The Irish?and How They Got That Way

Frank McCourt’s bright, verdant 1997 patchwork of folk tunes and historical quotations tracing the Irish-American experience returns for a special engagement tied bittersweetly to the first anniversary of the author’s death. This is a selective, folksy chronicle that goes from grisly reports of the potato famine to inspirational tales of the road to success in America. Charlotte Moore’s ensemble of six puts on a jaunty show, fluidly shifting among songs, jigs and recited passages.—David Cote