My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

Cast and Creative Team Set for THE IRISH ... AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY at Porchlight

The show is an irreverent musical history of Ireland through the tumultuous 20th and 21st centuries seen through the eyes of Pulitzer Prize winning author, Frank McCourt.

By:
Cast and Creative Team Set for THE IRISH ... AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY at Porchlight

Porchlight Music Theatre has revealed the cast and creative team for the next production in its 31st season, The Irish … and How They Got That Way, by Frank McCourt, original musical arrangements by Rusty McGee with music and lyrics by various artists, directed by David Girolmo and music directed by David Fiorello, January 31 - March 15, 2026 at The Ruth Page Center for the Arts.

The Irish … and How They Got That Way is an irreverent musical history of Ireland through the tumultuous 20th and 21st centuries seen through the eyes of Pulitzer Prize winning author, Frank McCourt (Angela’s Ashes, ‘Tis, Teacher Man) whose razor sharp wit, coupled with his trademark satirical irony and boundless love for the Irish people are all underscored by humor, heartache and a glorious score that spans 100+ years from “Danny Boy,” “Galway Bay” and “The Rare Old Times” to “Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ra” and U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I Am Looking For.”

The cast for The Irish … and How They Got That Way includes Emily Goldberg (Woman #2), Michael Mahler+ (Man #1), Leah Morrow+ (Woman #1), Luke Nowakowski (Man #2) and understudies Caroline Lyell (U/S Woman #1 and #2) and Kevin Webb (U/S Man #1 and #2).

The creative team for The Irish … and How They Got That Way includes David Girolmo (director), David Fiorello (music director), Tianxuan Chen (scenic designer), Alexis J. Roston (Costume Designer), Max Maxin IV (lighting and projection designer), Ellen Markus (props designer), Matthew R. Chase (sound designer), Nick Peebles (scenic supervisor), Ali Westendorf (costume/wardrobe supervisor), Riley Woods (lighting supervisor), Royce Pataras (AV supervisor), Jay Black (audio engineer (A1)), Drew Donnelly+ (production stage manager), Carli Shapiro (assistant stage manager), Rachel West (production supervisor), Linda Madonia (company manager) and Michael Weber (artistic director). 

+ Member of Actor’s Equity




Need more Chicago Theatre News in your life?
Sign up for all the news on the Spring season, discounts & more...

Local Shows
South Pacific in Chicago South Pacific
Paramount Arts Centre (4/29-6/14)
Hedwig and the Angry Inch in Chicago Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Catalyst Ranch (7/09-7/26)
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical in Chicago The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts - North Theatre (6/01-8/31) PHOTOS
Menopause the Musical in Chicago Menopause the Musical
Paramount Theatre (10/17-10/17)
Boy Band Night in Chicago Boy Band Night
Fox Pointe (6/17-6/17)
Golden Girls The Laughs Continue in Chicago Golden Girls The Laughs Continue
UIS Performing Arts Center (11/14-11/14)
Chicago Live! in Chicago Chicago Live!
Navy Pier (9/19-9/20)
Guys and Dolls in Chicago Guys and Dolls
The Little Theatre On The Square (6/04-6/14)
Southern Rapture in Chicago Southern Rapture
Tin Drum Theatre Company (6/11-6/28)
6X6 Project in Chicago 6X6 Project
Raue Center For The Arts (6/27-6/27)


Videos