RIVERSIDE THEATRE
MILWAUKEE, WI
DECEMBER 1, 2007
I think most people planning to attend tonight's Irish Tenors' concert
here in Milwaukee wondered today, if even for a moment, if the event
would be cancelled because of the blistery weather that settled into the
area shortly after noon. I was one of them. We needn't have worried.
A call to the box office assured that all was well, the Tenors were in
town, and the show would go on.
So the first show of the Tenors’ Christmas tour is a memory, and
a winter wonderland of a memory, at that. Milwaukee skies thought
fit to open with some heavy duty white stuff early in the afternoon
and only stopped some time during the performance. Lots of seats
in the audience went empty, sadly, but those of us hardy enough to
venture to the theater, and the Tenors themselves, had a rousing
good time. I was so pleased to see that some of our group friends
from Illinois, also of the hardy variety, left their warm homes and
made it safely to our city.
Now, I should say that all three men sang like the angels they
are often compared to. But of course. Since the two
people that came with us hadn’t been to an Irish Tenors concert until
tonight I was almost rather pleased that all but one of tonight's
songs had been previously performed. I was happy that my friends
were able to hear some Irish Tenors standards. The first part of the
first half of the show was mostly Irish songs, which was sort of fun.
My friends and I had all been to Ireland earlier in the year, so those
songs held real meaning for us this go round.
Let’s see…they sang Isle of Hope, Fields of Athenry, The Courtin’ Medley,
The Dublin Medley, Spanish Lady, Karl sang Song for Ireland, Finbar
did a lovely How Great Thou Art and Isle of Innisfree, and Anthony
sang Love Thee Dearest and the only new song of the evening, a
lovely, soft piece called Wake Not Yet From Slumber, I believe. After
an orchestral interlude, and into the second half, more Christmas and
sacred songs were in order. Anthony’s Lord’s Prayer, Finbar’s
Mary’s Boy Child, Karl’s I’ll be Home for Christmas. The three joined
for Fairy Tale of New York, Silent Night, Amazing Grace and a few
others which have escaped my weary memory. There was one thing
I was truly hoping to hear and was tickled pink that my hopes were
heard…two of the three duets from Christmases past were
resurrected, and most incredibly at that. Pie Jesu,with Anthony and
Finbar, and Panis Angelicus with Anthony and Karl. It was worth the
harrowing drive in the whirling snow just for those two gems.
The three looked rested and happy to be in front of this very
appreciative audience. Anthony and Karl were most lively, and
Finbar very focused. There was just once when we saw Finbar
stomp a foot in manic rhythm and it was after the audience
began clapping along to I’ll Tell Me Ma. He so seldom goes
animated during shows that it’s such a treat to witness when
it does happen. Ah, but that’s what makes it sweeter, I think.
One last thing…as happens sometimes, the flowers from the
groups went unworn tonight. I hear they were white roses
nestled in sprigs of holly leaves, which would have been
lovely for the occasion. I hope the weather wasn’t the bad guy here…
It should be all-clear for travel to the east coast tonight
and tomorrow morning, so the east coast can expect
their show to come off just fine. Enjoy!
Judy Matzke
