Ivoryton Playhouse Presents THE IRISH...AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY, 3/16-4/3

The long winter is almost over and the green of spring is showing up all over the Shoreline. But nowhere will it be more Emerald Green that at the Ivoryton Playhouse when the 100th birthday season opens on March 16th with Frank McCourt's perennially popular THE IRISH...AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY. First produced at The Playhouse in 2007, the show was such a tremendous success that extra performances had to be added and we are thrilled to bring it back as part of our Centennial year.

THE IRISH...AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY is an irreverent history of the Irish through the tumultuous 20th and 21st centuries through the eyes of Pulitzer Prize winning author, Frank McCourt (Angela's Ashes, 'Tis, Teacher Man). McCourt's razor sharp wit, coupled with his trademark bitter irony, and his boundless love for the Irish people are all underscored by glorious music extending all the way from the auld Irish folk ballads, through George M. Cohan's patriotic love songs to America - World War II standards sung in movies, USOs and foxholes all over the world - and ending with music from contemporary Ireland's U2.

This unique piece of theatre is a wonderful Irish stew of poetry, song, dance, and yes, history, that is sure to have you leaving the theatre with a smile on your face and a song in your heart. We promise that after an evening filled with everything from W.B. Yeats to the classic Danny Boy, you'll come away with a bounty of newfound knowledge and a happy heart. Join us on Friday March 18th for a special post show celebration with Malachy McCourt, Frank's brother and a renowned author and raconteur. Malachy will also be Grand Marshal of the Essex Go Bragh Parade on Saturday March 19th.

Ivoryton's Producing Artistic Director, Jacqueline Hubbard directs this production with John DeNicola as Musical Director and starring Morgan Crowley* - five year veteran of the stage show Riverdance and regular performer with The Irish Tenors. Annie Kerins*, Michael McDermott* and Kathleen Mulready* complete the cast. Set design by Bill Stark, lighting by Doug Harry, and costumes by Vickie Blake.

THE IRISH...AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY opens on March 16th and runs thru April 3rd for 3 weeks. Performance times are Wednesday and Sunday matinees at 2pm. Evening performances are Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday and Saturday at 8pm. Tickets are $40 for adults, $35 for seniors, $20 for students and $15 for children and are available by calling The Playhouse box office at 860-767-7318 or by visiting our website at Frank McCourt's perennially popular THE IRISH...AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY. First produced at The Playhouse in 2007, the show was such a tremendous success that extra performances had to be added and we are thrilled to bring it back as part of our Centennial year.">www.ivorytonplayhouse.org (Group rates are available by calling the box office for information.) The Playhouse is located at 103 Main Street in Ivoryton.