PORTLAND — The Portland Stage Company in Portland and Maine State Music Theatre in Brunswick have announced a partnership to bring the two communities closer and deepen program offerings.

Portland Stage will produce Frank McCourt’s irreverent musical, “The Irish… And How They Got That Way,” in collaboration with MSMT from Aug. 16 through Sept. 4.

“As the two largest performing arts organizations in the area, this is an amazing opportunity to offer something unique and compelling to our audiences, and to create a meaningful partnership that will further develop the arts community in Maine,” said Anita Stewart, artistic and executive director of Portland Stage.

“The Irish… And How They Got That Way” is an uplifting musical celebration of all things Irish in the tumultuous 20th and 21st centuries, through the eyes of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt. McCourt’s razor-sharp wit, coupled with his trademark bitter irony and his boundless love for the Irish, are all underscored by glorious music extending all the way from the auld Irish folk ballades, George M. Cohan’s patriotic love songs to America, World War II standards sung in films of the era, USOs and foxholes all over the world, as well as beloved contemporary hits.

Tickets will go on sale to Portland Stage and MSMT subscribers on March 28 and to the general public on April 28.