Stage set for world's 'largest' musical
June 2, 2004 | bengisu
A musical billed as the "biggest theatrical show in the world" is about to take to the stage in Belfast.
The Ulster-Scots epic, On Eagle's Wing, has a distinctly international flavour with a 100-strong cast and crew, as well as a choir of 300 and an orchestra.
Featuring West End star Peter Corry and Scotland's Alyth McCormack, the musical traces the journey of the Scots-Irish to the US and examines their influence on American music and culture.
More than 400 costumes will be worn during the show which is set on a three-storey, 4,800 sq ft stage, using one of the largest light sets ever constructed.
The show's world premiere was due to have been staged in Atlanta, Georgia, earlier this month, but it was cancelled due to problems with finances.
It will now open at the Odyssey in Belfast on Friday.
The musical's chief executive, Ian Kennedy, said they had been "desperately disappointed" at what had happened, but remain confident they will return to America next year.
"Money which had been committed to the project in the USA failed to materialise, despite signed contracts," he told BBC News Online.
"However, we are delighted that the world premiere for the show will take place in Belfast, the natural home of the story of the Scots-Irish.
more: news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/3756941.stm (84)
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