by Frank McCourt
directed by Charlotte Moore
July 14 – September 26, 2010
The Irish… And How They Got That Way is an irreverent history of the Irish through the tumultuous 20th and 21st centuries through the eyes of Pulitzer Prize winning author, Frank McCourt (Angela’s Ashes, ‘Tis, Teacher Man).
McCourt’s razor sharp wit, coupled with his trademark bitter irony, and his boundless love for the Irish People are all underscored by glorious music extending all the way from the auld Irish folk ballades, through George M. Cohan’s patriotic love songs to America, World War II standards sung in movies, USOs and foxholes all over the world, and including the latest from contemporary Ireland’s U2.
“Now in revival at the Irish Repertory Theater a year after McCourt’s death, the show displays a sturdiness that transcends passing vogue. . THE BUOYANT BLEND OF TRADITIONAL SONGS, SHOW TUNES AND POP IS DELIGHTFUL: Mr. Troy does a dandy George M. Cohan and Mr. Sheehan a devastating “Danny Boy.” – New York Times
“Charlotte Moore’s ensemble of four men and two women puts on a jaunty show, fluidly shifting among songs, jigs and recited passages. EVEN IF YOU DON’T HAVE A SINGLE DROP OF GREEN IN YOUR VEINS, IT’S ENTIRELY POSSIBLE YOU’LL FIND A TEAR IN YOUR EYE.” – Time Out