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West Valley City • Composer Claude-Michel Schönberg and lyricist Alain Boublil excel at writing larger-than-life shows — epic stories with sweeping musical scores. The creators of "Les Misérables," Utah's favorite musical, thought they had found the perfect candidate in "The Pirate Queen," making its national regional theater premiere at the Hale Centre Theatre.
It's the saga of Grace O'Malley, a fiery Irish rebel chieftain who takes on the British navy and its equally feisty sovereign, Queen Elizabeth, during the tumultuous 16th century. The show has splashy musical numbers — something Hale does exceptionally well — but, ironically, where the production shines is in the quieter, more personal moments where characters connect.
The best of these occurs in the second act, when Grace brazenly sails her ship up the Thames to confront the queen. "Woman to woman, I ask for justice for my land," she announces. The two face each other warily — the queen on her throne and Grace on the opposite side of the stage. Then they gradually move toward each other, sit together on two chairs behind a screen and work out their differences in song, their voices poignantly intertwining.
Just before this, they've shared another powerful duet, "She Who Has All," although they never meet. Grace is in prison, and the queen reflects on their rivalry: "It's I who envy her. I have nothing compared to the dream she holds fast in her heart." The two stand back to back, and the stage revolves as they harmonize.
In the Monday, Wednesday, Friday cast, the raw intensity of Heather McDonald's Grace perfectly complements Brianna Gray's world-weary sophistication as Elizabeth. Whether acting or singing, the two are worthy adversaries.
Another intimate moment that works exceptionally well in Act II happens when Grace reunites with Tiernan, the clan member she has loved since childhood. The two sing "If I Said I Loved You," and the song's combination of passion and longing is very moving. Jacob Theo Squire's charismatic, loyal, self-sacrificing Tiernan matches McDonald's energy and ardor. Squire also does well with his two solos, "I'll Be There" and "Surrender."
"The Pirate Queen" is slow starting, and the music in the first act is uneven and sounds repetitive. There are a couple of lively song-and-dance numbers — "Boys'll Be Boys" and "The Wedding" — thanks to Alan Scariff's exuberant Irish step-dancing choreography. The big production number that ends Act I — "Dubhdara's Farewell" — sends the show in a more consistent, positive direction.
Director David Tinney moves the large cast fluidly around the Hale's confined stage and orchestrates the emotional moments especially well. Musical director Rob Moffat is equally adroit in handling the challenges of Boublil and Schönberg's complex musical score, and Brad Schroeder's fight choreography is well-executed and exciting.
In the supporting cast, Stephen Kerr is commanding, yet understanding, as Grace's father, who teaches her to "be who you are." Adam Millington's officious, arrogant Richard Bingham effectively counterpoints Keith McKay Evans' sniveling, treacherous Donal O'Flaherty.
As usual, Hale's production values are outstanding. The stars here are Tamara Baker's Elizabethan costumes, and especially Martin Pakledinaz's almost overwhelmingly elegant dresses for Queen Elizabeth, but Kacey Udy's huge pirate ship set and Adam Flitton's atmospheric lighting with its banks of flickering candles are also impressive.
An Irish rebellion can't match the French Revolution in size or emotional power, but "The Pirate Queen's" portrait of two strong, self-possessed women compensates in other ways, and the show offers some genuinely moving more-intimate moments. —
The royal treatment
While "The Pirate Queen" isn't up to the size and power of "Les Misérables," its compelling portrait of two strong women making difficult choices captures some memorable intimate moments.
When • Reviewed Wednesday, Feb. 17; plays nightly at 7:30, except Sundays, through April 2, with matinees at 12:30 and 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Extra 4 p.m. performances March 25 and 31 and April 1.
Where • Hale Centre Theatre, 3333 S. Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City
Tickets • $32 to $35 for adults and $16 for children (5 to 11); 801-984-9000 or hct.org
Running time • Two hours and 20 minutes (including an intermission)