Pirate Queen Documentary to Air on WLIW21 March 12

 This Monday, March 12 at 9 PM, New York Public Television (WLIW21) will air an exclusive behind-the-scenes documentary on popular new musical The Pirate Queen. Hosted by legendary actor Gabriel Byrne, The Pirate Queen: A New Musical—A Broadway Journey follows acclaimed musical theatre teams Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, (Les Misérables, Miss Saigon,) and Moya doherty and John McColgan, (Riverdance) in their journey to bring Grace O'Malley's story to Broadway.

With previews starting March 6 and an official opening on April 5 at the Hilton Theatre, The Pirate Queen tells the true story of Irish Chieftain Grace O'Malley, who led an extraordinary life as a pirate in 16th century Ireland . To protect her people and save her one true love, O'Malley must confront her great rival, the one woman more powerful than her: Queen Elizabeth I of England .

The documentary follows the team behind The Pirate Queen from their earliest days of rehearsals in Dublin and New York, to their opening at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago, right up to the moment they embark upon their Broadway premiere.

Producers Doherty and McColgan, as well as cast leads Stephanie J. Block (Grace O'Malley) and Hadley Fraser (Tiernan) will be live in the WLIW21 studio during the premiere broadcast to share personal stories of working on the production, and they will have a special ticket offer for WLIW21 members.  Viewers who want to support WLIW21's commitment to musical theater and Irish culture can call 1-800-767-2121 or log onto wliw.org to make a donation.