PARCEL FROM AMERICA: The Irish Musical, gets New York Debut

Ann LeClaire with Parting Glass Presents the New York Premiere of PARCEL FROM AMERICA: The Irish Musical; Adapted from the story by Tomáseen Foley

NEW YORK , NY, UNITED STATES, August 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Ann LeClaire with Partng Glass is proud to present the New York premiere of the Irish musical Parcel from America, which features a book and lyrics by Jahnna Beecham, Malcolm Hillgartner, and Michael J. Hume, with music by Malcolm Hillgartner and Kevin Corcoran. The production is directed by J.R. Sullivan, with music director and arranger Kevin Corcoran and choreography by Barry McNabb. Adapted from a tale by acclaimed Irish storyteller Tomáseen Foley, the new Irish musical will make its New York premiere this fall with previews beginning October 28, and will celebrate its official opening on November 4, with a limited engagement through November 22, 2026 at Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street).

Parcel From America is the story of a young boy and a lonely widow in a remote parish in the west of Ireland, and the importance of one special parcel that changes the lives of the entire community, carrying them all into the true heart of Christmas.

Inspired by the history of Irish emigration and the cherished parcels filled with gently used clothing and much-needed dollars sent by loved ones from across the Atlantic, this musical celebrates the old Irish adage that “it is only in the shelter of our neighbors that we all can live,” a theme that rings especially true in these fraught times.

"At its heart, Parcel from America is about ordinary people choosing kindness," said the producers. "While the story is rooted in rural Ireland during the 1950s, its message is universal. In a world that often feels divided, this musical reminds us that compassion, generosity, and common decency remain among our greatest strengths. We hope audiences leave the theatre believing that even the smallest act of kindness can transform a life."

The production features an accomplished cast from Ireland and the United States, led by Alex Sharpe (PBS Celtic Woman, West End: Les Miz), Clare O'Malley (Irish Rep’s Pump Girl, The Lonely Ones), Michael Grennell (Abbey Theatre, “Game of Thrones”), Mick Mellamphy (National and International tour of The Smuggler), Úna Clancy (Irish Rep’s Juno and The Paycock), Gregg Goodbrod (Broadway: Thoroughly Modern Millie), Andrea Lynn Green (Broadway: Who’s Afraid of Vriginia Woolf?), Adam Huel Potter (National Tour: Once), Aiden McCracken, Daniel Patrick Sullivan, Serena Parish, Ethan Jack Haberfield (Broadway: Mary Poppins) with standby Danny Rothman and understudies Riley Bocchicchio, Amy Bodnar, Dan Fenaughty, and Olivia Goosman.

The creative team includes Harry Feiner (scenic design), Debbi Hobson (costume design), Joey Moro (lighting & projection design), Ian Scot (sound design), Stephanie Klapper Casting (casting director), Gary Levinson (Production Manager), April Kline-Grimshaw (Production Stage Manager), Miriam Hyfler & Kathleen Mahoney (Assistant Stage Managers), and LDK Productions (General Manager)

Bringing the score to life is an International ensemble of award-winning musicians led by music director Kevin Corcoran (keyboards) and featuring Isaac Alderson (whistle, flute and uilleann pipes), Tom Fitzgerald (bouzouki/mandolin), Aimée Farrell Courtney (bodhrán) and Katie Wasko (fiddle), creating an authentic Irish soundscape that transports audiences to the heart of rural County Limerick.

For tickets and more information, visit ParcelIrishMusical.com.

Creative Team Bios:

JAHNNA BEECHAM (book and lyrics) - With Malcolm Hillgartner, has written 11 musicals and plays commissioned by Concord Theatricals, Repertory Theatre St. Louis, Milwaukee Rep, Hope Rep, Children’s Theatre Charlotte and Orlando Family Stage. She co-wrote and directed The Ruby Princess Runs Away (“Best Drama,” Burbank International Film Festival, 2001). Her 2026 projects with Skye Hillgartner include The Baby-sitters Club Fan Edition: Baby-sitter Summer and The Best Halloween Ever, premiering at Orlando Family Stage in October 2026.

MICHAEL J. HUME (book and lyrics) - Partnered with Jahnna Beecham and Malcolm Hillgartner on They Came From Way Out There and Dogpark: the Musical (Samuel French). He adapted and directed The White Plague, The Caucasian Chalk Circle, and Dick Whittington and His Amazing Cat. He serves on the Advisory Council for Rogue Theatre Company and was Director of the Ashland New Plays Festival. 2026 marks his 31st season as an actor with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

MALCOLM HILLGARTNER (book and lyrics; composer) - Wrote music and lyrics for 11 musicals, including Chaps! and Dogpark: the Musical (Samuel French), and Holmes and Watson Save the Empire, winner of the 2012 Ovation Award for “Best Small Ensemble Musical” in Vancouver. Since its 2016 premiere, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Musical (Broadway Licensing) has been produced by more than 250 theatres. He is also an award-winning narrator of more than 325 audiobooks.

KEVIN CORCORAN (composer, music director and arranger) - Pianist, composer, arranger and one of Ireland’s most sought-after session musicians. He tours and collaborates with artists including Lisa Lambe, Villagers, Gavin Friday, Sorcha Richardson and Tom Morello. Kevin has composed film soundtracks, released two albums and created arrangements for Villagers’ album Fever Dreams.

J.R. SULLIVAN (director) - Director and producer who has worked at theaters nationwide and internationally. He served as Artistic Director of New York’s Pearl Theatre from 2009-2013, whose resident acting company received a 2011 Drama Desk Award. His Pearl productions included Much Ado About Nothing, Hard Times, Playboy of the Western World, Richard II, A Moon for the Misbegotten and Wittenberg. For Mint Theater Company, he directed Lillian Hellman’s Days to Come. He founded New American Theater and served as associate artistic director of Utah Shakespeare Festival. Sullivan directed the 2022 world premiere of Parcel from America at Dublin’s Smock Alley Theatre.

BARRY MCNABB (Choreographer) has choreographed more than 30 productions for Irish Repertory Theatre, as well as productions at The Public Theater, York Theatre, Lincoln Center, Westport Playhouse, Pittsburgh Public, Bay Street, GEVA and others. International credits include award-winning productions of Chicago, West Side Story and Victor/Victoria throughout Spain. Television includes 15 seasons with Late Night with Conan O’Brien and work for Saturday Night Live. A Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel and Connecticut Critics Circle Award nominee, McNabb is currently on the faculty of NYU Tisch’s New Studio on Broadway.

Joe Trentacosta
JT Public Relations Corporation
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