The Irish… And How They Got That Way - Playhouse on Park

The Irish… And How They Got That Way is a musical revue that combines snippets of Irish history with an assortment of Irish-centered songs performed by a multi-talented cast of six.  The music includes folksongs, ballads, comedic numbers, and tunes written by Broadway legend George M. Cohan.  Interspersed between the musical interludes are recitations, stories, facts and figures about the Irish – the good, the bad, and the ugly.  The show, written by the Pulitzer Prize winning author, Frank McCourt, delves into the bitterness, joy, anger, and sadness of the Irish experience, both at home and abroad.

 

The cast of The Irish… And How They Got That Way.  Photo by Meredith Longo.

The show, at two and one-half hours (with intermission), would have been more satisfying at a shorter length.  Sometimes the pacing by Director Danielle Paccione drags when the material focuses heavily on such sorrowful topics as with Act I’s lengthy scenes on the 1840 potato famine.  While the stories and historical facts associated with this epoch of shortages and deprivations are eye-opening, as well as appalling, they bring a too somber tone to the production.

 

The material and song selections in Act II are more lively and, as with the first segment of the show, still tinged with sentimentality, humor, and a raucous merriment.

 

The cast of The Irish… And How They Got That Way.  Photo by Meredith Longo.

The production shines when the set, designed by Omid Akbari and reminiscent of a classic Irish pub, is turned over to the three actresses – Victoria Chaieb, Elleon Dobias, and Katrien van Riel – and three actors – Joe Boover, Josh Karam, and Jack Murphy.  They all play, beautifully, a variety of musical instruments that you would find at a local Irish pub, from guitar, to piano, fiddle, recorder and a number of traditional Irish instruments.  Ms. Paccione has molded an ensemble that works well together and clearly enjoys each other’s company as they recount, play music, and even perform a jig here and there. 

 

Members of the cast of The Irish… And How They Got That Way.  Photo by Meredith Longo.

The Irish… And How They Got That Way, playing at Playhouse on Park through March 30.  Click here for dates, times, and ticket information.