Porchlight: The Irish…And How They Got That Way
Leah Morrow, Luke Nowakowski, Emily Goldberg, and Michael Mahler
Porchlight Music Theatre Presents THE IRISH…AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY Review - For Lovers of the Irish and Irish Culture
TLDR: Covering a brief history of Ireland and its people, Porchlight takes us on a journey of moments that show us how the Irish-American experience has been shaped. The show covers history and influential people with connections to Ireland set to traditional Irish folk songs, ballads, and more.
Elleon Dobias
fiA Brief History of Ireland…
….in song! Our pianist David Fiorello comes out onto the stage dressed in a green jacket and Notre Dame cap and starts playing. Soon after, the violinist, Elleon Dobias, crosses over to the Fiorello while playing her intro on the fiddle. Slowly, the four cast members join the two musicians on stage. They stand on a wooden platform and raise sails behind them. They walk down a ramp onto the stage as if coming off this boat.
In true Irish fashion, they walk over to the pitcher of beer waiting on the table and each grab a mug for a cheers (or sláinte as they say). After this hearty welcome, we’re taken back in time for a brief history lesson. How did the Irish develop their sparkling personalities and how did they come to be in the United States? There’s the discovery of the New World, the tragedies in their homeland, and the promise of a better future.
Following this traversing history, the second act of The Irish…And How They Got That Way shows the influence of the Irish, particularly their influence on American culture. We see how their steadfastness grew from the tragedies in their past, how they were treated as immigrants in America, and how they grew into an influential labor force. Pictures of famous celebrities and other influential people flash before us so we see on the cultural side of things the breadth of talent coming from Ireland.
More Than Just Fiddle and Piano
The music in The Irish…And How They Got That Way is a delightful mix of everything from Irish culture or inspired from it. We get the piano and fiddle accompaniment for most of the songs, but at times Michael Mahler picks up his guitar to add some acoustic strings to the mix. The sounds will have you transported to the Emerald Isle in no time.
There’s traditional folk songs like “Finnegan’s Wake” that have the audience clapping to the beat, even as each round the song speeds up daring us and the cast to try and keep up. Visuals of rolling green hills and crumbling castles are projected onto the sails at the back of the stage when the cast sings ballads like “Galway Bay” and “Carrickfergus” as odes to the places in Ireland. And of course, a show about the Irish would be remiss to not include some rendition of “Danny Boy,” so don’t worry this staple is included and given its due.
With an absolutely packed songlist covering a variety of styles, the cast had their work cut out for them. When they sing a song solo, each of their voices carries crystal clear through the theater. And when it's time for ensemble songs, the harmonies they create singing together are absolutely stunning.
Emily Goldberg
The After Party Thoughts
The Irish…And How They Got That Way in some ways feels waaayy too short to be considered a full history of the Irish and Irish-American people. So while it may not be an in-depth history lesson or full cultural review, in my opinion it accomplished what it set out to do - hit the topline notes of answering what created the foundations for the Irish-American people.
The musical has its serious moments when we visit hardships the Irish faced, but for the most part the show keeps it light, joyful, and funny. If you’re looking for a musical that includes the full breadth of Ireland’s history, this wouldn’t quite give you what you’re looking for. However, if you’re in the mood to get ready for St. Patrick’s Day, have an affinity for Irish music and culture, or just looking to celebrate your Irish connections and wear your Fightin’ Irish gear to the theatre, The Irish…And How They Got That Way would be a good fit for you!
RECOMMENDED
Leah Morrow, Luke Nowakowski, Michael Mahler, and Emily Goldberg
When
Now through March 15, 2026
Where
Porchlight Music Theatre
1016 N Dearborn St.
Chicago, IL 60610
Runtime: 2hrs 15min, including an intermission
Tickets
$24+
Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at (773) 777-9884 or through the Porchlight Music Theatre website
Photos
Anthony Robert La Penna
Find Allie and The After Party featured on Theatre in Chicago
Leah Morrow
CAST
Leah Morrow (Woman #1)
Emily Goldberg (Woman #2)
Michael Mahler (Man #1)
Luke Nowakowski (Man #2)
Caroline Lyell (Understudy)
Kevin Webb (Understudy)
CREATIVE
David Girolmo (Director)
David Fiorello (Music Director; Additional Musical Arrangements)
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)
Michael Weber (Artistic Director)