FOXBOROUGH HIGH SCHOOL
FOXBOROUGH, MA
APRIL 27, 2007
I was planning to do a sort of "overview" of Anthony Kearns' Friday and
Saturday night concerts. But each was different, and equally memorable.
Each deserves its own spotlight.
Friday night's concert in Foxborough, Mass began with the lyrical "Sweet
Vale of Avoca" and continued in the Irish vein for several songs, including
one of my favorites - "The Sally Gardens." Anthony's ability to invoke the
old-world mood of these songs and share it with his audiences has
deepened, and he can make even the simplest of songs memorable, with
just the inflection of his words and the shading of his tones. So songs like
"Kitty Me Love" can reside happily with "The Old House." The songlist has
been posted and a lot has been said about one particular inclusion in the
program - "The Snowy Breasted Pearl." Made famous by John McCormack,
it was absolutely exquisite, and the way Anthony vocally communicated
the mournful quality of the words was heartbreakingly beautiful. The second
time I heard him sing it, the next night, I was not alone when tears rolled
down my cheeks. To me, it was almost the highlight of the program. I
say "almost" because Anthony sang a breathtaking "Una Furtiva Lagrima"
which brought the audience to its feet. NO ONE these days sings that aria
more beautifully! Following immediately was a glorious "Dein ist mein
ganzes Herz." This is one of my favorite arias, and has a special meaning
to me. It was wonderful! Another new song was "Somewhere a Voice
is Calling." Again made famous by McCormack, it was unknown to me,
but really beautiful. Also on the program was the gorgeous Rachmaninoff
piece, "To The Children," Anthony's homage to Mario Lanza - "With a
Song in My Heart," and his homage to Patrick Healy, with an ethereal
"Father's Prayer", and the rollicking duet-"Friendship." Audiences love
the "over-the-top" way Kearns and Healy sing both this duet, and
"The Bould Gendarmes." And Anthony is always very generous with
his praise and appreciation of his "orchestra," Patrick.
To continue with Mr. Healy-looking exceptionally well, by the way;
the Amazon must agree with him---he debuted some new material himself
this weekend. His telling of the time he accompanied 3 ladies of varying
sizes and voices in "The Donkey Serenade", and began playing in the
wrong key, was the funniest story I've ever heard him tell. It was
absolutely hysterical, and the audience laughed so loud, we were all crying.
Patrick also regaled us with his justly famous "Modern Major General."
The concert ended with a rip-roaring "Granada," which again brought
the audience to its collective feet. This concert was a lovely way
to begin the Spring Tour.
Thanks go to Diane Pierce for arranging a great reception after the
concert. The stars of the show were gracious to all as usual, signing
programs, photos, and posing for pictures. What a terrific way to welcome spring!
by Berta Calechman
