Thoughts on The Pirate Queen (11/16 & 11/17)

[Popular]

Posted: 11/20/06 at 12:51am

Before I post about the show I just have to say how talented and gracious the cast members are. Most of them read the boards and they all truly appreciate the support. Not just from me, but from everyone that has posted a kind thought/wish/experience. It’s because of one ensemble member in particular (he knows who he is) telling me this that I decided to now give my two cents.

In my opinion the show is about 75-80% there. I feel the first act could probably benefit most from the improvements planned. I hope that they can find a way to keep both the love storyline and the Ireland vs. England storyline strong while being more specific about which one the audience should be focusing on. Or maybe both can stay the focus, however, as the first act is now, I felt like I needed to choose one and I wasn’t always sure which one was more important. I didn’t have that same feeling during the 2nd act though, and it wasn't there as strongly in the 1st act the second time I saw the show.

There were several moments when once they passed (the use of the word “balls”, the post childbirth fight, etc…) I thought to myself, “what was all the fuss about?” I personally didn’t have a problem with any of it. And I understood absolutely every single word that the Queen brilliantly sang. I am really excited to see how the new songs and dance numbers fit in and how they tighten up the story and staging!

The performances, the choreography, the effects, the lighting, the costumes, the music... all GORGEOUS and well worth the trip!

[Anakela]

Posted: 11/20/06 at 12:52pm

That's so cool that you went to two shows- you're the second person I know who has managed to make the Chicago trip, I am totally jell-us. :)

[SorryGrateful]

Posted: 11/20/06 at 12:54pm

I'm glad you were finally able to see it!

[B3TA07]

Posted: 11/20/06 at 1:15pm

A+
Glad you got to see it too.

But what exactly do you mean by "The improvements already planned for the first act?"

[Popular]

Posted: 11/20/06 at 1:20pm

What I said was that "I feel the first act could probably benefit most from the improvements planned."

That's the act I think could use the most fixing. As far as what they have planned... even the cast isn't 100% sure. It's been written that new songs are in store as well as more dancing so we'll just have to wait and see.

[B3TA07]

Posted: 11/20/06 at 1:25pm

I was paraphrasing, lol. Sorry. I think it'll benefit from that (if not more) too.

[Popular]

Posted: 11/20/06 at 1:30pm

No worries. I do try my best to choose my words carefully so I'm glad I could clear that up. HAHA

[Eos]

Posted: 11/20/06 at 2:06pm

Hey Popular-
I've been reading these boards for awhile, and I'm glad you got the chance to see it!

I still wish they would include a scene early on that showed Grania doing a little pirating, and belting to the rafters! I think the audience needs that to buy into the idea that she's a threat to the English. I've said this before, but I think jumping into the love story stuff so early makes Grania a little generic. I don't mean to be too negative though -- I really enjoyed the show.

I can't wait to see it in New York to see what they've done!

[B3TA07]

Posted: 11/20/06 at 2:13pm

I think she should put Irish-green war paint on her face and belt from the stop of the ship's mast.

[brdlwyr]

Posted: 11/20/06 at 4:51pm

I will see PQ for the third time soon and look forward to it!

[ChicagoAmy]

Posted: 11/20/06 at 11:55pm

I just have to add to The Pirate Queen love!

I originally had tickets for the November 5 show but then when it opened decided that I wanted to see it earlier, I was curious to see if any changes would be made. So I got tickets to the Oct 8 show and I liked it, but I admit that it didn't really stay with me at first. I thought the actors were amazing and I loved the dancing and the Celtic inspired music, but I couldn't understand a lot of the ensemble songs (part of it was due to being in the balcony), was a bit confused re: the story (this was before they added a synopsis), and while I liked them none of the songs really stayed with me. But the second time this all changed! The story was much tighter by then, I think about 10-15 minutes had been cut and there were lyric changes. I understood a lot more, and granted you could say it was because it was my second viewing but I went with different people this time and they didn't have much trouble understanding either. And the songs, I couldn't get the songs out of my head now! Since these tickets were also balcony (bought by a friend), I went back to see what I could get in the orch and scored front row, which was amazing! Now I've seen the show 4 times and will be going back on closing.

Much as I love the current incarnation, I do realize it needs work. I just discovered these boards recently so haven't read everything that's been written, but have skimmed enough to know it's been discussed a lot about what should be changed so I won't go into that other than to say that I'd love to see more of Grania as a pirate, and I'd also love to see a song between Tiernan and Donal. And I think there needs to be some more transition between songs. But honestly, I haven't really even tried to critically evaluate it, I've just enjoyed it. The actors in this show are all so amazing! I knew Stephanie would be since I saw her and loved her in The Boy From Oz and Wicked, but everyone else blew me away too esp. Hadley Fraser, what an amazing voice he has!

Anyway, I'm so glad that it premiered here in Chicago so I was able to see it early, since I know that songs will be lost and I love all the songs. I can't wait to see what changes are made though, and while my yearly NYC trip is going to be shorter in 2007 due to a trip to Europe, I'm already planning on seeing it twice there.

