The Fourth Walsh

Porchlight Music Theatre presents Frank McCourt’s THE IRISH…AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY.

Pulitzer Prize-winning Author Frank McCourt penned a poignant memoir of growing up poor and hungry in Limerick, Ireland. His “Angela’s Ashes” was a marring tribute to his resilient mother in the 1930s. Published in 1996, the story lingers in my mind for its unflinching portrait of cyclical unemployment, alcoholism, and hunger.

THE IRISH…AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY is the complete opposite of McCourt’s life defining work, “Angela’s Ashes.” In THE IRISH, McCourt pays homage to his heritage by crafting a bubbly variety show. He highlights the 20th and 21st century history of the Irish experience through music, storytelling and musical storytelling. The format is a loose narrative of jokes and bits weaving together a score of Irish-inspired songs. The show has a diverse range of tunes, like the sentimental “Danny Boy,” upbeat “Yankee Doodle,” and the contemporary “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.”

THE IRISH starts with an animated violin solo by Elleon Dobias. Her nimble bow work on the fiddle sets the tempo for fun. Dobias joins David Fiorello, who serves as both conductor and pianist, on the fringes of the set to make room for the ensemble. Michael Mahler, Leah Morrow, Emily Goldberg and Luke Nowakowski arrive ready to sing, dance and make merry. Individually and collectively, each croon and harmonize sweet melodies. For the more upbeat ditties, they match the mood by jigging, marching, dancing and even miming working on the railroad.

Under the direction of David Girolmo, the crackerjack foursome educate the audience on all-things-Irish. They list off famous Americans with Irish roots. They explain Irish drinking habits and reputational stereotypes. They tell origin stories of the potato and their relationship with the English. Even the sad plights about famine, war and death are told in a cheeky and mischievous way. In a shot-drinking wake sketch, a hilarious Morrow is an impressive standout as the widow. She speaks in a heavy Irish accent. As she drinks, her words are faster and less decipherable. It’s a riot! Although the entire ensemble have comedic moments, Morrow continually and often unexpectedly zings the punchline.          

THE IRISH… AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY is good craic! It’s light-hearted and soul-warming entertainment for this relentless, long Chicago winter.  THE IRISH tis lovely!

Running Time: Two hours includes an intermission

At Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn

Written by Frank McCourt

Original Music arrangements by Rusty Magee

Music and lyrics by various artists

Directed by David Girolmo

Music Directed by David Fiorello

Performances are:

Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30pm

Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm

Thru March 15

For more information or tickets

Production photos by Anthony Robert LaPenna

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