New Pirate Queen article (with Photo)

[Popular]

Posted: 7/7/06 at 9:54pm

Stephanie just got back from a little trip to Ireland and here is a pic and an article from the time she was there. This article is from unison.ie??

"THE DUO behind multi-million-euro show 'Riverdance' are preparing to make their maiden voyage with a new big-budget musical production based on the life of 16th-century Irish pirate Grace O'Malley.

Final rehearsals of 'The Pirate Queen' are under way in Dublin before Moya Doherty and John McColgan set off for the United States, where their show will premiere in Chicago in October.

The producers said the first step towards creating the musical began four years ago when Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg, authors of 'Les Miserables' and 'Miss Saigon', agreed to write it.

"The ship is about to sail for a foreign port and we are looking forward to the rest of the journey," McColgan said.

The musical tells the extraordinary life of Grace O'Malley, also known as Granuaile, who led a band of pirates from Galway and went on to become a chieftain. It will open in Chicago in October before moving to Broadway.

"We wanted an Irish story that had a resonance, we wanted something that could travel internationally," Doherty said.

"And I think that what has happened with this Grainne is that she has become sort of a female iconic role model really, and I think there is great interest in North America in the character of Granuaile because they don't know anything about her and they are amazed that she actually existed."

On its potential for success on the US stage, she said: "You can never tell with these things but the quality of the work is very good and we are very pleased with where we are at the moment."

The musical, which is being directed by Tony award-winner Frank Galati, will feature a cast of 40 people.

Doherty, who hopes to bring the musical back to Ireland eventually, said that a number of talented Irish musicians have been working on the show.

Our picture shows Linda Balgord (left), who plays Queen Elizabeth, and Broadway star Stephanie J Block who will have the role of Granuaile."

[EponineAmneris]

Posted: 7/7/06 at 10:04pm

VERY cool! I am very excited for this musical I hope it does well. With all the talent behind it, I know it will be great.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 7/7/06 at 11:22pm

Does anyone know where and when this will hit Broadway? I had heard it was aiming for the Hilton in the fall, but that's unlikely if The Grinch follows Hot Feet there.

[Starlight2]

Posted: 7/8/06 at 3:27am

The Pirate Queen will be at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago from Oct. 3 - Nov. 26. As far as I know it's scheduled to go to Broadway in early 2007...I'm not sure of the exact date. Like you, I've heard that it's going to be at the Hilton. Hope that helps!

[Popular]

Posted: 7/8/06 at 2:12pm

Hilton Theatre with previews in January and opening in February 2007. I don't know if that's set in stone yet but that's the latest I've heard.

[Popular]

Posted: 7/12/06 at 10:26pm

Bumping this cause I just came across this other picture. That's Hadley Fraser, right? How CUTE are they?!?

[ThankstoPhantom]

Posted: 7/12/06 at 10:41pm

I'm actually excited about this show...it'll be a good show for the spring, from what the publicity promises it to be.

My friend at school is actually a descendent of Grace O'Malley, so my interest in this show is even more grounded.

[EponineThenardier]

Posted: 7/12/06 at 10:51pm

I.CANNOT.WAIT! For this musical! Sooo excited!

[EponineThenardier]

Posted: 7/12/06 at 10:52pm

I.CANNOT.WAIT! For this musical! Sooo excited! Any news on when it might open on Broadway?

[Marguerite Chauvelin]

Posted: 7/12/06 at 10:56pm

I can't wait either. I love Jeff McCarthy.

[Popular]

Posted: 7/12/06 at 11:02pm

EponineThenardier - I THINK previews start sometime in January.

[brdlwyr]

Posted: 7/13/06 at 12:18am

I really look forward to it. Stephanie is beautiful. I worked with Linda Belgord (sp) in a show years ago!
Updated On: 7/13/06 at 12:18 AM

[Janki]

Posted: 7/13/06 at 6:02am

Hadley is such a nice guy to work with...and sooooooo talented. Wish him all the best in his Broadway adventure!!!