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The Craic

  • By Mark Clements & Deanie Vallone
  • Directed by Mark Clements

March 26 – May 23, 2027

Stackner Cabaret


Back By Popular Demand After A Sell-Out Run!

Join the fun that made The Craic the biggest hit in Stackner Cabaret history. Set in a lively Irish pub, five friends share an evening full of music, stories, and unforgettable camaraderie. Sing along to classics like “Danny Boy,” and “Whiskey in the Jar,” and feel the excitement that had audiences jumping to their feet. From laughter to music-filled moments, every second is full of warmth, humor, and charm. Whether you’re returning for the experience or discovering it for the first time, this joyous celebration of friendship and laughter is pure Irish delight — Sláinte!

“Anyone with an affinity for Irish music, culture, or folkloric fun shouldn’t miss it.”
BroadwayWorld

Approximate Running Time:

2 hours and 20 minutes with one intermission

Content Notice: Performance may induce joy, tears, laughter and an urge to dance!

Seating Chart

Synopsis

Below are more details about the show. If you prefer to experience the story without knowing any plot details in advance, we recommend closing this window.


In a warm, lively pub on Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, four local musicians gather as they do every week, tuning their instruments, sharing drinks, and entertaining the regular patrons with folk songs, sea shanties, and stories passed down through generations. The relaxed rhythm of the evening is disrupted when a former member of the group unexpectedly returns after being away for nearly a decade. His sudden appearance shocks the musicians and brings unresolved feelings to the surface. Old rivalries reappear, romantic tensions resurface, and long-avoided questions about the past begin to emerge.  

As the evening unfolds, the musicians alternate between performing beloved Irish tunes and sharing stories about their lives, their hometown, and the paths that led them away from one another. Through light teasing and heartfelt confessions, they begin to unravel the reasons behind the long-standing tensions that divided them.  

Gradually, the music and conversation help the group rediscover the connections that first brought them together. With pints raised and voices joined in song, the friends find renewed appreciation for their community, their heritage, and the enduring power of music to bring people together. The night ends in the true spirit of Irish hospitality with laughter, storytelling, and the warmth of good company.

Corporate Sponsor
Associated Bank

Executive Producers
Jim Phillips & Karen Plunkett

Associate Producer
Krista Kile
Diane K. O’Connor
Marlyn & Neal Spear

Part of the David Kundert Stackner Season

 

A spirited night of traditional Irish music.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Impressive… multi-talented ensemble. Uniformly excellent in their roles… harmonies are seamless.

Shepherd Express

Bursts with Irish music and spirit.

Urban Milwaukee

Video Trailer

Video Trailer

Cast

Trevor Lindley Craft*

Ciarán / Musician

Luke Darnell*

John / Musician

Megan Loomis*

Kathleen / Musician

Alexander Sovronsky*

Christy / Musician

Claire-Frances Sullivan*

Aoife / Musician

Creative Team

Mark Clements

Playwright / Director

Deanie Vallone

Playwright

Dan Kazemi

Music Director / Arranger

Emily Lotz

Scenic Designer

Mason Baria

Costume Designer

Noele Stollmack

Lighting Designer

Joe Cerqua

Sound Designer

Jill Walmsley-Zager

Voice & Dialect Coach

Dan Kazemi

Music Director / Arranger

Dan Kazemi

Music Director / Arranger

Specialty Dining

The Full Craic

Complete your evening with our special Make It the Full Craic dinner add-on. Enjoy a delicious pre-show meal before enjoying this beloved Irish celebration of music, storytelling, laughter, and community. Gather your friends, raise a glass. It's the perfect way to turn a great night at the theater into a full Irish experience.

Make a Dining Reservation