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
Introducing Dina Owner of Eyelashes by Dina

STEP INTO A world of luxury with Dina, the visionary owner of Eyelashes by Dina, nestled in the prestigious Saint James Place. Embrace the artistry of bespoke lash extensions, meticulously tailored to meet your every desire. With a decade of industry expertise, Dina elevates the lash game to an unparalleled level of sophistication. Discover a serene and elegant oasis, where every lash experience is a masterpiece. Indulge in the refinement of luxury, only at Eyelashes by Dina.

Keep Reading Show less

BRETT MILLER WAS just 10 years old when his parents took him to a screening of the 1925 silent film, The Phantom of the Opera, starring Lon Chaney as “The Phantom” of the Paris Opera House, with an accompanying soundtrack played live by an organist. The film contains one of the most famous “reveals” on celluloid (We won’t give it away!) and is all the more shocking when accompanied by live music played on the Phantom’s favorite instrument.

Keep Reading Show less

IN THE SEVENTH annual portfolio, meet luminaries from all walks of life who have helped make Houston — and beyond — a better place. Sponsored by Valobra Master Jewelers

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places