The musical, which is penned by by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, is slated to begin previews March 6 at the Hilton Theatre. The Pirate Queen is directed by Tony Award winner Frank Galati with musical staging by Graciela Daniele. The cast 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).

The creative team for The Pirate Queen also includes choreographer Mark Dendy; co-lyricist John Dempsey (Witches of Eastwick); and Richard Maltby, Jr. (Miss Saigon, co-lyricist; Ain't Misbehavin' conception and direction), who will work with the writing team on book and lyrics. Julian Kelly is orchestrator, vocal arranger and musical supervisor and musical director.

At left (from top): Producer Moya Doherty addresses the crowd; director Frank Galati; Hadley Fraser and Stephanie J. Block; Linda Balgord; Hadley Fraser.

Below: The cast of The Pirate Queen performs for the press.

photos by Aubrey Reuben