THE PIRATE QUEEN REIGNS!

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 3/6/07 at 1:03am

If you work in the Theatre a long time or if you are lucky and talented enough to get a job in a broadway show at a young age you might get invited to a "GYPSY RUN-THRU" of a new exciting Show.
Part of the thrill is seeing your friends doing what they do best and knowing other friends are backstage helping the process along.
So discussing a show like this is always gonna be "colored" by knowing people and yet enjoying seeing something outstanding.
There is nothing new in this season quite like THE PIRATE QUEEN,
They have cleaned up the story a lot since Chicago and the show moves from scene to scene much better.
Several people i talked to at the intermission were still confused by the book, but hey I still can't tell you the story of Les Miz.
That said, I was totally swept up by this show tonight.
It is now the love story i feel it was meant to be, the history is still muddled, but I did not care. The creators used the history to tell the story they chose.
The set. still minimal looks beautiful, Posner's lighting tells a story all it's own, and Pakledinaz's costumes are the best to be seen on Broadway in many a year.
The Queen's black ensemble got entrance applause.
Stephanie J. Block is Blockbusters, she can Sing, Act and Dance like no one else, in a season where there are so many great performances by actresses (and more to come by Munk, Murphy, Bundy and McDonald) this is a performance to treasure.
Hadley Fraser is the Newcomer of this season, voice power and looks, he is a leading man in spades, totally TONY worthy.
Linda Balgord is amazing, what a voice and prescence, if it wasn't for Mary Louise Wilson the featured Actress TONY would be in her Hand maiden's Pocket.
Jeff McCarthy and Marcus Chait are very strong in their roles, and William Youmans is perfect, sleazy and so well voiced.
The dancers are so brilliant and so full of the Irsh spirit.
The choral singing is also moving and warming.
I loved hearing a big score, in a season where we have a rock score, SPRING AWAKENING, a pastiche, GREY GARDENS and more to come, Schonberg, Boublil and Dempsey have provided that Big Gorgeous Sound we have so missed on Broadway.
Again, this is coming from someone who wants this show to succeed and I believe it will, it was a very moving night in the Theatre.




Updated On: 3/6/07 at 01:03 AM

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 3/6/07 at 1:05am

It's great that you are so enthusiastic about this show, but did we really need a THIRD thread about this? The other two threads are at the top of the first page.

[ElphieDefiesGravity]

Posted: 3/6/07 at 1:06am

If I remember correctly (and please do correct me if I'm wrong, because I often am), you were quite critical of the show in Chicago, so this sounds like great news.

[SayitSomehow]

Posted: 3/6/07 at 1:07am

YAYYY! Thanks Curtain!

[Popular]

Posted: 3/6/07 at 1:07am

Thank you for reminding the board what this night was supposed to be - INVITED FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES SUPPORTING THEIR FELLOW ARTISTS!

Yes, you are all entitled to your opinions, but THAT, ladies and gents, is how to say THANK YOU for the invite.
Updated On: 3/6/07 at 01:07 AM

[SayitSomehow]

Posted: 3/6/07 at 1:08am

Is "Because I Am a Wife/The Woman That I Am" still in the show?

[fakeblue]

Posted: 3/6/07 at 1:15am

Wow sounds great! can't wait to see that in April! thanks for your review. I'm believeing you
Updated On: 3/6/07 at 01:15 AM

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 3/6/07 at 1:21am

I actually liked the show in Chicago, but liked it so much more tonight.
Third thread?
This show deserves a lot of threads and discussion.

[AlmondEyes252]

Posted: 3/6/07 at 1:25am

I am SO excited to see this show! Can't wait!

[ElphieDefiesGravity]

Posted: 3/6/07 at 1:37am

Well, that's still great news.

[kec]

Posted: 3/6/07 at 2:14am

Thanks for your comments, Curtain. I'm seeing the show on Sunday, and am really looking forward to it.

Updated On: 3/6/07 at 02:14 AM

[Popular]

Posted: 3/6/07 at 2:28am

For those of you who have seen it in Chicago and are interested in hearing about some of the changes, Stephanie talks about them (well, not ALL of them) in an article.

"What's new to the show since last fall?

