Photo Coverage: 'ACE - The New Musical Adventure' Final Performance 2008/10/01

Photo Coverage: 'ACE - The New Musical Adventure' Final Performance

Wednesday, October 1, 2008; Posted: 11:10 AM - by Walter McBride

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.