What’s so great about being Irish? Find out in this moving, uplifting, eye-opening musical history lesson full of charm and a bit of blarney. 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 including the latest from contemporary Ireland’s U2.
"The show displays a sturdiness that transcends passing vogue. The buoyant blend of traditional songs, show tunes and pop is delightful.” - New York Times
"… frequently irreverent, impudent, sassy, audacious, downright funny, and richly musical in ways that extend beyond the show’s melodic bounty."
-The Berkshire Eagle
SPONSOR THIS SHOW - Information here
Previews (March 12 & 13, 2025)
Wednesday at 7:30pm
Thursday at 2:00pm and 7:30pm
Regular Performances (March 14 - 30, 2025)
Friday at 8:00pm
Saturday at 2:00pm and 8:00pm
Sunday at 2:00pm Talk Back with the cast following matinee performances
Tuesday at 2:00pm
Wednesday at 7:30pm
Thursday at 7:30pm
Recommended age: All ages
Special Event: March 25th. Click the graphic to learn more.
River Bend Bookshop will hold a specially curated book sale in the lobby throughout the run of the show. 20% of each sale will be donated to support Playhouse on Park. Shop before/after the show or stop in any time the box office is open!
JOE BOOVER (Music Director/Performer) Playhouse on Park debut! He is absolutely thrilled to be working with this stellar theatre company and honored to be part of this wonderful ensemble. National Tour: Elvis MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET; Select Regional Theatre: Guy ONCE; Syracuse Stage: Elvis MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET CHRISTMAS; Bucks County Playhouse: Feste/Music Director TWELFTH NIGHT, Proteus TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA; Shakesperience Waterbury CT.: LITTLE WOMEN; Plaid Tidings Wichita KS.: GODSPELL; Cruise lines: Lead Singer, Royal Caribbean; Music Director, Phantom Folktales; PigPen Theatrical; Virgin Voyages. As a Playwright/ Composer Joe also Won Best Production, Best Score, and Best Choreography for his musical THE DOORMEN in the New York Theatre Festival in 2022. Joe Studied @ AMDA NYC and sends his love to his family, friends and the love of his life, Barbara. www.JoeBoover.com
VICTORIA CHAIEB (Victoria) Playhouse on Park Debut! Cruise: Dueling Pianist MSC CRUISES; Shadowland Stages: Ensemble ALMOST HEAVEN; Seacoast Rep: Ex Girlfriend ONCE; Seacoast Rep: Ghost of Xmas Past CHRISTMAS CAROL. Victoria has a BFA from SUNY Fredonia. Happy birthday Mom and Dad! IG @queenvict0 www.victoriachaieb.com
ELLEON DOBIAS (Elleon) Playhouse on Park debut! Originally from Colorado, Elleon’s career as an actor, musician, and writer has kept her traveling for a handful of years. She is especially fond of collaborative and developmental works, with many of her proudest projects centered in instrumental improvisation. She is always humbled by the opportunity to engage her background in music with her passion for stories and how we choose to tell them. Aside from performing, Elleon is a lover of long walks, fountain pens, backpacking, anything homemade, and everything spread on toast. https://www.elleondobias.com/
JOSH KARAM (Josh) Playhouse on Park: SAY THINGS FUNNY; Majestic Theater: Dennis THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG; Joe THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY; Titusville Playhouse: Jay MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET; Capital Classics Theater Company: Lucentio TAMING OF THE SHREW, Jason SWEAT; Madison Lyric Stage: Nick WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF. Josh is also a member of the traveling band of bards known as The Fantasy Tavern! Josh has a BFA from The Hartt School. A Health to the Company! @karamjosh
JACK F. MURPHY (Jack) Playhouse on Park Debut! Ohio Light Opera: Sky Masterson GUYS AND DOLLS, Gerald Bolingbroke ME AND MY GIRL, Count of Luxembourg THE COUNT OF LUXEMBOURG; Hawaii Performing Arts Festival: Claude HAIR; Celebrity Cruises: Man 3 YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND: THE MUSIC OF CAROLE KING; NYU: Fleet/Carlson TITANIC. Jack holds an MM in Vocal Performance and Vocal Pedagogy from New York University. Love to my family, Kennedy, and teachers, past and present. IG @jfmurphy123. www.jackfmurphy.com
KATRIEN VAN RIEL (Katrien) Previous shows at Playhouse on Park: Music Director, First Fairy A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM; Milwaukee Repertory Theatre: Margaret MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, Swing RUN, BAMBI, RUN, Assistant Music Director, Musician WOMEN OF ROCK; Timber Lake Playhouse: Audrey HANK WILLIAMS: LOST HIGHWAY, Maria Elena BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY; Stages: Strudel MACGYVER THE MUSICAL. Frontwoman of orchestral rock band @arboretum.band Special thanks to Avalon Artists Group and parents Walter and Maria. IG @katrien_van_riel
DANIELLE PACCIONE (Director) has led an accomplished career in theatre for over 30 years as a director, actress, teacher, stage manager, production manager, and theatre owner. While she has directed over 80 different productions, THE IRISH AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY remains one of Danielle’s favorite stories to share, due to its cultural depth, its rich music, and her own Irish roots. Danielle is a proud member of Actors’ Equity, the Stage Managers’ Association, and is a part of No More 10 out of 12’s, the national working group to eliminate 10 out of 12’s and the 6-day work week in theatre. She currently resides in Pittsburgh and serves as the Production Manager of the Pittsburgh Playhouse.
*Appears courtesy of Actors Equity, the professional union for actors and stage managers.
