Portland Stage is producing Frank McCourt’s irreverent musical “The Irish … And How They Got That Way” in collaboration with Maine State Music Theater (MSMT) from Aug. 16-Sept. 4. Tickets will be available for MSMT and Portland Stage subscribers March 28 and to the general public April 28.

“As the two largest performing arts organizations in the area, this is an amazing opportunity to offer something unique and compelling to our audiences and to create a meaningful partnership that will further develop the arts community in Maine,” said Anita Stewart, artistic and executive director of Portland Stage.

“The Irish ... And How They Got That Way” is an uplifting musical celebration of all things Irish in the tumultuous 20th and 21st centuries through the eyes of Pulitzer Prize winning author, Frank McCourt (“Angela’s Ashes,”). McCourt’s razor-sharp wit, coupled with his trademark bitter irony and his boundless love for the Irish, are underscored by glorious music including Irish folk ballades, George M. Cohan’s patriotic love songs to America; World War II standards sung in films of the era, at USOs and in foxholes all over the world, and beloved contemporary hits.

“We can add significant value to the show through the distinctive characteristics and talents offered by the two theater companies working together,” said Curt Dale Clark, MSMT’s artistic director. “Now, for the first time since 1998, it is our great pleasure to partner with Portland Stage to further enhance our region’s cultural fabric.”

“The Irish ... And How They Got That Way” opened at the Irish Repertory Theatre in New York in 1997 and has since played to sold-out audiences in extended runs nationwide. In 2016, the play goes up at the Portland Stage Company for a three week run.

Audiences will delight in the story of the Irish experience both on the Emerald Isle and here in America told through the songs of Ireland, including “Danny Boy,” “The Rose of Tralee,” and “Harrigan;” and Cohan's “Give My Regards to Broadway,” “You’re A Grand Ole Flag,” and “I’m A Yankee Doodle Dandy;” and up to modern-day Irish rockers, U2.

For more information, visit www.portlandstage.org.