Every so often I take the time to read the story of one of those Broadway musicals that make it big. Fewer times I spend an evening reading the stories of other off Broadway performances that are equ
ally great. After seeing Chicago and ballet performances downtown New York City, I moved on to attend a Saturday evening presentation of the Pirate Queen, at the amazing Hilton Theater on Times Square.The Pirate Queen is a musical that tells the story of a heroine who led an extraordinary life as a pirate, chieftain, lover and mother in 16th Century Ireland. Her quest to protect her people and save her one true love begins a voyage that climaxes in a heated confrontation with the one woman more powerful than her... her fierce rival Queen Elizabeth I of England.Celebrating the real-life story of legendary Irish Chieftain Grace O'Malley, The Pirate Queen combines classic storytelling and a sweeping score with the powerful, vibrant traditions of Irish dance and song, to create a new musical event. A cast of 40 people sing, dance and act beautifully to keep the attention of a crowd that can't wait to applaud every single segment of the musical. An already exquisitely decorated theater is enhanced by the captivating ship-like decoration that overwhelmed me with light effects and smoothly moving backgrounds and sets designed to perfection. Another top aspect is the beauty of the customs. Every act was perfectly illustrated by carefully designed clothes that caused envy among women in the theater. Colorful, full of texture and mobility they keep my eyes on the stage every single second of the musical. The shiny silver and golden swords affected every fight and made it as realistic as one can think.The story of a woman that sacrifices everything, including her son, to liberate her people from the tyranny of Elizabeth I, captivated me and all of those who paid between $30 and $150 to attend a musical that was worth every penny. The Pirate Queen also temporarily gives away her right to be with the love of her life who is as she is obligated to marry someone else for convenience. Imprisoned and with no hope, the Pirate Queen's prince is released thanks to her very effort to end hostilities between two women leaders. See any message there?I want to recommend everyone who loves art, to attend ThePirate Queen for as long as it is on Broadway. From director Frank Galati, and Irish Dance Choreographer, Carol Levy Joyce, with scenic design by Eugene Lee, The Pirate Queen merges the beauty of outstanding orchestral music with the cadent movements of artists who live the story to help us live it ourselves.
Though he was not the most wealthy pirate, Blackbeard was the most feared, and the best remembered today. Yet surprisingly little is known about this most notorious pirate up until his gory death.
With a show that falls short of being Miss Saigon, but is oh so much better than Les Miserables, its safe to say that the creators of "The Pirate Queen" have done it again, no matter what the rest of the critic community has to say.
