Ballinrobe Musical Society members, deep in rehearsal for their 2010 offering The Pirate Queen, have just received some stunning news – the musical geniuses behind Riverdance and Les Miserábles have confirmed they will attend the final performance of the show.
The Pirate Queen, which tells the story of Mayo’s own Granuaile, is a collaboration between Riverdance creators John McColgan and Moya Doherty and Claude Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil, who penned the music for the most successful show of all time, Les Miserábles.
“We are bowled over by the news that John McColgan, Moya Doherty, and Claude Michel Schönberg will be attending the final performance of The Pirate Queen on Saturday, February 20, in Ballinrobe Community School,” said society chairperson Pat McGovern.
“These are hugely significant figures in the world of music and theatre, and the fact that they are to honour us with their presence is just incredible. This is the world amateur premiere of The Pirate Queen, which has already played on Broadway, and will hopefully return to Broadway one day soon.
“Unfortunately, Alain Boublil is unable to attend, but it is expected that his personal assistant will attend. Mr Boublil has kindly offered to write a personal message for the show’s souvenir programme.”
The society has extended its usual week-long run to 10 performances in 2010 to cope with the anticipated demand for tickets. The show is being staged in association with premier sponsors Irish Pride Bakeries.
“The creators have honoured us by giving us special permission to stage this show. They were attracted by the idea of a passionate, talented, west of Ireland cast telling this story on a west of Ireland stage,” added Mr McGovern.
“We aim to bring an authenticity to what is a stunning piece of musical theatre. We intend to repay the generosity of spirit shown to us by producing a performance that will do justice to The Pirate Queen and this fascinating woman of Mayo.”
It has also been confirmed that RTÉ director-general Cathal Goan will be among the attendance on the final night.
The show will be presented nightly in Ballinrobe Community School from Thursday, February 11, to Saturday, February 20. The society is regularly honoured in the annual Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS ) awards, most recently for their acclaimed production of Chess last February.
Tickets for the show will go on sale on February 1. To reserve tickets from that date onwards, contact Sean Costello, Abbey Street, on 094 954 1405. The 2010 show is also being supported by Ireland West Tourism.
