Music: Denise Wright Book and Lyrics: Chris Burgess Based on the novel Death and Plenty by Brian Leyden SYNOPSIS Grace Maguire abandons her Sex And The City lifestyle in Manhattan and moves to the idyllic seaside town of Ennismuck, West Ireland. However, she clashes with a mining corporation buying up properties and decimating the land.   Grace campaigns to save Ennismuck, and starts a volatile relationship with the local rough diamond, Mulcahy. Both ventures prove to be perilous. But with the help of her newly-found Irish grandfather, Grace manages to topple the mining company's monopoly. Her journey takes her to the heart of a place she can truly call home... and a step towards love. (above) Exuberant ensemble rehearsal in Seattle's wonderful Village Theatre DEVELOPMENT OF THE SHOW Emerald was originally entitled Death And Plenty, after the novel by Brian Leyden. Nurtured through the first draft by Artistic Director, John Sparks at Theatre Building Chicago, the show had its first reading in 2007 as part of the theatre's 30th anniversary season. An amazing dramaturge of new musicals, John Sparks' original feedback was integral to the rewrite that followed. In 2008, the show (now entitled Killala Bay) was selected by The Village Theatre, Seattle, as part of their new musicals programme. This terrific cast, led by the hugely gifted Shelly Burch (Claudia in Nine on Broadway) was directed by the Tony award-winning director and lyricist of Annie, Martin Charnin. (right) Director Martin Charnin, Chris Burgess and Denise Wright lead an audience Q&A session STAGES 2008 The show received a skeletal production at Theatre Building Chicago's Stages Festival in August, 2008. Accompanied by Martin Charnin (who was now legally attached as director), the creative team decamped to Chicago for more developmental work. The world-weary Mulcahy, once again at odds with Grace RECOGNITION IN LOS ANGELES Following further rewrites with Martin Charnin, the show (now entitled Emerald) won a major prize in the ANMT 2009 Search for New Musicals. Emerald will receive further development in LA in the spring of 2010. RECORDING OF EMERALD A stellar West End ensemble, including David Burt, Lisa Peace, Barry James, Helena Blackman, Sue Kelvin and the late, great Charlie Shirvell are on the original cast recording of Emerald, with Musical Direction by Les Miserables' Mark Warman. The CD will be commercially available in the summer of 2010.