The musical — under the direction of Frank Galati — began its world-premiere Chicago engagement Oct. 3 and officially opened Oct. 29. The production will arrive at Broadway's Hilton Theatre March 6, 2007, four days later than originally announced. The official opening remains set for April 5.
It was recently announced that Broadway veterans Richard Maltby, Jr. and Graciela Daniele have officially joined the creative team of the Broadway-bound musical, which casts The Boy From Oz's Stephanie J. Block in the title role. Daniele will oversee musical staging, while Maltby, Jr. will work with the writing team on book and lyrics.
The cast of 42 also includes Hadley Fraser (Tiernan), Linda Balgord (Queen Elizabeth I), Marcus Chait (Donal), Jeff McCarthy (Dubhdara) and William Youmans (Bingham).
The creative team features choreographer Mark Dendy (Taboo, MTC's The Wild Party, Metropolitan Opera's The Magic Flute); John Dempsey (Witches of Eastwick) who has co-written the lyrics; Julian Kelly, principal orchestrator and musical director; three-time Tony Award winner Eugene Lee (Wicked), scenic designer; two-time Tony Award winner Martin Pakledinaz (Kiss Me, Kate), costume designer; four-time Tony nominee Kenneth Posner (Wicked), lighting design; sound designer Jonathan Deans (Ragtime). Also contributing are Carol Leavy Joyce (Irish dance step choreography), J. Steven White (fight director), Paul Rubin (aerial design), Paul Huntley (wig design), Angelina Avallone (make-up design), Howard Werner (projection design), Greg Meeh (special effects), Tara Young (associate director), Rachel Bress (associate choreographer), Peter Lamb (production manager).
According to the producers, "The Pirate Queen is an epic musical adventure celebrating the legendary Irish Chieftain Grace O'Malley. Based on her real-life story, The Pirate Queen tells of a compelling, inspirational woman; a heroine who led an extraordinary life as a pirate, chieftain, lover and mother in 16th century Ireland." Commissioned and produced by Riverdance's Moya Doherty and John McColgan, "this new musical combines classic storytelling and a sweeping score, with the powerful, vibrant traditions of Irish dance and song, to create a modern musical event that is both an historic romance and a timeless epic."
The Pirate Queen is based upon the novel "Grania-She King of the Irish Seas" by Morgan Llywelyn.
For more information, visit www.thepiratequeen.com.
