Is the Pirate Queen going to bomb? — Page 4

Foster, you're right. This subject has already been talked to death.
I'm going to watch Sarah Silverman and hangout on the OT.

I was lucky enough to see the show in Chicago about the middle of previews. Obviously, some things could be changed, but overall I thought the show had (and still has) A LOT of potential. The performances (singing and acting wise) were VERY strong. Stephanie J. Block and Hadley Fraser have such amazing voices! Costumes and set pieces were very strong as well. Not to mention the beautiful Irish-themed music.

One thing that kind of bugged me about the show was the sword fighting. It seemed to be very rehearsed (not natural)and quite weak. But I'm sure that will improve in time.

Overall, I hope people do not rule out this show. I think people will be impressed.

Best of luck to cast, crew, and production staff over at PQ for a great run!!

In AugustN's defense, I'd like to point out that he said:

"I would it to be a huge success."

Worth keeping in mind.

OK, proceed.

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In regard to something that B3 posted, my opinions are always biased - they are mine!

"But if a performer is giving their all and drawing you into their world, the exact wording of a few phrases isn't going to be what stays with you."

Weez: I saw the show in Chicago, and there were quite a few clunky lyrics...which, unfortunately, *I* found difficult to shake. One number, BOYS'LL BE BOYS, not only had cheesy lyrics, but it also smacked of several other B&S songs rolled into one extremely annoying package.

Let's assume, for the moment, what you say is true...that as long as you are drawn into the world onstage, then the lyrics aren't paramount. What happens if the lyrics aren't great, nor are you drawn into the action at all? THAT was my major complaint with the show. Stephanie J. Block had a few nice moments as Grania, but other than that, most of the characters lacked any connection, either with the audience or each other. So...cheesy lyrics and a hollow experience. God I hope they are able to fix this thing!

P.S. Now I can't get BOYS'LL BE BOYS out of my head...OY!!!

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"And I don't even have to fit a certain length phrase or aim for a rhyme or anything when I'm talking so I deserve even less leniency than someone singing a song that has a two-line clunker."

I disagree Weez. Unless you rehearse everything that you say, I believe you deserve MORE leniency than a performer who has sung a line god-knows-how-many-times...even if the clunker isn't their fault. Rehearsals and Previews are designed to provide an opportunity to work out the kinks. There is a reason that shows go through a gazillion fixes before they open on Broadway...and I believe that clunky lyrics qualify as kinks.

Lyric writing is a craft...a craft for which theatre-goers often pay $100+ a pop to hear. The one consistent complaint I have been hearing since October, even among PQ lovers, is that many of the lyrics are questionable. A professional performer should not have to struggle to sing ANY awkward lines once they have been identified as such. Additonally, the lyricist should be amenable to fixes once there has been some feedback...and God knows there has been tons of feedback with the reviews and the message boards. I'm not saying that the creators of PQ should change things based on the Gospel according to BWW, but there have been some reasonable comments and suggestions. The powers-that-be would be remiss not to at least consider some of what has been said/written about the Chicago production. We are talking BROADWAY, here...the standard should be higher than community theatre.

As much as lyric writing is art, when millions of dollars are spent to get those lyrics heard, it is also business. If an attorney is paid a ridiculous amount of money to write an airtight contract, there had better not be ANY clunkers. I realize that we are talking about a subjective art form, which is not exactly contract law, but still... If a lyricist is being paid a ridiculous amount of money for his/her words, then there is really no reason for it to sound amateurish.

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I have no attachment to the performers or creative team of the show and yet I really want it to succeed. I think the story sounds fascinating and with B&S music it can only be epic. If anything, hats off to the producers and creative team for attempting something new. This is the show I have been most looking forward to in 2007. So bring on the Pirate Queen. I'm ready.

I have seen this show(on a format we can't talk about) and have to say i thought it was awful.
The show just seemed to plod along from one average number to another(the queen's stuff was dire).
The performances were good and i wish the cast well but the show itself i just can't see working.

Ive been in shows where rewrites have been needed etc and you can normally tell when your in rehearsals what will be changed etc but watching this show i just don't see how it's gonna be saved.

It's biggest problem is it's slow and pretty dull,the sets are also pretty naff and the story doesn't seem to spike.

As i say i do wish the actors all the best because it certainly wasn't there fault but the show itself (my opinion) seems to be DOA

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"Also, I find it interesting that PQ is the first time they've launched a show on Broadway. Can anyone explain that?? "

Les Mis, Miss Saigon and Martin Guerre were produced by Cameron Mackintosh who is based in London.

I belive Doherty and McColgan who are producing PQ are based in Dublin. Perhaps they didn't think Dublin was a big enough theater town to launch this new project.

Edit: I just don't get Martin Guerre. I know many people who post here consider it to be a great score, but I've never been able to hear anything of merit there. I'm basing this on the London cast recording and having seen the show in Minneapolis. Is there some other recording available that shows MG's brilliance?

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Updated On: 2/16/07 at 11:43 AM

I have seen this show(on a format we can't talk about) and

You really formed an opinion about a show in it's entirety based on some partial crappy illegal bootlegs? Wow.

I mean, even if you loved it... just, wow.

By saying you can't talk about it (Oops - guess you just talked about it, huh?)I assumed it was a bootleg. My bad, I apologize.

I hope whoever you got that from doesn't know you're publically telling people you think it's awful.

its not amazing nor bad...its average.....i would give it a
6 1/2 out of 10

Can we stay positive about it? I really think that if people, who have not seen the show and even people who DID see it in Chicago, went in with an open mind they will have an enjoyable experience. It IS begin tweaked and improved upon. I said it before in the Hilton Seating Question thread and I'll say it again...We believe what we are fed...rather than thinking for ourselves!

Updated On: 2/17/07 at 02:03 PM