The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast)

The Pirate Queen, with a score by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg (Les Misérables,Miss Saigon), took a critical beating when it opened on Broadway, but as this catchy cast recording demonstrates, that reception was really unnecessarily harsh. Set in the 17th century, the show (which closed after only 85 performances) tells the story of Grace O’Malley (Stephanie J. Block), an Irish ship captain and pirate who defied Queen Elizabeth I (Linda Balgord). The combination of that setting with the fact that the producers also brought us Riverdance means an overall Celtic flavor. But fans of Boublil and Schönberg should not fear. The duo delivers plenty of the over-the-top, super-emotional power ballads they’re famous for--it’s hard not to wonder what Celine Dion would make of songs such as "Woman" or "I’ll Be There" (the latter sung by a man, but no matter!). Special kudos to Balgord, whose deliciously campy stage portrayal of Elizabeth I comes across well on "The Waking of the Queen," "The Role of the Queen," and two harpsichord-driven, vibrato-laden duets with Block, "She Who Has All" and "Woman to Woman." Also of note to fans of traditional singing is the participation of Áine Uí Cheallaigh (known from Riverdance) on several tracks. --Elisabeth Vincentelli Amazon.com

SOME AWESOME MUSIC

I had some unreasonable aprehensions about this musical and had postponed its purchase for several months. Finally, I got the album and simply LOVED IT! Most of the songs are really beautiful and the sound quality of the CD is matchless. Little can we say about the story which seems somehow old-fashioned; yet, keeping the comments in terms of this CD only, it seems to me that it's quite a successful work. In a simple way, it is MISS SAIGON/LES MISERABLES going celt. June 19, 2008

Good CD

This was certainly not a hit show and with good reason. Still, so-so Boubil and Schonberg is often better than many others best works, and I enjoyed the music on this well produced CD. May 27, 2008

Wonderful Music

The Music in this musical is some of the prettiest music I have ever heard. I think the story drags a little.

to be fair I have never seen the show on stage, just listened to the recording. I know I am missing alot till I see it preformed February 29, 2008

Not up to the standards of Les Miz or Miss Saigon

While the story is interesting, the music is not up to the high standards set with Les Miz and Miss Saigon. More along the line of Martin Guerre. December 18, 2007

Good Music

I love the music for this show. I know a director who said she heard someone sing an audition using a song from this show and just had to cast her.

The duet "here on this night" is brilliant. I put it on repeat and can't stop listening to it. December 5, 2007

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