Review: 'The Irish and How They Got That Way' by Warner Stage Co.

Photo Credit: Mandi Martini ©2018 The Warner Theatre

Torrington, CT - ‘The Irish….and How They Got That Way’ by Frank McCourt with original music arrangements by Rusty McGee opened in the Warner Theatre’s Nancy Marine Studio Theatre last week and I was able to attend a performance that was added due to demand for tickets. We were welcomed by Sharon Wilcox and director Meredith Porri to the midweek rehearsal with an audience; Ms. Porri, a teacher by day like myself, thanked us for coming out on a school night. I would concur that there is no better way to celebrate the St. Patty’s Day holiday that falls during the second week of this little show’s run than to catch a performance of this musical review.

This two-act review is a unique and uplifting musical celebration of all things Irish in the 20th and 21st centuries presented through the eyes of Pulitzer Prize winning author, Frank McCourt (Angela’s Ashes, ‘Tis, Teacher Man.) Ms. Wilcox, Executive in Charge of Production and the queen of all things Warner, noted in her curtain speech that she had been trying to bring this piece to a Warner stage for six of the seven years she has been working with the theatre company.

The playwright’s razor-sharp wit, coupled with his trademark bitter irony, and his boundless love for the Irish are here. The play illustrates the 150 year struggle of the Irish and Irish-Americans by combining primary documents like newsletters, photos, paintings and even journals, some spoken aloud and others in projections by Ms. Wilcox. They are accented by a wide variety of wonderful music, from the auld Irish folk ballads like “Danny Boy,” 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 a contemporary hit by U2. It gets irreverent and raucous at times in this celebration of all things Irish.

The Warner Stage Company production was directed and choreographed by the multi-talented (but not Irish) Ms. Porri (Kate Monster in the fabulous ‘Avenue Q' at the Warner.) She writes in her note that the four actors wear many hats, both literally and figuratively. “I ask you to open up your hearts and minds to the stories they tell. You may cry. You will [definitely] laugh. And you will undoubtedly learn something new."

The cast of four began the show a bit early by interacting with the audience members and as soon as I saw the multi-talented community theatre veterans who would be serving as the storytellers, I knew we would not be disappointed. In alphabetical order…. Bret Bisaillon, a Waterbury fifth grade teacher also out on a school night, can truly do it all. The actor, who was so memorable as Lord Asher in ‘Peter and the Starcatcher,’ was in fine voice and always has such stage presence in his performances. Susan Kulp, Stella Deems in ‘Follies’ at the Warner, Tanya in ‘Mama Mia’ by Landmark Community Theatre, easily was able to shine in all of the roles she performed and sang very well as well.

L. Nagel, who I will always remember for her strong performance as Miss Mona in ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, has a long list of credits in regional theatre. She is a private voice and piano teacher in addition to her day job and has a wonderful soprano voice that she used well in all of these musical numbers. I loved the tight curls that she sported for this role as storyteller. Josh Newey is such a joy to watch on the stage. This actor has played Rod, Uncle Ernie, Charlie Brown, Ash, Horton, John Hinkley, Uncle Fester and The Lecturer on the Warner stages and season ticket holders will be able to match these roles to their shows easily. He writes in his bio that he is grateful for the opportunity that has taught him so much about Frank McCourt, the Irish people and their rich history.

Music direction by John Dressel, who got to sit in the pub behind his piano and had more than a few lines to deliver, was on the beat. Also in the pit in the pub was Jennifer Colella on violin and Mark Garthwait on guitars. I recognized “Galway Bay” and “Erie Canal” in the first act, all of the George M. Cohen pieces, and most of the more contemporary pieces at the end of act two. I am also proud to say that I could sing all the verses to “Who Threw the Overalls in Mrs. Murphy’s Chowder?” because my mother had performed it in a church production when I was a child, and that is no blarney.

The Warner’s Nancy Marine Studio Theatre was turned into a working Irish Pub (think the tour of ‘Once’) for this jovial musical; specialty Irish-themed drinks were available for purchase onstage before the show and during intermission and I saw many patrons enjoying what looked to be very dark beer. Renee C. Purdy designed the great contemporary costumes. The set design by the director and Stephen C. Houk looked very authentic to me; Karla Wentworth worked her magic as both the scenic artist and prop master. Tori Campbell’s lighting helped us know which of the four actors was up next and the sound design by Chris LaPlante is always wonderful.

‘The Irish and How They Got That Way’ must close this weekend. The production was presented by special arrangement with The Irish Repertory Company, Inc.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues and she posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theater Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417