“The Irish… and How They Got That Way” and a second review by Paul LIsnek

**** We think of Porchlight as THE place for musical theater productions, but for the most part, we are used to full scale musical plays and on occasion, a concert or special show, they can put together great “cabaret” performances as well.  While their current production is presented as a play with music, I truly feel that “The Irish… And How They Got That Way” written by Frank McCourt, is truly a specialized history lesson with music and might be a unique form rather than fit a category such as Musical or Drama!

I will tell you that the two hour production ( with one intermission) now on their stage is one that is very special and under the skillful eye of  Director David Girolmo, is a fun history lesson about the Irish people and why they came to America, and what they have made of themselves. With the aid of two musicians, David Fiorello ( who also is the musical director and does a wonderful “Danny Boy”) and Elleon Doria on violin, this cast of four does some wonderful bits of songs as they teach us, the audience, the history of The Irish as they left their homeland and came here, hoping that what the Statue of Liberty Promised would become their reality!

Chicago audiences are familiar with the work of Michael Mahler, who plays Man 1 and Luke Nowakowski as man 2. Mahler, plays many instruments as well as sings  and Nowakowski’s tenor range is terrific ( perfect for”Yankee Doodle Dandy” as he does his impression of James Cagney).

The femals roles are handled to perfection by Emily Goldberg ( she with the hypnotic eyes) as Woman 2, and Leah Morrow as Woman 1. Her “Mourning” scene in the second act is hysterical and as I have always said, she may be one of the best young character actresses in town. She appears to be able to do it all! This is a solid quartet with wonderful voices, that blend together and while their Irish accents might not be the best, they are true and consistent.

The afternoon crowd was not as boisterous as I imagine an evening crowd might be, but in looking around, there were not a lot of Irish people in the crowd, so no afternoon drinking. They missed the boat. Back in 1967 I went to Ireland and did a lot of pubbing in Cork, Limerick, Kilarney, Kilkenny and Dublin. I had a blast with the people I met, and that is why this show might have been more my type than many others. I expected a history lesson with music, and I got it! Have a beer or a Guiness before heading tot he Ruth Page Center located at 1016 N. Dearborn. You just might fall in love with the Irish!

Paul Lisnek, Behind the Curtain, WGN+& WGNRadio.com

***/4

————-

In Chicago, we’re all at least a little bit Irish aren’t we? You’ll certainly feel that way after experiencing this enjoyable music filled production of Porchlight Music Theatre’s “The Irish… and How they Got that Way.” It is an evening of heartfelt celebration filled with joy, cultural pride, and as one would expect from the Irish, a flair in storytelling.

“Irish” is more than a musical revue; it’s a warm and indeed affectionate tribute to the endurance and heart of a people that struggled thru a rough history to build our city and indeed much of our country. We feel the depth of that struggle thru the music, lyrics and the interplay amongst the cast members and with the audience.

From the first note, the production radiates with warmth and filled with the humor of the Irish spirit; the talented cast of four works to weave history and music with story and laughter and a bit of melancholy as well. Some stories tell a history of centuries ago, but perhaps unsurprisingly, they resonate with a relevance to immigrants’ plight of today; the country may change but the issues remain the same. Director David Giralmo updated the script with a few modern references insuring that audience members both young or old will connect to a history that is indeed timeless and deeply personal for us all.

The cast is uniformly superb—they are all familiar to regular Chicago theater goers, and each has their own Chicago (if not purely Irish) roots; they are the right actors to bring the stories of this rich culture to the stage. We gain a new respect for the culture which is so rich in our city and indeed thrives in our food, drink and the trades that build our city. There is already a warm camaraderie between the actors that will assuredly continue to grow between them as the run continues as will, I expect, the connection with the audience that pulls us into the world of memories and stories they create.

Harmonies soar under the musical direction of the incredibly talented musical director David Fiorello who is a character himself on the stage as he plays the piano and treats us to an incredible rendition of one of the greatest Irish songs of all time,” Danny Boy”.

There are tunes you will recognize, some you may not, but all are grounded in the rich history of Irish culture; a rich historical narrative which underlies it all. Without the songs, we don’t have the story.

Porchlight’s intimate space provides, as it always does, the perfect venue for this production. It’s as if we are all in a tavern with our friends and in on every toast, ballad, and joke; the cast is well aware of our presence and sometimes invites us to join in with them which I for one was only too happy to do.

In the end, this production isn’t just a musical revue; it’s an affectionate tribute to the endurance and heart of a people, and to the stories we keep alive through song. We pay tribute to this deserving culture; we honor all they’ve done for our city, and we tip our hat to the enduring spirit and skill of this essential part of our rich American history.