The Irish… and How They Got That Way, Music Theatre of Connecticut, Norwalk, CT, USA

Frank McCourt’s play, The Irish… and How They Got That Way, at the Music Theatre of Connecticut (MTC) in Norwalk, Connecticut was the perfect way to celebrate the upcoming Saint Patrick’s Day. We saw the play on opening night, Saturday, March 7, 2026, when every seat in the theatre was filled with enthusiast patrons. The play is much more than a mere play, it is a love story that tells the history of the Irish and how they made their way to the United States, and what they found when they arrived. Befitting the Irish culture, the play is an intriguing blend of storytelling, music, dance, and memorable songs, including Danny Boy. MTC’s Kevin Connors directs the play starring the multi-talented cast of Zachary Anderson, Hillary Ekwall, Jeff Raab, Joseph Torello, and Erin Margaret Williams. The play runs until March 22, 2026, so be sure to get your tickets before it closes.

The Cast – The Irish …and How They Got That Way

Timing is everything, and Irish American Frank McCourt’s play, The Irish…and How They Got That Way was the perfect segue to celebrate the upcoming Saint Patrick’s Day, and the 39^th season of the Music Theatre of Connecticut. We attended opening night on Saturday, March 7, 2026, and it was exciting to see every seat in the theatre filled. Frank McCourt (1930 – 2009) who captivated hearts with Angela’s Ashes, ‘Tis, Teacher Man, and more, continued his success at tugging at the heartstrings as well as providing laughter with his play, The Irish…and How They Got That Way that premiered in 1997 at the Irish Repertory Theatre, followed by Off-Broadway productions.

Josphe Torello – The Irish …and How They Got That Way

For MTC’s production, Executive Director and Co-Founder Kevin Connors, directed the multi-talented cast of Zachary Anderson, Hillary Ekwall, Jeff Raab, Joseph Torello, and Erin Margaret Williams as they sang, danced, told stories, played multiple musical instruments, beguiled, and enchanted the audience with the history of Ireland and how the Irish came to the United States.

Once again, Sean Sanford, did an amazing job with his brilliant set design of an Irish pub, and Diane Vanderkroef’s deft use of period costumes helped the play’s transitioning through the many years covered. The Irish are great storytellers, and the talented cast took the audience on a rollicking journey through their stories, dance, songs, and music with Zachary Anderson on piano, Hillary Ekwell on cello, violin, guitar, and spoons, Jeff Raab on guitar, mandolin, and washboard, Joseph Torello on guitar, and Erin Margaret Williams on tambourine and spoons.

Erin Margaret Wiiliams – The Irish …and How They Got That Way

Set in Dublin and New York City the play begins in 1845 and continues through present day. As someone (Debra) with an Irish heritage, it was interesting to learn more about the facts behind the famine that went well beyond the potato blight, and about the challenges that they faced upon arrival, including being told as well signs that read NINA (No Irish Need Apply), to working in the Pennsylvania coal mines, to working on the railroads and the Erie Canal in New York state, and their continued success including John Fitzgerald Kennedy serving as the 35^th President of the United States in 1961 (assassinated in 1963), followed by Ronald Reagan serving as the 40^th President from 1981 until 1989.

Jeff Raab – The Irish …and How They Got That Way

Through the preservation of their heritage, culture, and sheer tenacity, the Irish legacy of success continues. Whether you have Irish heritage, or just love a well-told story, lively music, memorable songs, and dance that will have you clapping along and tapping your toes, The Irish… and How They Got That Way is sure to enchant and delight.

Hillary Ekwall – The Irish …and How They Got That Way

As it was opening night, following the production there was a meet and greet with the cast as well as a reception provided by MTC’s partner for The Irish… and How They Got That Way, O’Neills Irish Pub & Restaurant.

Zachary Anderson – The Irish …and How They Got That Way

As they say in Ireland, Slainté! (Cheers). The play has a runtime of 75 minutes including a 15-minute intermission and runs until March 22, 2026.

Until next time, keep enjoying and supporting the arts!

The Irish… and How They Got That Way – Crew

The Irish… and How They Got That Way – Cast (alphabetically by actor)

Performance schedule: Fridays at 8:00 pm, Saturdays at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm, and Sundays at 2:00 pm. The play runs until March 22, 2026. 

For information or to purchase tickets, please visit the website: https://www.musictheatreofct.com/, call the box office at 1-203-454-3883, or email them at: admin@musictheatreofct.com.

The box office is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 am until 3:30 pm and 2 hours before every performance.

Sponsors: The 2025-2026 MainStage Season is generously sponsored by: The Burry Fredrik Foundation and The Schnurmacher Foundation.

Opening Night Reception Partner: O’Neills Pub & Restaurant

Music Theatre of Connecticut’s 2025-2026 MainStage Productions

About MTC

“Music Theatre of Connecticut is the premier provider of musical theatre performance and training. Founded in 1987, we produce an annual series of Equity productions featuring New York professionals (MTC MainStage), numerous annual student productions, and a conservatory-style School of Performing Arts with curriculum-based training for students ages four through high school, including the nationally recognized College-Bound in the Performing Arts program for performance career-focused high school students.”

“The Music Theatre of Connecticut (MTC) was founded in 1987 by Kevin Connors (Artistic Director and Co-Founder) and Jim Schilling (Co-Founder), where MTC’s focus is musical theatre performance and training.”

For more information on the Music Theatre of Connecticut, please visit their website: www.MusicTheatreofCT.com.

You might also like to read: Backstage Interview – Kevin Connors and Jim Schilling of Music Theatre of Connecticut: https://luxuryexperience.com/performances/performances-performances/backstage-interview-kevin-connors-and-jim-schilling-of-music-theatre-of-connecticut/

Music Theatre of Connecticut
509 Westport Avenue (look for the large Orange and White sign)
Norwalk, Connecticut 06851
United States
Box Office: +1-203-454-3883
Fax: +1-203-557-0496
Website: www.MusicTheatreofCT.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MusicTheatreCT/?ref=br_tf 
Instagram: www.Instagram.com/musictheatreofct/ @musictheatreofct

Actors’ Websites and Social Media

Zachary Anderson
Instagram: @zach_Anderson_ 

Hillary Ekwall
Instagram: @_hekwall

Jeff Raab
www.jeffreymichaelraab.com

Joseph Torello
Instagram: @torellojoe

Erin Margaret Williams
Instagram: @erin_wills
www.erinmarrgaretwilliams.com

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