch
Tim Lynch
Duke Lafoon
Jason Reiff
Jason Reiff
Jason Reiff
Danny Rothman
Danny Rothman
Florence Lacey
Florence Lacey
Florence Lacey
Florence Lacey
Jill Paice
Jill Paice
Jill Paice
Jill Paice
Jill Paice
Matthew Scott
Matthew Scott
Matthew Scott
Jim Stanek
Jim Stanek
Jim Stanek
The cast and crew of Ace
The cast and crew of Ace
The cast and crew of Ace