The Irish and How They Got That Way | Aug 27 - Sept 14

Creative Team & Cast

Cast

Man #2 – Curt Dale Clark*

Man #1 – David Girolmo*

Woman #2 – Heidi Kettenring*

Woman #1 – Charis Leos*

*members of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.

About the Playwright

Frank McCourt - photo from john-adams.nlFrank McCourt (August 19, 1930 – July 19, 2009) was an Irish-American teacher and writer, best known for Angela’s Ashes, his 1996 Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir about his childhood in Brooklyn and Limerick, Ireland. In addition to the Pulitzer Prize, Angela’s Ashes won the National Book Critics Circle Award and Boeke Prize, and subsequently was made into a major motion picture, directed by Alan Parker. His other memoirs include ’Tis (1999), which chronicled his life in America as a new immigrant; and Teacher Man (2005) about his experiences as a public-school teacher.

A graduate of New York University and beloved teacher for nearly 30 years, he taught in several New York schools, including McKee High School, McKee Technical and Vocational High School, and Stuyvesant High School. Mr. McCourt also taught in the English department of New York City Technical College of the City University of New York. He and his brothers were featured in two television documentaries, “The McCourts of Limerick” and “The McCourts of New York.” – IrishRep.org

A taste of the Irish

Charis Leos, David Girolmo, Curt Dale Clark, and Heidi Kettenring. Photo: Kevin Faraci

Charis Leos, David Girolmo, Curt Dale Clark, and Heidi Kettenring. Photo: Kevin Faraci

The Irish . . . and How They Got That Way

by Frank McCourt

Maine State Music Theatre and The Public Theatre proudly present a not-to-be-missed co-production of The Irish… And How They Got That Way! This lively and heartfelt musical revue, written by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt (Angela’s Ashes), offers a stirring tribute to the Irish-American experience. Through a seamless blend of storytelling, humor, and music, the production showcases beloved ballads like “Danny Boy” and “The Rose of Tralee” alongside contemporary hits from U2, creating a theatrical journey that is both poignant and uplifting.

Starring MSMT favorites Curt Dale ClarkDavid GirolmoHeidi Kettenring, and Charis Leos, and directed and choreographed by the acclaimed Marc Robin, this production promises an evening of exceptional performances and unforgettable moments.

Presented by Maine State Music Theatre and The Public Theatre

The Public Theatre | Maine State Music Theatre

More about the play

Two of Maine’s premier theatre companies, The Public Theatre and Maine State Music Theatre, are thrilled to announce a special co-production of the spirited musical revue The Irish…and How They Got That Way, running August 27 through September 14, 2025, at The Public Theatre in Lewiston. This unique collaboration brings together the best of both companies, celebrating the resilience, humor, and enduring spirit of the Irish people in a heartwarming production that will leave audiences clapping, laughing, and singing along.

This marks the first co-production between MSMT and The Public Theatre since their successful collaboration on Grease in 2019.

“The Public Theatre is excited to offer Maine audiences an opportunity to see our beautiful theatre in Lewiston,” says Ray Dumont, Executive Director. “Partnering with Maine State Music Theatre, as we did in 2019 with Grease, combines the expertise, resources, and commitment to excellence of both organizations to bring a production to our stage that will delight audiences with great music and great performances.  We hope that many new theatergoers will come to see what’s happening in Lewiston.”

The Irish…and How They Got That Way boasts a star-studded cast of longtime Maine State Music Theatre favorites, including Curt Dale Clark, David Girolmo, Heidi Kettenring, and Charis Leos. The production is directed and choreographed by the award-winning Marc Robin, renowned for his dynamic work on MSMT’s most beloved productions. This same production played to sold-out houses at The Fulton Theatre in Lancaster, PA, from February 7 through March 16, 2025. “This cast is truly the best of the best. Not only are they MSMT favorites, but they are also lifelong friends. I am so excited to reunite this incredible group for an unforgettable theatrical event,” says Curt Dale Clark, Artistic Director of Maine State Music Theatre.

Sponsors

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Performance Dates
Wed, Fri, Sat @ 7:00 pm / Thu, Sat, Sun @ 2:00 pm

Preview – Wednesday, Aug 27, 2025 – 7:00 PM
Preview – Thursday, Aug 28, 2025 – 2:00 PM
Friday, Aug 29, 2025 – 7:00 PM
Saturday, Aug 30, 2025 – 2:00 PM
Saturday, Aug 30, 2025 – 7:00 PM
Sunday, Aug 31, 2025 – 2:00 PM

Wednesday, Sep 3, 2025 – 7:00 PM
Thursday, Sep 4, 2025 – 2:00 PM
Friday, Sep 5, 2025 – 7:00 PM
Saturday, Sep 6, 2025 – 2:00 PM
Saturday, Sep 6, 2025 – 7:00 PM
Sunday, Sep 7, 2025 – 2:00 PM

Wednesday, Sep 10, 2025 – 7:00 PM
Thursday, Sep 11, 2025 – 2:00 PM
Friday, Sep 12, 2025 – 7:00 PM
Saturday, Sep 13, 2025 – 2:00 PM
Saturday, Sep 13, 2025 – 7:00 PM
Sunday, Sep 14, 2025 – 2:00 PM

Ticket Prices
Aug 27 & 28 Previews$55 Premium / $40 Standard

Aug 29 – Sept 14:
$60 Premium / $45 Standard  / $40 Group (15+)

$35  35 Below Members – Discount on 7:00 pm Preview & Standard Tickets only.

Read about our 35 Below discount program for ages 19-35.

Pricing includes all applicable fees. Call 782-3200 for Group Sales.

ALL SALES ARE FINAL. No refunds will be issued unless the performance is canceled.

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The Public Theatre

31 Maple Street
Lewiston, ME 04240

Business: (207) 782-2211
Tickets: (207) 782-3200