No, no, I don't think we're disagreeing. Rather, it's a matter of semantics! Of course, you have to suspend reality most times when you go to the theater....especially the musical theater. It's that I don't expect to see history distorted!

twina- I agree that a play (especially a musical) doesn't have to come right out of a history book, but if it purports to tell the story of an historical figure it should at least stay within the realm of possibility. Compare Pirate Queen to maybe the best musical of all time-Fiddler on the Roof.
There may have not been an actual Tevye, but it's easy to believe there could have been and that he had very similar experiences to the play. Also, the music in Fiddler contributed to the story line and was memorable. Can anyone remember one song from Pirate?

The most glaring historical error I recall from when I saw Pirate Queen was that above Elizabeth's throne were arms which depicted a united England and Scotland.

I guess she could predict the future. ;-)

We saw the Pirate Queen last night and throughly enjoyed it. Elaborate and expensive sets and costumes, excellant singing, choreography and cast. It got a long standing ovation. Hope it gets the long run it deserves, contrary to the reviews. Of course the 4th row center orchestra seats at a 50% discount didn't hurt.

Also would highly recommend Via Brasil on West 46th Street for a pre-theater dinner. An old favorite still shines for authentic Brazilian food and nice ambiance.

Unfortunately, just about every show gets a standing ovation these days!

Where, when, and how did you get 50% discounted fourth row center seats?

Neo: Got an offer for $57.50 tickets via snail mail back in February. Went online and to my surprise, got 2, Row A, seats 108 & 109 (theater has row aaa,bbb,ccc upfront.) Tuesday nights aren't nearly as difficult as the weekend. Got Lucky.

Howard: That's true regarding the standing ovation, but this one seem looooong.

I knew quite a few people who saw the pre-broadway run in chicago who were not impressed. In talking to a guy who worked on the set, I was told that they did extensive re-writes before their new york opening. Apparently, from reading the reviews, they didn't re-write enough.

That being said, it is a Broadway musical, it never ceases to amaze me when people walk into a musical expecting Beckett. I enjoyed Wicked, but I saw it for what it was, perhaps the pirate queen is the same way.

There was a standing ovation the night we were there also- but then the majority of the audience was junior high kids on tours.