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November 10, 2021Raise A Glass To ‘The Irish And How They Got That Way’
Featuring the razor-sharp wit and bitter irony of writer Frank McCourt (Angela’s Ashes), The Irish… And How They Got That Way offers audiences a musical chronicle of the Irish and their journey to and within America. A buoyant score, complete with fresh arrangements of over thirty songs ranging from classics to holiday favorites, provides a lively backdrop for the festivities. The show’s cast performs each song live, with the actors taking duties on several musical instruments.
The play transforms theREP’s stage into an Irish pub. Show posters and mementos from previous productions at theREP decorate the space, allowing revelers to raise a glass to the storied theatre’s past.
“This show is not only a love letter to Irish culture and a fascinating look at the immigrant experience in our country, but it’s also a party complete with story, song, drink and laughter! We look forward to welcoming our friends, new and old, to celebrate this momentous occasion with us and enjoy this fantastic show.” says Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill, Producing Artistic Director at theREP and the play’s director.
Best known for his Pulitzer Prize winning memoir, Angela’s Ashes, writer Frank McCourt draws heavily on his Irish heritage, childhood in Limerick and personal immigrant experience for The Irish… And How They Got That Way. A beloved teacher in several New York City schools for nearly 30 years, McCourt’s work has also earned him a National Book Critics Circle Award and the Booker Prize.
The ensemble cast features several familiar faces making their returns to theREP, including Kevin McGuire, Patrick John Moran, Emily Mikesell, Josh D. Smith and Caroline Whelehan. Lauren Wright rounds out the cast and also serves as the production’s dance captain.
Director Mancinelli-Cahill helms the production, along with a creative team featuring choreographer Freddy Ramirez, musical director Josh D. Smith, set designer Brian Prather, costume designer Miranda Kau Giurleo, lighting designer Rob Denton, sound designer Rider Q. Stanton, projection designer Nathan W. Scheuer, casting director Stephanie Klapper and stage managers Laura Ann Crawford and Rose Biggerstaff.
Previews for The Irish take place November 19- 21. Opening night is Tuesday, November 23. Regular performances continue through Sunday, December 19. Performance times: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; and 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday—with matinees 3 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday; and 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 1. Capital Repertory Theatre, 251 N. Pearl St., Albany. Tickets range from $27–$62. Students with valid ID: $16 all shows. For tickets and information, call the Box Office 10 am – 2 pm Monday-Friday at 518.346.6204 or visit capitalrep.org.
Special Events include:
Opening Night – Tuesday, November 23. Includes post-show champagne toast.
ASL Performance – Saturday, December 4, 3 p.m.
This performance will feature our sign language interpreters. To request access to this section, please call our box office at 518.346.6204
Behind the Scenes- Sunday, December 12
A pre-show presentation with special guest Elizabeth Stack (Irish Heritage Museum) from 1-1:30PM.
Thank you to our sponsors: DeCrescente Distributing, Best Cleaners, Hampton Inn Downtown, TEC, E. Stewart Jones, Eastern Med (INFINITY), McNamee Lochner, Synergy Fitness, CEG, and the Falcon Club.
There are many parking options within close proximity of Capital Repertory Theatre (Reminder: For your GPS our new address is 251 N. Pearl St., Albany.); most are free or available at a reduced price to patrons of theREP.
STREET PARKING: With over 100 spots on the street in direct relationship to theREP parking on the street will be much easier than ever before. Parking is available on Livingston and North Pearl streets within sight of the new theREP.
GARAGE PARKING: In addition, parking is available at the Quackenbush Garage (25 Orange Street) with complimentary transportation (Capital Repertory transportation van) from the bus stop outside of the garage every 20 minutes starting one hour before the performance and continuing after. Parking in the garage is subject to fees.
