Zachary Anderson, Erin Margaret Williams, Jeff Raab, Joe Torello, and Hillary Ekwall Photo by Alex Mongillo

If The Irish... and How They Got That Way is a bit of a history lesson, it is probably the most entertaining and festive history lesson you will ever get. Director Kevin Connors has done a great job with his cast is of five performers who are totally in tune with the glory of the Irish.

With Sean Sanford's set of an Irish pub the ambiance of the production is immediately established. One can almost smell the Guinness from the stage, where it freely flows. The fine Joseph Torello is a bit of a narrator throughout and gets the show started on a high note. The Irish... and How They Got That Way is exactly what the title says it is, taking in the whole history of the Irish. It is likely that you will learn things you have never knew before.

By embracing traditional songs and including bits of dialogue in between, this show is galvanizing; the audience is encouraged to feel like they are part of the show onstage. Considering the intimacy of Music Theatre of Connecticut, this is an easy task to take on. However, the real highlights are the moments when the performers truly get a chance to shine.

There a number of fantastic group numbers, including "If You're Irish" and "Erie Canal," which appear rip-roaringly during the show, but there are solos and duets, as well. The lovely and talented Erin Margaret Williams is so moving singing the tender song, "The Fields of Athenry." She is later joined by the terrific Hillary Ekwall in the up-tempo number, "The Irish Washerwoman."

This last song comes at the conclusion of "No Irish Need Apply," which provides some levity in between the lighter moments. Perhaps the most touching moment in the show is when the fresh-faced Zachary Anderson moves downstage to sing a heartbreaking "Danny Boy." In addition to being a skillful performer, Anderson also serves as the expert musical director.

When the show gets around to presenting George M. Cohan, the super and versatile Jeff Raab takes charge and leads the cast with splendor. Not to be forgotten is Joseph Torello, who, in addition to setting up many of the songs, proves to be as good a performer/musician as everyone else onstage. The five member cast play their own instruments and the rousing energy practically spills over into the audience.

Director Kevin Connors also provides the musical staging, with a strong assist from Erin Margaret Williams, including Irish step-dancing, which nearly stops the show. Connors also works well with the designers. The beautiful period costumes were designed by Diane Vanderkroef, and lighting designer Peter Petrino helps to set the atmosphere of every moment. Jon Damast's sound design is crystal clear.

There is just a brief bit of Finian's Rainbow's "How Are Things in Glocca Morra?" sung in the show, so one won't see any leprechauns onstage, but just about everything else Irish is present. The production fittingly ends with a rocking rendition of U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," which brings things into the present era.

The Irish... and How They Got That Way at Music Theatre of Connecticut is just perfect for this time of the year, considering that Saint Patrick's Day has just passed. You don't need to be Irish to enjoy this outstanding show and everyone is bound to have a roof-raising good time.

The Irish... and How They Got That Way runs through March 22, 2026, at Music Theatre of Connecticut, 509 Westport Ave., Norwalk CT. For tickets and information, please visit www.musictheatreofct.com.