By Frank McCourtOriginal musical arrangements by Rusty MageeProduced by Portland Stage in collaboration with Maine State Music Theatre.

THE IRISH… AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY is an uplifting musical celebration of all things Irish in 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 are all underscored by glorious music extending all the way from the auld Irish folk ballades, through George M. Cohan’s patriotic love songs to America, World War II standards sung in films of the era, USOs and foxholes all over the world, as well as beloved contemporary hits.

Two of Maine’s most revered cultural institutions, Portland Stage in Portland and Maine State Music Theatre (MSMT) in Brunswick, announce a partnership that will bring a closer connection between the two communities and deepen the program offerings for both theatres’ audiences.