Alabaster Performing Arts preps for an 'Irish Celebration' in Murrysville and Greensburg

With two sets of Irish grandparents, Gaelic and Celtic music is practically part of Mary McCormack’s genetic make-up.

McCormack, a Greensburg resident, is the director for the Alabaster Performing Arts troupe, which marks its 25th anniversary this year. And it’s easy to see why Alabaster’s “Irish Celebration” performances are among her favorites.

“This is a really fun show for me to do,” McCormack said. “We have a lot of fun with it. The show is done with Irish costumes, a couple of the guys wear kilts and we perform in an Irish brogue and try to give people a very Gaelic experience.”

The show — to be performed March 17 in Greensburg and March 19 in Murrysville — features well-known tunes like “Danny Boy,” “My Wild Irish Rose,” “Wild Rover” and others, sung by McCormack, Jessie Glover and Rick Reed.

Below, members of the group perform “Ellis Island” at a 2018 show:

McCormack and several friends founded Alabaster Performing Arts in 1995.

“I’m a performer and I just wanted to make that the focus of my life,” she said. “The company has about 12 staff members, including volunteers.”

Alabaster recently wrapped up its February “Broadway Love Songs” tour and, after its March shows, will prepare for an original show, “Lazarus,” set to debut in April telling the Bible story of the resurrection of Lazarus.

McCormack said she always is impressed with the power music has on audiences.

“For myself, music and art are very nurturing and healing, and that’s what we try and deliver to our audiences: something that’s life-affirming and very positive,” she said.

“Irish Celebration” will take place at 6 p.m., March 17 at Hoss’s Restaurant, 1261 S. Main St., Greensburg, and at 11:30 a.m., March 19 at Osteria Pasqualino, 4430 William Penn Highway in Murrysville.

Tickets are $15, but do not include the price of dinner. For more, call 724-516-5189 or visit AlabasterPerformingArts.org.