Almost 50 people attended the Midwest Regional Section's exciting fall program. Held November 4, the program featured a lengthy backstage tour of the sold out, pre-Broadway world premier of The Pirate Queen, followed by a 2 p.m. matinee performance. All activities were held at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago.

The Pirate Queen is an epic musical adventure celebrating the legendary Irish Chieftain Grace O'Malley and her extraordinary life as pirate, chieftain, lover, and mother in 16th century Ireland. The show is directed by Tony Award-winner Frank Galati, with a score from Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, creators of Les Miserable, Miss Saigon, and others.

The creative team includes three-time Tony Award-winner Eugene Lee (Wicked) doing sets; two-time Tony Award-winner Martin Pakledinaz (Kiss Me, Kate!) designing the costumes; four-time Tony nominee Kenneth Posner (Wicked) creating the lighting design; and Jonathan Deans (Ragtime) creating the sound design.

Marty Lazarus, president of Chicago Spotlight, made all the arrangements for the program, and hosted the day-long program. Attendees formed six rotating groups that toured various departments for the show including electrics, props, deck and grid automation, carpentry, sound and stage management.

Broadway previews began March 3.

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The Chesapeake Regional Section announces its second annual Design Exhibit on September 15 at Shenandoah University. Entries include scene designs, lighting designs, costume designs, sound designs, props design, stage management, construction drawings, make-up designs, and other areas related to theatre. Applications for submissions can be found at www.usittchesapeake.org or www.usittchesapeake.org/expo/DesignEntry.pdf. Click on "Design Exhibit." The deadline for submissions is May 31.

Professional members of USITT will adjudicate all submissions at the exhibit. More detailed information to follow after the USITT Annual Conference & Stage Expo.

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