Porchlight Music Theatre brings Frank McCourt's spirited celebration of Irish heritage to the Ruth Page Center for the Arts this winter with "The Irish... and How They Got That Way," running from January 31 through March 15, 2026. The production offers audiences an entertaining journey through Ireland's history spanning more than a century, filtered through the distinctive voice of the Pulitzer Prize-winning author best known for his memoir "Angela's Ashes."

The Irish... and How They Got That Way presented by Porchlight Music Theatre at Ruth Page Center For Arts

McCourt's storytelling sensibility shapes this musical experience, blending his characteristic sharp humor with the emotional depth that made his literary works resonate with readers worldwide. The show traces the Irish experience through both the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, capturing the resilience and spirit of a people who weathered tremendous upheaval while maintaining their cultural identity. Rusty McGee's musical arrangements weave together an eclectic soundtrack that moves from traditional favorites like "Danny Boy" and "Galway Bay" to contemporary selections including U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," creating a musical tapestry that reflects the evolving Irish story.

Director David Girolmo leads the production alongside music director David Fiorello, guiding a cast of four principal performers who bring McCourt's vision to life. Michael Mahler and Luke Nowakowski take on the male roles, while Emily Goldberg and Leah Morrow handle the female parts, with Caroline Lyell and Kevin Webb serving as understudies. The intimate casting allows the performers to embody multiple perspectives throughout Ireland's complex history.

The creative team includes Tianxuan Chen designing the scenic elements and Alexis J. Roston crafting the costumes, while Max Maxin IV handles both lighting and projection design. Ellen Markus oversees props, with Matthew R. Chase managing sound design. Drew Donnelly serves as production stage manager, supported by assistant stage manager Carli Shapiro, with Rachel West supervising the overall production and Linda Madonia handling company management duties.

Porchlight Music Theatre continues its tradition of reimagining classic works and championing music theatre in Chicago with this production at their Gold Coast venue located at 1016 N. Dearborn Street. The company has earned recognition throughout its three decades for its distinctive approach to musical theatre, emphasizing intimate storytelling that showcases the city's exceptional performing artists. Under artistic director Michael Weber's leadership, Porchlight has established itself as a vital cultural institution that serves both theatre lovers and the broader community through performances and educational programming.