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Frank McCourt’s Musical Smash Hit
The Irish… and How They Got That Way

January 31 – March 15, 2026

Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St.
By Frank McCourt
Music & Lyrics by Various Artists

Directed by David Girolmo
Music Directed by David Fiorello
Original Musical Arrangements by Rusty McGee

The Irish… and How They Got That Way is an irreverent musical history of Ireland through the tumultuous 20th and 21st centuries seen through the eyes of Pulitzer Prize winning author, Frank McCourt (Angela’s Ashes, ‘Tis, Teacher Man) whose razor sharp wit, coupled with his trademark satirical irony and boundless love for the Irish People are all underscored by humor, heartache and a glorious score that spans 100+ years from “Danny Boy,” “Galway Bay” and “The Rare Old Times” to “Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ra” and U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I Am Looking For.”

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A Sondheim Masterpiece
Porchlight In Concert Follies

Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 7:30PM and Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 2PM

Studebaker Theater, 410 S. Michigan Ave.
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by James Goldman
Directed by Artistic Director Michael Weber
Music Directed by Linda Madonia

Porchlight In Concert debuted in 2024 with sold out performances of Sunday in the Park with George and this season returns to the Studebaker for a limited engagement of another Stephen Sondheim classic, Follies. Winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Score, Follies shares the reunion of the legendary “Weismann Follies” company on the eve of a crumbling theater’s demolition, to reminisce about their past with a rich score that celebrates the music of the 20s – 40s. Considered to be one of the best American musicals and one of Sondheim’s finest scores, Follies includes the standards “Broadway Baby,” “I’m Still Here,” “Losing My Mind” and more.

Not a subscriber? Go for the Follies Pass to make sure you secure great seats before the general public! For $50 per ticket, you will get early access to a Follies ticket in any price level ($95, 125, $150).

Get the Follies Pass HERE. (Use the code FolliesPass).

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Other Exciting Events to Look for this Season

Chicago Sings Broadway’s British Invasion 

Spring 2026

Porchlight’s annual concert fundraiser highlights Great Britain’s contributions to the biggest hits of Broadway. Chicago music theatre’s leading performers add their signature style to the musical favorites that premiered “across the pond” in this one-night-only event. From early West End successes like Me and My Girl, Oliver! and Stop the World – I Want to Get Off, to the “rock operas,” Jesus Christ Superstar, Chess and Evita, blockbusters including Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon and Les Misérables and recent favorites Mamma Mia!, Six, Operation Mincemeat and more.

 


Broadway in your Backyard

Summer 2026

Porchlight’s free, outdoor summer concert series marks its sixth edition in 2026 at parks throughout Chicago. The 60-minute, family-friendly, outdoor performance includes some of the best loved show tunes from Broadway and Hollywood with sing-alongs, a raffle for valuable prizes and more.

 

 

 


Please note: performances, dates and participants are subject to change.