Boublil and Schönberg to Appear at B&N Book Release Today

The authors of The Pirate Queen, Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, will celebrate the release of their new biography, The Musical World of Boublil and Schönberg, today, Tuesday April 3rd at 6:00PM at the Barnes & Noble Lincoln Center (1972 Broadway). 

The event will feature special musical performances, a discussion, and a book signing with Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg and Margaret Vermette, the author of their book. The epic new musical from the Tony Award-winning authors of Les Misérables and Miss Saigon, began previews on Broadway on March 6th, 2007, and opens officially this Thursday, April 5th at the Hilton Theatre (213 West 42nd Street, NYC; A Live Nation venue). 

"Commissioned and produced by Moya Doherty and John McColgan, the producers of Riverdance, The Pirate Queen combines classic storytelling with a sweeping score and joyous dancing to celebrate the real-life story of legendary Irish Chieftain Grace O'Malley: a compelling, inspiring heroine who led an extraordinary life as a pirate, chieftain, lover and mother in 16th Century Ireland.  To protect her people and save her one true love, O'Malley must confront the one woman more powerful than her…her fierce rival, Queen Elizabeth I of England," according to production notes.

The new musical is directed by Tony Award-winner Frank Galati with musical staging by Graciela Daniele. The creative team  also includes John Dempsey (Witches of Eastwick) who has co-written the lyrics; Richard Maltby, Jr., (Miss Saigon, co-lyricist; Ain't Misbehavin', conceived/direction) who has co-authored the book and lyrics;  JulIan Kelly, orchestrator, vocal arranger, musical supervisor and director; three-time Tony Award-winner Eugene Lee (Wicked), designing the set; two-time Tony® Award-winner Martin Pakledinaz (Kiss Me, Kate) designing the costumes; four-time Tony-nominee Kenneth Posner (Wicked) creating the lighting design and; Jonathan Deans (Ragtime) creating the sound design.  

The cast of 42, is led by Stephanie J. Block (Grace O'Malley), Hadley Fraser (Tiernan), Linda Balgord (Queen Elizabeth I), Marcus Chait (Donal), Jeff McCarthy (Dubhdara) and William Youmans (Bingham). 

Tickets are currently available online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at (212)307-4100. Tickets are available at the Hilton Theatre Box Office (213 West 42nd Street, NYC).

● Ticket prices range from $51.25 to $111.25 (including $1.25 facility fee).

● Student rush tickets: a limited number of tickets will be available two hours prior to each performance at the Box Office only; Proper student ID is required and there is a limit of two tickets per person.  Please check www.ThePirateQueen.com for more information.

The show will play Tuesday – Saturday at 8:00PM with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2:00PM and Sunday at 3PM.  Visit www.thepiratequeen.com for more information.

Photo of Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.