[ElphieDefiesGravity]

Posted: 11/21/06 at 12:43am

Popular, I'm glad you finally got to see it!

[Popular]

Posted: 11/21/06 at 1:36am

I have to just say that I was a little torn at first about posting. I admit that I anticipated a bit of "joykillishness" (is that a word?), but you all have been so sweet so far with your responses and I'm very glad that I got to see it as well.

YAY for spreading The Pirate Queen love!

Did I mention how absolutley BRILLIANT the performances were?

[TechEverlasting]

Posted: 11/21/06 at 8:15am

Popular, it's great you finally got to see the show. The cast was wonderful at the first preview I saw, and I'm sure by now they are all nailing everything. Having seen the Chicago version will make it a lot more fun to discuss the changes put into the show when it comes to NY.

"I admit that I anticipated a bit of "joykillishness""

Really? Lots of people who have seen the show have posted positive comments about Pirate Queen on this board and I don't think anyone has been hassled for doing so. A few weeks ago I was getting some heat for saying that the story needed major restructuring and that new writing and directing talent should be brought in. These ideas seem to be a bit less controversial lately.

"Did I mention how absolutley BRILLIANT the performances were?"

Although I've read many critical comments on PQ in various places I don't think I've even once seen a suggestion that any roles need to be recast. It's a great ensemble, and I think we're all hoping it will end up being an equally great show.

[ChicagoAmy]

Posted: 11/21/06 at 9:22am

Oh wow, I don't think I ever even considered the thought that they might recast anyone! They'd better not, everyone is just perfect in their roles!

[kelzama]

Posted: 11/21/06 at 9:37am

On the "others playing roles" topic: Anyone see Kathy Voytko when she played Grania for three shows last week?

[brdlwyr]

Posted: 11/21/06 at 11:30pm

Kathy is a Chicago diva, I will ask around and see if anyone I know saw her in the show. I loved her Evita.

[StephanietheStar]

Posted: 11/23/06 at 1:02am

I totally missed this topic the first time around...SO glad you got to see it Popular!!!

If anyone deserves to see Stephanie it's you!!!


how gorgeous is Hadley? le sigh....lol

[Popular]

Posted: 11/23/06 at 2:43am

Stephanie, thanks! That's really sweet and I'm grateful I got to go.

Didn't get to meet Hadley! Can you believe it?

[StephanietheStar]

Posted: 11/23/06 at 1:41pm

Well, then...you'll just have to meet him in NYC won't you???!!


ahhh....I'm pretty sure i'm going tomorrow...


maybe tomorrow will be the day he falls in love with me, and takes me home to England....


LMAO...I'm such a nerd....

[LilMiZBroADwaY23]

Posted: 11/23/06 at 1:53pm

I believe you saw the same show I did. On the 17, when the show had to be stopped due to the English lad stuck in the netting? It was a great show.

I thought it was phenomenal. My friend and I, who are both Vocal Performance majors, loved the show. THe only real problems we saw were with pacing. I thought she became 'pirate queen' too quick, and over a simple sword fight.

Other than that I loved the show. I loved the gutsy-ness it had with the lines like 'I will crush those balls of hers' and everything. It made it really gutsy.

I didn't understand a lot of what the queen said... maybe it's to different people, but that was the only complaint my friend and I had.

All in all great show, I can't wait to see how much success it has on Broadway.

p.s. Stephanie J. Block is my HERO

[Popular]

Posted: 11/23/06 at 4:22pm

Stephanie - Yes, perhaps in NY then. And if all goes well with your plans of seduction I'll expect to not only meet him but to be properly introduced! ha ha

LilMiz- Yes, we saw the same show. Probably even passed each other at the stage door. Hero is nice, but as much as you enjoyed the gutsiness I think "She-ro" is more appropriate, don't you?

[ChicagoAmy]

Posted: 11/23/06 at 5:34pm

I so didn't read the dates on this right, I was at the show on the 17th too! Heh, the poor guy hanging there, but it was funny the way he waved to the crowd. I'm not sure if he was stuck in the netting though, I think his rope just didn't go up. The boyfriend of one of the cast memebers was sitting behind me, and he said that's the fourth time something like that has happened, and everything is so automated that if one thing doesn't go right (ie guy on rope being raised) the next thing can't go right (netting going up), etc.

I love this show, I'm so sad it's leaving Sunday!

Popular, did you leave the stage door after Stephanie left? She came out really fast, Hadley was a little while later and was really surprised to see (based on her signature on our playbills) that she had already come out!

[brdlwyr]

Posted: 11/23/06 at 11:30pm

I am looking forward to my third time soon!

[Popular]

Posted: 11/23/06 at 11:56pm

ChicagoAmy - I think I was the last one to chat with her that night and I did happen to leave right after. I hope that doesn't come off as sounding like I didn't think anyone else was worth sticking around for. I would've liked to introduce myself to all of them but it just didn't work out that way. Maybe next time :)

brdlwyr - have a BRILLIANT time!