Synopsis
ACT IOur story opens on the beautiful shores of Ireland (Emerald Isle Prologue/Brothers Always) where Justin McBride, the life of the party, shares a wild dream and stirs his brothers contempt (Watch Your Step/No Turning Back). That evening, Justin discovers his brothers illegal dealings at the cove. Unable to silence him, the brothers cast Justin out in a smuggling ship (Injustice at the Cove). His father grieves his son while Justin grieves his fate (Farewell to Ireland/A Young Man's Dream). Weeks later, in London, an injured Justin wakes in the care of a kind nurse (A Higher Call). Fending for himself, Justin determines to rise above the obstacles in London (The Vow).
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Justin fortuitously lands a job at the home of famed statesman, Sir Robert Peel, whose daughter, Lady Julia Peel, secretly serves as a nurse...Justin’s nurse (The New Groom). Justin nearly discovers Julia’s scandalous secret but instead proves himself the hero in the boisterous home. In Ireland, guilt and grief continue to haunt the McBride siblings (Brothers Always Reprise/Once Again). A few years pass. Astonishingly, Justin now serves as personal valet to Robert Peel. Another year, another advancement for Justin (The Making of Me) while a frustrated Peel sends his responsible son, Nathan, to Ireland to manage his holdings. Deirdre McBride determined to save her family farm, takes a job in the estate of the new landlord from London, Nathan Peel. After an awkward greeting, Nathan apologizes to his new maid and offers Deirdre a ribbon to atone for his behavior (A Legend and a Ribbon). When the McBride's learn their father’s farm is among those to be seized by British landlords, (When Ireland Shall be Free), animosity is inflamed toward Nathan even when he attempts to broker peace (Addressing the Landlord). Despite the tension, Nathan and Deirdre forge a friendship...a dream come true for Deirdre (Deirdre of the Sorrows). |
Robert Peel becomes Prime Minister and promotes Justin, as his private secretary (The Making of Me Reprise). At the inaugural ball, Julia admires Justin’s accomplishments while her precocious sister, Penelope, tempts Justin into a compromising position (Penelope’s Ploy). Tension mounts on both sides of the Irish Sea: the McBride brothers lead an angry mob to Nathan's house, while in England, Penelope accuses Justin of violating her. Justin is dragged into court, sentenced to life in prison, as shots are fired in Dublin. Nathan falls (Injustice Finale).
ACT II (Spoilers ahead!)
After almost three years in London's horrific, Newgate Prison, Justin is haunted by dreams of his past (Nightmare at Newgate). Back in Ireland, Deirdre, Robyn and Brennan McBride despair when they discover the potato harvest is diseased (Blighted Dreams). In England, Nathan visits Justin in prison, to find him elevated to prison manager. An dejected and vulnerable Justin, recounts one of his dreams. The two men find common ground along with the surprising realization that Justin's dreams are divinely inspired (Whenever I Close My Eyes).
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The Peels receive news about the ever-worsening potato famine, while Penelope shares the London gossip: Queen Victoria is having debilitating dreams. (The Queen’s Dream/A Harvest of Ashes) Nathan requests Justin’s release from prison so he can interpret Victoria's dream. Victoria shocks all of London by placing Justin in charge of Ireland (The Making of a Duke), and Penelope inadvertently reveals that Justin was innocent of her accusations. Vindicated, Justin prepares to speak to Parliament, while the McBride brothers arrive at the palace (The Very Next Day).
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When Justin interrogates his brothers (who don't recognized him), he believes them to be unchanged. Justin condemns Sheridan to prison, demanding the brothers return with Robyn, Deirdre and Brennan (Injustice at the Palace). Peel begs Justin’s forgiveness and perceiving Justin’s low spirits, Peel sends him to visit Julia at the clinic. As Julia shares her story, Justin is endeared to her (Once Upon a Time). Justin simultaneously answers the call on his life and declares his love for Julia. (Emerald Isle Remembered)
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Justin, hoping to put his past behind him once and for all, invites his family to a charity ball for Ireland (The Banquet). The McBrides are in awe of the opulence; a tearful Deirdre is reunited with Nathan (Deirdre's Dream). A nervous Justin addresses his family, releases Sheridan and then reveals his true identity to them (The Reunion). Justin and his siblings return to Ireland to reunite with his father (along with Julia and Nathan Peel). Just as the story began, the story closes with a joyful celebration (Emerald Isle Finale).
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