Stephanie J. Block To Be 'Pirate Queen'

The Chicago Sun Times reports that Stephanie J. Block, the former Elphaba in the first national tour of "Wicked,” is set to star in the exclusive pre-Broadway debut of “The Pirate Queen” in Chicago this fall.

As first announced by Block at the stage door after her final performance in “Wicked” March 5, her managers confirmed her contract Monday and producers are expected to announce the full cast soon.

“The Pirate Queen” is a new musical from Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg, the creative minds behind “Miss Saigon” and “Les Miserables.” It tells the tale of the infamous 16th century female pirate, Grace O'Malley, whose adventurous life has been fodder for many Irish legends.

The musical is being produced by Moya Doherty and John McColgan, and directed by Frank Galati of “Ragtime” and “The Glass Menagerie.”

“The Pirate Queen” prepares to sail into Chicago's Cadillac Palace Theatre Oct. 3 through Nov. 26, 2006.