What’s more entertaining than an Irish Wake? Think of the keening, the over-the-top emotions, the food, the drink! Anyway, the folks down at the Irish Classical Theatre Company decided that the best way to celebrate life is through death, and so funeral festivities for a dearly departed friend have become an annual tradition and lucrative fundraiser. This year, the honoree is the fictitious Phillip McCoffer, taken from us, of course, in untimely fashion. Billed as “an interactive entertainment event, including a toast to Phillip (first hour FREE Guinness and wine!), food (from the Gourmet Store), live entertainment (with Kevin McCarthy!) and laughter (with the Eclectic Company Improv Troupe and friends) in ‘true’ Irish fashion.” Michael Hake will be at the piano, so expect plenty of sing-along, as well as a hodgepodge of laughably bereaved characters—from the widow to the mistress to the priest. And be prepared for a marvelous good time. “The party to die for,” they say, “lives on.”

Friday, March 16 at 6pm. Town Ballroom, 681 Main Street (852-3900). Your $40 donation will help pay for the flowers (853-ICTC, irishclassicaltheatre.com).