For many with Irish roots in America, the story of their heritage is a powerful narrative of resilience and hope. Millions trace their lineage back to the Emerald Isle, a testament to the waves of emigration driven by hardship and the pursuit of a better life. These courageous journeys across the Atlantic, often landing in cities like Philadelphia, laid the foundation for a vibrant Irish American culture that has woven itself into the fabric of the nation. However, the full depth and emotional resonance of this immigrant experience are stories waiting to be told and truly understood.
Enter “Where Eagles Fly,” a compelling new musical poised to bring this poignant chapter of history to life. More than just a performance, “Where Eagles Fly” seeks to answer a profound question that resonates across generations: “Do you know who you are?” By exploring the trials and triumphs of Irish immigrants, this production promises to connect audiences with the very essence of their shared human story.
The seeds of “Where Eagles Fly” were sown in Belfast in 2004 with “On Eagle’s Wing,” a grand arena spectacle featuring a cast of hundreds. This ambitious show captured significant attention, even reaching television audiences. While the arena show’s scale was impressive, its lead producer, Michael Durkan, harbored a long-held vision: to distill the powerful narrative into a more intimate and stage-ready production. Now, that vision is taking flight.
Recently, Durkan and his creative team presented a preview of this reimagined “Where Eagles Fly Musical” at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. This scaled-down performance, featuring a select group of talented actors, singers, and dancers, was strategically designed to ignite interest and attract potential investors from Philadelphia’s influential arts and tourism sectors.
Cast members performing on stage
“Where Eagles Fly” delves into the experiences of Irish and Scottish immigrants who arrived in Philadelphia in the late 17th century. These early settlers, ancestors to notable figures like Davy Crockett and President Andrew Jackson, left an indelible mark on American culture, shaping both the city of Philadelphia and the broader national landscape.
The musical charts the arduous journeys of these pioneers and their descendants, bridging historical narratives with contemporary resonance. “We believe we have a special musical,” explains Durkan, a seasoned producer and musician. “The storyline isn’t all that different from what we had in the arena show. It’s the story of all of us. Once you go back to the early period (of immigration), that’s where the real stories are. You can see the hardships that people went through to get us to where we are today.”
The ambitious plan for “Where Eagles Fly” includes a debut in Philadelphia in 2024, projected for a four-week run. Following this, the production aims to travel to Boston for a week and potentially stage a limited run in New York. After a Christmas break, the vision extends to a nationwide tour, with the ultimate aspiration of transforming “Where Eagles Fly” into a globally recognized musical. Broadway, of course, remains a key milestone on this journey.
Diane McGraw, CEO of McGraw Productions and former Pennsylvania tourism executive, is a co-producer who is passionately championing the show. Her involvement stemmed from a chance encounter following her work on a Ukraine soccer legends benefit. Introduced to Durkan, McGraw recognized the potential of “Where Eagles Fly” for Philadelphia. “When he realized I had an entertainment company, he said, ‘I want to talk to you,’” McGraw recounts. “He said, ‘One of my musicals would be perfect for Philadelphia.’ I said to him, let’s make it happen, come to Philadelphia and meet some people and get people interested and see if we can get some investors.”
McGraw’s enthusiasm for “Where Eagles Fly” is palpable. She describes the music as captivating, drawing comparisons to the acclaimed “Les Misérables.” “I would put it on the level of ‘Les Misérables,’” she asserts. “It’s a bit of history, wonderful music, and a tribute to the Philadelphia area.” Beyond its historical and musical merits, McGraw emphasizes the show’s timely relevance. Her recent work supporting Ukrainian causes has reinforced the universal themes of displacement and the search for refuge. She believes “Where Eagles Fly” will strike a chord with diverse audiences far beyond the Irish American community.
Durkan echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the musical’s broader message of hope and shared humanity. “We are trying to tell everybody’s story through this Irish journey,” he says. “It’s a tiny little planet we live on. The world has erupted into chaos, and I don’t know why because there’s plenty for everybody. People all over the world are looking for reasons to hope. The storyline that runs through ‘Where Eagles Fly’ has never been more apt than it is today. There’s no place better to give people an opportunity than America.”
The journey of “Where Eagles Fly musical” is just beginning, promising to be a powerful and moving theatrical experience that resonates with the universal quest for belonging and a better future.
