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Ace: Musical cast


Ace cast


Music by Richard Oberacker
Lyrics by Robert Taylor and Richard Oberacker
Book by Robert Taylor and Richard Oberacker

Original Cast

Billy - Noah Galvin
Mrs. Crandall/Clara Whitlow - Traci Lyn Thomas
Elizabeth - Jessica Boevers
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 Paice
Louise - Emily Skinner
Emily - Angelina Kelly
Edward/Stampley - Duke Lafoon
Ace - Matthew Scott
John Robert - Jim Stanek
Ruth - Christiane Noll
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

2015 Cast at UNLV's Judy Bayley Theatre

Danny Lucas - Sam Cordes
Ruth - Tina Walsh
Ace - Devin Archer
John Robert - Joey DeBenedetto
Young Ruth - Niki Scalera
Elizabeth - Nicole Kaplan

Supporting Cast:

Bruce Ewing
Jeff Leibow
Nikka Wahl
Lisa Louise Orchard
Brian Miller
Greg Kata
Jesse Bourque
Rochelle Collins
Sydney Peca Story
Gary Easton

Original Cast Highlights.

The original cast of Ace introduced audiences to the story's intense emotional core. Noah Galvin portrayed Billy, the troubled boy at the center of the narrative. Matt Bogart delivered a commanding performance as Ace, the titular World War I pilot. Supporting roles like Elizabeth by Jessica Boevers and Emily by Gabrielle Boyadjian added layers of warmth and complexity.

2008 Signature Theatre Cast.

The 2008 production at the Signature Theatre saw Matthew Scott step into the role of Ace. His portrayal added depth and grit, earning praise for his emotional range. Jill Paice brought renewed sensitivity to Elizabeth. Emily Skinner as Louise offered a stirring performance that remains unforgettable among fans.

2015 UNLV Cast Updates.

The 2015 production at UNLV’s Judy Bayley Theatre introduced new life to the show. Sam Cordes as Danny Lucas delivered a nuanced balance of vulnerability and resilience. Devin Archer redefined Ace with a more introspective touch, while Tina Walsh as Ruth infused her scenes with intense maternal complexity. Niki Scalera portrayed Young Ruth, adding a delicate, youthful counterpoint to Walsh’s gravitas.

Supporting Cast Evolutions.

The supporting cast shifted across the years but always served to elevate the story’s layered timelines. Names like Bruce Ewing, Jeff Leibow, and Nikka Wahl contributed memorable ensemble work. Their voices and presence built the world surrounding Billy and Ace with texture and humanity.

Recent Stagings and Potential Revivals.

As of 2025, Ace the Musical is quietly circulating in regional theatre circles. Directors are exploring the potential of scaled-down versions focusing on chamber orchestration and intimate staging. While a major Broadway transfer hasn’t materialized, the show’s intricate story continues to attract smaller companies. There is growing interest in producing Ace with diverse casting to reflect broader generational legacies.

Some newer workshops have reportedly experimented with a gender-swapped Ace, offering fresh emotional angles. These developments hint that Ace remains alive, still unfolding, still evolving.

Notable Trends in Casting.

  • Increasing diversity in recent workshops.
  • Exploration of minimalistic sets with focus on character depth.
  • More intimate reinterpretations gaining traction in college productions.
  • Heightened interest in roles like Ruth and John Robert for their emotional complexity.

Questions and Answers.

Who originally played Ace in the first production?
Matt Bogart played Ace in the original production, delivering a layered, emotionally charged performance.
What unique element did the 2008 Signature Theatre production bring?
Matthew Scott’s portrayal of Ace added new emotional grit and resonance to the character’s journey.
Is Ace currently running on Broadway?
No, Ace has not reached Broadway. It continues to be staged in regional and educational theatres.
How have recent workshops approached casting?
Recent workshops explore diverse and even gender-swapped casting to bring new perspectives to the story.
Which roles are particularly sought after in recent auditions?
Roles like Ruth and John Robert attract actors seeking emotionally complex, multi-layered characters.

Last Update:June, 24th 2025

Ace Lyrics: Song List

  1. In These Skies
  2. Life Can Be Cruel 
  3. It Took This Moment 
  4. Make It From Scratch 
  5. Be My Bride 
  6. Letter From The Front 
  7. The Dogfight 
  8. Soaring Again 
  9. It's Just A Matter Of Time 
  10. I Know It Can Be Done 
  11. Missing Pieces 
  12. Sooner Or Later 
  13. In The Skies (reprise) 
  14. We're The Only Ones 
  15. Seeing Things In A Different Light 
  16. That's That It Should Say 
  17. Finale Sequence 
  18. Worthy

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