The Irish...And How They Got That Way
by Frank McCourt

Solstice Theatre Company presents the OHIO PREMIER of the hit musical The Irish...And How They Got That Way by Frank McCourt (the award-winning author of Angela's Ashes). This funny, poignant, and moving musical traces the history of the Irish through the 19th and 20th, and 21st centuries—featuring music ranging from traditional folk songs to hits by U2.

Shows are Feb 16th - March 3rd

Adults $15
Students/Seniors $10
Children 12 and under are FREE
buy tickets


The Knock Theatre
 1568 N High St.
Columbus, OH 43210
map

Our Genesis

Solstice Theatre Company began as an intellectual game played by Artistic Director C. Austin (Chris) Hill.  As an undergraduate student at the University of Utah, Chris became fascinated by the oldest forms of theatre—ritual and storytelling. Soon, Chris began to find remnants of these in very contemporary plays, and in classics. And the game began: could one create a theatre company on the premise of telling a great story?

After beginning graduate school at The Ohio State University, Chris met Erin Fisher and Joe Dallacqua (while directing them in a production of John Patrick Shanley’s DOUBT.) Chris shared his vision for this theatre company with them, and they brought their own ideas and artistry. Joined by Chris’ wife Allison (an integral part of the company from the very beginning), Solstice Theatre Company was born. 

Already, many people have shaped and influenced this company–helped it through the throes of birth. Through their generosity of spirit and undying creativity, Roger Foster, Adam Simon and       Justin Toomey–cast members in Solstice Theatre Company’s first production–played an invaluable role in the realization of this dream. In their role as co-producers of our first production, Nick Dekker and Wild Goose Creative helped us find our feet. Through their unconditional love and support, our friends and families have given us the courage to share our stories with you.

Our people

C. Austin (Chris) Hill is the founding Artistic Director of Solstice Theatre Company. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre, and in Communication, from The University of Utah. Chris expects to finish his Master’s degree in Theatre at The Ohio State University in 2010, and plans to continue in pursuit of a PhD with an emphasis in Irish theatre. Chris is an accomplished director and dramaturg.  Columbus credits include directing Doubt by John Patrick Shanley (Emerald City Players, 2009), directing Solstice’s production of The Weir by Conor McPherson, and serving as production dramaturg for The Seafarer (CATCO), This Lime Tree Bower (an ad-hoc theatre company), and Port Authority (T.O.T.T.S)—all by Conor McPherson; and Sucking Dublin by Enda Walsh (T.O.T.T.S).  Chris is considered one of the area’s leading experts on McPherson’s work.

A co-founder of Solstice, Erin Fisher is a graduate of Salem State College (Salem, MA) and received her BFA in Theatre Performance in 2005. She has performed around the country, having toured with National Theatre for Arts and Education, and has lived and acted in Virginia, Massachusetts and New York before residing in Ohio. An avid reader of Shakespeare and other Renaissance texts, Erin compiled and performed her own one-woman show in the summer of 2008. Entitled “Love's Full Sacrifice,” the show chronicles the life of a woman told through Shakespeare's words in monologue and song.  "Above all things, I believe in the power and duty of theatre to teach and to please." 

Notable roles include:  Sister James (Doubt, Emerald City Players, Dublin, Ohio); Cordelia (King Lear); Laura (The Glass Menagerie); Shelby (Steel Magnolias); Maire (Translations); Lise (Cyrano de Bergerac, National Tour); Columbia (The Rocky Horror Show), Miss Scarlet (Clue: The Musical); Julia (Glass Highways, NYC).

A co-founder of Solstice, Joe Dallacqua received his BFA in Theatre from Otterbein University in 2003.

A co-founder of Solstice, Allison Hill is an accomplished choreographer, musical director, pianist, singer, dancer, and actress. She attended Tuachan High School for Performing Arts, in St. George, Utah, where she founded the Modern Dance company and was named Sterling Scholar in Dance. Allison performed in dozens of productions in Utah, prior to moving to Columbus. Some of her favorite credits include: choreographer for Pirates of Penzance;  director of a Reynoldsburg community choir; and various roles in Fiddler On the Roof (Pioneer Theatre Company), Cabaret, Gypsy, The King and I, Cinderella, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Nightmare at the Grand. In addition to her work with Solstice, Allison owns and operates a small café in Easton.