SEVEN SEAS FOR AN IRISH QUEEN

Unrequited love sustains passion and romance on the seven seas in this musical full of danger, flailing swords, opposing Irish clans, betrayal, loss, and never-ending hope. Lee’s Summit High School’s production of THE PIRATE QUEEN will send every heart into a hurricane of emotion and adventure.

A musical written by the same people who wrote Les Miserables, is a story of an Irish Pirate Queen who is pulled away from her lover, and forced to marry to assist her clan in a time of war. Her husband then betrays her by allowing the English to storm their grounds, and take them away as spoils. It is up to her to save her people and stand up against Queen Elizabeth for the good of her land and her love.

Grace/Grania O’Malley (Kirsten Myers) is the headstrong and fearless woman who heads the Pirate Queen and embarks on a stark and difficult journey along the way. Myers executes a mesmerizing display of vocals. Myers uses stark dynamic contrast between songs, as well as gives emotion to each piece. Her belt and tone is soothing and powerful, and her dramatic expressions while portraying such a strong character is evident and is finessed with professionalism. Tiernan (Jeffrey Burrow) is the male powerhouse and rough scallion that Grania pledges her undying love to. With such a strong female lead, Burrow does not let himself be out-shined. His voice claims the stage, and melts the hearts of many. Burrow allows his character to be rough, but serious and tender towards his love, and the contrast is done with ease.

Queen Elizabeth (Elizabeth Bennett) is the independent leader of England, forced to take charge, but rules it with an iron fist. Bennett allows for her subtle presence to shine. Her mannerisms are few, and her facial expressions are limited, but by this, her character is powerful and memorable. She shows a sense of strength and leadership. Her presence as she triumphs the stage gives a feeling of a villain and brings uncomforting shivers up one’s spine. Bennett’s voice is also powerful and strong, and every note is accurate and lovely. Donal (Jack Gerding) is the forced husband upon Grania, who desires to see Grania to become dependent and act like a “woman” ought to, as well as become the captain and leader of the O’Malley clan. Gerding’s conniving character is a force to be reckoned with. At first, he perfectly shows a lovable yet mean man, but slowly as the show moves on, he darkens his personality, little by little, until his character is utterly despised by every audience member. Gerding allows for his beautiful and luscious voice to carry throughout the production, and show strength where it is needed.

The technical aspects of the show do not go unnoticed. Samantha Lyrerly, Sydney Schmid, and Kaley Jeffries use hair application and make up in such a way, that it is professional. Many wigs and beard applications are used in this production, and they are applied very well. The old-age makeup, and the stark aging of Queen Elizabeth over 7 years’ time, is apparent, and beautifully done.

This show is memorable in every way, shape, and form, and though there are several mic issues that occur in peak moments of the show, it does not take away from the phenomenal display of talent and energy the ensemble and principals bring to the production. Every ensemble member creates a dedicated and energetic character, and commits to it. Not one sound mistake that the crew takes care of in a matter of seconds draws you away from the beautiful story that is being displayed in front of one’s eyes.

A show full of non-stop action and adventure at every turn is revving up the hearts of all who watch it. This show, being the first amateur production in the U.S. does not disappoint, and it is apparent that this

school was chosen to be the first. Never one dull moment is experienced, and emotion is thrown everywhere at every corner. Lee’s Summit High School’s Production of THE PIRATE QUEEN is definitely a show that will sail away the hearts of all.