We Were Soldiers

Suited up in military inspired styles, amid the ruins of a sunswept urban wasteland, Alley Theatre actors Michael Brusasco and Jay Sullivan report for duty.

Julie Soefer
5794_160801_alley
5794_160801_alley

THIS FALL TWO of the city’s most admired leading men — Michael Brusasco, 39, and Jay Sullivan, 35, both New Yorkers still fairly new to the company — will costar in the Alley Theatre’s highly anticipated and sure-to-be frenetic production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a funny-sexy love letter to its playwright, William Shakespeare himself, on the 400th anniversary of his death.


Rumor has it the Bard’s greatest comedy, running Oct. 7-Nov. 5, is to be retold with revealing costumes and an edgy, steampunk vibe. But the heart of the story is, well, the heart of the story. “When you’re in love, you’re f***ing crazy,” says Brusasco, who plays the romance-challenged Demetirius in the production. “I think that’s one of the beautiful things about Midsummer. You get to watch people fall in love and go a little crazy.”

Jay wears Michael Kors Melton fur-trimmed anorak peacoat, $995; cashmere pullover, $395; and flannel hiking pant, $295, all at the Michael Kors boutique. Ceramic military type watch, $4,500, by Bell & Ross at Zadok Jewelers.Jay wears Michael Kors Melton fur-trimmed anorak peacoat, $995; cashmere pullover, $395; and flannel hiking pant, $295, all at the Michael Kors boutique. Ceramic military type watch, $4,500, by Bell & Ross at Zadok Jewelers.

This fashion shoot — made in and around a vast, artfully decaying former rice mill and automotive graveyard in the Greater Fifth Ward — also channels a steampunk sensibility. And, like Shakespeare’s play, is largely set outdoors. The actors slip in and out of military-inspired looks by Ferragamo, Brunello Cuccinelli, Bottega Veneta and others to deliver winning shots, with few complaints about the late-summer heat. “You know Houston,” laughs Brusasco. “It’s like being in a nice bowl of soup, a nice bowl of pho. New York is hot, but it’s not hot like this.” It’s the first time Sullivan — Midsummer’s mischievous elf Puck — has ever tried his hand at fashion modeling. But he thinks he might already be a pro. “Changing clothes is the easiest part of my job,” he laughs. “I’ve got that down to a science.”

5403_160801_alleyrInsulated ski jacket, $4,995, and insulated ski pants $3,995, at the Ralph Lauren boutique. Vintage handmade Mexican souvenir biker ring, $575, at Manready Mercantile.

5680_160801_alleyCoat, $4,730, sweater vest, $1,260, and pants, $1,400, at the Prada boutique. Balmain boots, $1,300, at The Webster.

Shirt, $370, and trousers, $1,100, at the Salvatore Ferragamo boutique. Woven belt, $185, by Andersonn at M Penner.Shirt, $370, and trousers, $1,100, at the Salvatore Ferragamo boutique. Woven belt, $185, by Andersonn at M Penner.

6229_160801r_alleyDark Sergeant Smoky Loden wool coat, $3,300; matching pants, $950; lace-up boot, $820; and Croc Club Fume duffle, $13,700, all at the Bottega Veneta boutique. Ceramic military 42MM watch, $5,900, by Bell & Ross at Zadok Jewelers.

6241_160801_alleyLuciano Barbera gray wool shirt, $795; Ermenegildo Zegna navy lamb plonge aviator leather jacket, $3,395; and Eledenty brown pants, $295, all at M Penner. Panerai Luminor Submersible timepiece, $11,000, at Zadok Jewelers.

Art+Culture
Cool for ‘Schools’! CIS Wants to Transport You to a Whimsical ‘Wonderland’ at Milestone Gala

CIS 2024 Gala Honorary Co-Chair Judy Tate, Co-Chair Lauren Brollier, Co-Chair Cassie Milam, Honorary Co-Chair Kirby McCool

WHETHER YOU PREFER Alice, the Mad Hatter or the Queen of Hearts, Communities In Schools of Houston’s A Night in Wonderland 45th Anniversary GalaA Night in Wonderland 45th Anniversary Galais not to be missed! Join in the celebration for a whimsical good time on Thursday, April 4th, at the luxurious Post Oak Hotel.

Keep ReadingShow less

David Ansell, Bennie Flores Ansell, Thuy Tran and James Tiebout

THE ROTHKO CHAPEL held its Inspirit fundraiser — a celebration of the power of art and activism — at the industrial-chic Astorian. The evening featured cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and an onstage conversation with actor Cheech Marin, one of the world’s foremost collectors of Chicano art; 2023 Art League of Houston Texas Artist of the Year Vincent Valdez; and legendary civil rights advocate Dolores Huerta, who co-founded the United Farm Workers of America with César Chávez. (She’s 93, by the way!)

Keep ReadingShow less
Art + Entertainment
A FEW SHORT years ago, the Covid pandemic had the whole world questioning if the travel and hospitality industries would ever recover. In a report released this week by Houston First Corporation, the region's marketing organization, it seems that those sectors in Houston not only bounced back, but are continuing on a strong upward trajectory.
Keep ReadingShow less
People + Places