An American Wake
An Irish Immigrant’s Tale
Imagine sitting in an Irish shanty in 1847. There is a dreadful famine raging in which a third of Ireland will starve or emigrate to “Amerikay.” The Great Hunger is brought on by the policies imposed by the ruling class and a blight on the potato. America is a land imbued with the myth of promise and limitless opportunity. A son is leaving in the morning and the community has gathered to celebrate his life.
The American Wake was a lively tradition in Ireland that lasted for more than 100 years. When a member of a village left for America they were as good as dead in the eyes of their parents. Knowing they might never return a wake was given.
This new musical is based on true stories. Irish-American History is woven with traditional folktales, folksongs and six original songs. Barry traveled to Ireland where he researched parts of the show in the library of Peoria’s sister city, Clonmel. Fox recently published a book on the I & M Canal. More than 2000 Irishmen lost their lives in its construction. Illinois history, our story, is celebrated in song and dance.
Act One:
Musical Prologue – The Roundstone Buskers
Your Kin Folk Know Ye Best – The Ensemble
Brian’s Lament - Brian
Rory O’Donnell And The Leprechaun - A Traditional Irish Tale Retold By Father
A Dancing Troop Of Fairies! The Flynn School Of Irish Dancers
The Incantation – A Round
Invocation To Ireland - One of the first and oldest poems written in Ireland.
The Incantation Reprised, (Please Join In!)
Tripping Smuggler - The Roundstone Buskers
The White Deer – A Traditional Folktale Retold By Mother
Act Two:
Tamlyn - The Roundstone Buskers
Oisin In Tier Na Nog, The Isle Of The Ever Young – Retold By Brian
Paddy Tailor Set - The Roundstone Buskers
Barry Reads A Letter From A Cousin In Illinois
I Bid Ye Fare The Well – The Ensemble
To You – A Love Song for Four Voices
Wake Me Out Daddy - The Family
Heartbeat – Barry w/ Ensemble
Prairie Folklore Theatre * P.O. Box 10800, Peoria, IL 61612 * 309-689-8000 * Contact Us
“Where history comes to life with a healthy scoop of good ol’ American humor.”