"Unforeseen scheduling delays with playwright/director Kenneth Lonergan's current film" was cited as the cause for the change. In its place the Globe will present the west coast premiere of the new musical Ace, in the same Jan. 13-Feb. 18, 2007 slot.

"While we are disappointed that The Starry Messenger won't be a part of the 2006-7 season, Mr. Lonergan has assured us that he is committed to bringing this project to the Globe in the future," said Globe executive director Louis Spisto. "However, this postponement allows us to present a delightful new production that's perfect for San Diego — the high-flying musical Ace. We've watched the development of this piece in St. Louis and Cincinnati and feel strongly that Globe audiences will enjoy this completely original and important new work."

Featuring music by Richard Oberacker and a book and lyrics by Robert Taylor and Oberacker, the ode to aviation musical Ace "tells the story of the hopes and dreams of three generations of fathers and sons, husbands and wives at a significant time in American history." Stafford Arima directs the work to open Jan. 18, 2007, in the Old Globe Theatre space.

In other news, directors John Rando, Kirsten Brandt and Pam MacKinnon have signed on to helm upcoming productions.

The remainder of Old Globe’s 2006-2007 season now runs as follows: