**** Highly Recommended As I watched Porchlight Music Theatre’s new production, The Irish … and How They Got That Way, I felt like I was watching my family history. The narrative storytelling by the ensemble cast of four, interspersed with Irish music, was witty, interesting, historical, and sometimes downright sarcastic (especially when describing the English and how they got that way - food). The Irish … is charming and I give it 4 Spotlights
Again and again in colonial days, as the British empire spread, indigent populations were forced off their lands, their cultures suppressed. Ireland was just another territory to the Brits, a troublesome one at that. This is the point in the storytelling when the ensemble made fun of the English, particularly their food – bangers and mash, bubble and squeak, spag bol, kedgeree, and my favorite, spotted dick!
(l to r) Leah Morrow, Luke Nowakowski, Michael Mahler, Emily Goldberg
Back to Ireland – after the British took over, the Irish language and customs were suppressed. When the Irish proved recalcitrant, families were forcefully evicted, their homes and possessions burnt. For many, the potato was the only food available, so when the infamous Potato Famine struck, many of the Irish left for America. A note from Carol: Irish step dancing evolved because of British cruelty. Dancing was forbidden, so the Irish learned to dance without using their arms.
One they arrived in America, the Irish were regarded as little more than animals. They were met with signs that said ‘Irish need not apply.’ Eventually the Irish found work digging the Erie Canal and later building the railroads. The Irish distinguished themselves during the Civil War, earning acceptance and assimilation into American culture.
(l to r) Leah Morrow, Luke Nowakowski, Michael Mahler, Emily Goldberg
Meanwhile, the Irish were performing in the music halls, then the theaters and eventually, on Broadway. George M. Cohan was one of the most successful, so the ensemble sang a medley of his songs. My friend Helen thought this part of the show was a lot like watching Vaudeville.
The delightful and talented cast included Michael Mahler (Man #1), Luke Nowakowski (Man #2), Leah Morrow (Woman #1) and Emily Goldberg (Woman #2). Musical accompaniment is provided by David Fiorello (Conductor/The Pianist), Elleon Dobias (The Violinist) and Mahler on guitar. By the way, the Irish would call Dobias a fiddler as she played foot-stomping rhythms.
Elleon Dobias
Musical numbers ranging from traditional Irish songs like Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ra, The Rose of Tralee, Galway Bay, I’ll Take You Home Again, Kathleen, Come Back Paddy Reilly and Mother Machree to Irish-in-America songs like No Irish Need Apply, The Irish Washerwoman, The Erie Canal and I’ve Been Working on the Railway to George M. Cohen hits like Give My Regards to Broadway, You’re a Grand Old Flag, Over There and Yankee Doodle.
For a touch of modern Irish music, the song list included U2’s song, I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For. As the ensemble gleefully demonstrated the role of Irish whiskey in Irish wakes, I was delighted to hear one of my favorites, Finnegan’s Wake. Everyone in the house was quiet and still as David Fiorello showed off his perfect tenor with a beautiful rendition of Danny Boy.
The cast of The Irish ... David Firoello on the piano
The Irish … was written by Frank McCourt, with original musical arrangements by Rusty Magee, with music and lyrics by various artists. The Porchlight production is directed by David Girolmo, with music direction and additional musical arrangements by David Firoello. The Irish had its premiere off-Broadway at the Irish Repertory Theatre in 1997.
Porchlight Music Theatre’s production of The Irish … and How They Got That Way runs through March 15th at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn, Chicago. Valet parking is available. Running time is two hours, including an intermission. Performances: Thursdays & Fridays at 7:30 pm; Saturdays at 2:00 & 7:30 pm; and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Tickets range from $24-$110. FYI (773) 777-9884 or www.porchlightmusictheatre.org.
(l to r) Leah Morrow, Luke Nowakowski, Emily Goldberg, Michael Mahler