Block revealed, "Within the first five minutes of the play, I get to sing the 'I want/this is my heart's desire/this is my dream' song. It's called 'Woman,' and that was just recently written. We didn't have that in Chicago for the out-of-town tryout. It was just written, and I think it truly encompasses who she is. And then, in the second act, on the flip side of that at the top of Act Two, she sings the same song — but now it's a lullaby, and she actually sings what the joy is of being a woman and this new sensation of giving birth and breast-feeding and finding that love that only a woman can feel."


FULL ARTICLE Updated On: 3/6/07 at 02:28 AM

[Weez]

Posted: 3/6/07 at 8:06am

Actually, Curtain has a point there about Les Mis not being the easiest show to follow plotwise, and it's managed immense success in spite of that. Maybe the confusing book of PQ won't be a downfall after all. As long as they fix that "... what, you mean it's over?" ending. ^_^

[FallintoLight]

Posted: 3/6/07 at 8:39am

Thanks Curtain!

So great to hear some positive words about the show! I'm glad to see they have doctored it up. I am seeing it tonight and can not wait to see what changes they have made!

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 3/6/07 at 8:41am

Weez - if anthing, the show's downfall will be the size of the Hilton.

If the show truly is great (and Curtain is not alone in shilling, the reviews reflect that it's a good show), then theater size won't matter.

My argument is 2 sided.

[NDR]

Posted: 3/6/07 at 7:55pm

I am excited to hear some positives about the show.
Sometimes I think that the reason people can't follow the plot or the history is because Broadway goers are too used to shows like Hairspray, The Wedding Singer, Tarzan, Beauty and the Beast, Legally Blonde, etc.
Don't get me wrong - I like some of those shows as well but it is high time that Broadway brings us something with more meaning and some depth.
Do we all have ADHD when it comes to Broadway?

[brdlwyr]

Posted: 3/6/07 at 7:58pm

I LOVE THE PIRATE QUEEN!!!!!! Despite my numerous hints, my wife did not want to go to NY for my birthday.

So, I will wait for the Cast Recording.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 3/6/07 at 9:16pm

Wait, so if I get invited to a run-through, I shouldn't be vocal if I hate it? All I can say is...wow.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 3/6/07 at 10:07pm

You are most certainly are entitled to your opinion.

[B3TA07]

Posted: 3/6/07 at 10:15pm

I think Popular was just glad to see someone actually say something to the effect of gratitude for being invited to the Final Dress.


She just worded it kind of...bad.

[Popular]

Posted: 3/6/07 at 10:36pm

She just worded it kind of...bad.

Poorly, hun. I worded it kind of poorly.

Bobby, if it WAS indeed my post that made you ask that question, here is my answer. Of course you are entitled to say what you wish. However, if I invited you to a dress rehearsal of my show and found out that you went online that same night and publically tore it apart I would probably think that incredibly tacky and never invite you ever again. I believe there is a nicer time/place/way to express your negative opinions, that's all.
Updated On: 3/6/07 at 10:36 PM

[brdlwyr]

Posted: 3/7/07 at 12:21am

LOVE THE PIRATE QUEEN!

[fachedaluna]

Posted: 3/7/07 at 3:31am

THANKS NDR.

YOU EXPRESSED MY OPINIONS EXACTLY. Too much bubble gum and glitter and not enough depth/thought provoking threatre on Broadway these days. Seems if it wasn't a movie it can't be something appreciated or inspiring.

Again, thanks for your review made in a positive light. I too loved the show and can't wait to see it in April!!!!!!!!!!

[Dark_Angel]

Posted: 3/7/07 at 3:57am

I have a problem with this statement:

"Several people i talked to at the intermission were still confused by the book, but hey I still can't tell you the story of Les Miz."

Should we take it that just because *you* can't understand the story of Lez Miz (which I find hard to believe as it is adapted from a classic novel) that it excuses the fact that this shows' book is in dire need of some work. I, for one wouldn't want to spend upwards of $100 to see a show I couldn't make heads or tails out of.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 3/7/07 at 4:52am

I got LES MIS right away. I think LES MIS is very easy to follow, but hey, that's just me.

There is a fine, fine line between supporting a show for your friends involved in it and having an opinion about the show. That's all I want to say.

PS: Curtain, where'd ya sit?