No Parrots and Patches for This Pirate Queen!

In a press conference that only public relations guru Margie Korshak could pull off, the principle cast and creative team of the sure-to-be hit The Pirate Queen moored into the Cadillac Palace Theatre to give a glimpse of the newest musical by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg, creators of Les Miserables and Miss Saigon.

The Pirate Queen, which will have its pre-Broadway premier in Chicago in October, tells the epic real-life tale of Irish Chieftain Grace O'Malley who led an extraordinary life as a pirate, chieftain, lover and mother in 16^th Century Ireland during the time the English, under the helm of Queen Elisabeth I, sought to occupy Ireland. The musical is directed by Chicago's Frank Galati and will feature authentic Irish/Celtic choreography by Mark Dendy and Carol Leavy Joyce.

The press conference began with a 15 minute video detailing the story of O'Malley and then showed the cast and crew performing some of the remarkable musical numbers of the show. After an introduction by the producers, Moya Doherty and John McColgan, Director Frank Galati gushed over the show, almost to the point of tears when talking about his phenomenal cast, which includes Wicked's original Elphaba, Stephanie J. Block who is the Pirate Queen, Linda Balgord, who shall portray Queen Elizabeth I, and Urinetown's Jeff McCarthy.

Judging by the video and the remarks by the creative team, the scale of The Pirate Queen is surely going to be something that is groundbreaking. The attention to detail seems to be stellar. From the gorgeous costumes, which Ms. Block was surely giddy about, to the enormous sets – from renowned designer Eugene Lee - which are about to be installed at the theatre, to the perfect mix of modern and Irish dance. Nevertheless, as epic as the musical is, as Mr. Galati stated, it is about the humanity of these two women, O'Malley and Elizabeth. In describing the story, the talent of Boublil and Schonberg, and how their past groundbreaking musicals have changed the theatrical landscape, Mr. Galati articulates that this team of genius has changed the history of musical theatre while making musical theatre from history.

Further, this is the first show that will feature a CastCom – a live streaming behind the scenes video of the entire process of the show. The premiere CastCom will launch on www.ThePirateQueen.com on September 12, 2006. When asked if he was worried that all the possible successes and failures, foibles and fun could be broadcast "live" to an always interested theatre community who awaits backstage drama with baited breath, Frank Galati animatedly replied "We will show you everything!" This very 21^st century tool is something that this theatre devotee hopes will be a great success and can't wait to tune in.

The Pirate Queen is surely going to be a milestone in Chicago theatre history, following in the footsteps of other shows which did their out of town try outs here - The Producers and Spamalot. The Pirate Queen will begin previews at the Cadillac Palace Theatre Beginning October 3, 2006. After what is sure to be a great successful run in the Windy City, The Pirate Queen will be setting sail for the Great White Way. Currently booked for the Hilton Theatre and previews slated to begin February 23, 2007, this is one of the most exciting and original pieces to arrive in this upcoming Broadway season. For more information and tickets for The Pirate Queen's Chicago stay please visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

(Article co-authored by Aimee A. Pine)