Warner Stage Company Presents THE IRISH...AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY

The Warner Stage Company will present Frank McCourt's THE IRISH...AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY, a musical celebration of Irish heritage filled to the brim with humor, stories and heart, in the Nancy Marine Studio Theatre March 10-18. Due to popular demand, an additional performance has been added onThursday, March 15 at 8 pm. Sláinte!

Everyone knows about "The Irish." Created by Pulitzer Prize winning author, Frank McCourt (Angela's Ashes), this revue is a celebration of a heritage that confronts adversity with determination, good humor, music, and a love of life. McCourt's wit, insight and boundless love for the Irish are underscored by music extending from the auld Irish folk ballads to World War II standards, and beyond.

It tells the story of the Irish experience on both sides of the pond. McCourt's razor-sharp wit, coupled with his trademark bitter irony, are underscored by glorious music, including such immortals as "Danny Boy," "The Rose of Tralee," and "Harrigan," the works of George M. Cohan, "Give My Regards to Broadway," "You're a Grand Old Flag," and "I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy," to modern day Irish rockers U2. The Warner's Nancy Marine Studio Theatre will be turned into a working Irish Pub for this jovial musical!

The Warner Stage Company production of THE IRISH...AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY is directed and choreographed by Meredith Porri with music direction by John Dressel. The cast features Bret Bisaillon, Susan Kulp, L. Nagel and Josh Newey. Performances are March 10, 15, 16 and 17 at 8 pm andMarch 11 and 18 at 2 pm. It is presented by special arrangement with The Irish Repertory Company, Inc. The Nancy Marine Studio Series is sponsored by Northwest Community Bank.

To purchase tickets, call the Warner Box Office at 860-489-7180 or visit warnertheatre.org.

About the Warner Theatre

Built by Warner Brothers Studios and opened in 1931 as a movie palace (1,772 seats), the Warner Theatre was described then as "Connecticut's Most Beautiful Theatre." Damaged extensively in a flood, the Warner was slated for demolition in the early 1980s until the non-profit Northwest Connecticut Association for the Arts (NCAA) was founded and purchased the theatre. The Warner reopened as a performing arts center in 1983, and restoration of the main lobbies and auditorium was completed in November 2002. In 2008, the new 50,000 square foot Carole and Ray Neag Performing Arts Center, which houses a 300 seat Studio Theatre, 200 seat restaurant and expansive school for the arts, was completed. Today, the Warner is in operation year-round with more than 160 performances and 100,000 patrons passing through its doors each season. Over 10,000 students, pre K-adult, participate in arts education programs and classes. Together, with the support of the community, the Warner has raised close to $17 million to revitalize its facilities. NCAA's mission is to preserve the Warner Theatre as an historic landmark, enhance its reputation as a center of artistic excellence and a focal point of community involvement, and satisfy the diverse cultural needs of the region. To learn more about the Warner Theatre, visit our website: www.warnertheatre.org