IRISH TENORS CHRISTMAS CONCERT
MOHEGAN SUN CASINO
UNCASVILLE, CT
December 17, 2010
This review will be rather short, because frankly, the Tenors'
Christmas concert at Mohegan Sun Casino was quite a bit shorter
than their other concerts on the tour. I was reading Bob Rabin's
excellent review of the Syracuse concert, and I suddenly realized
that the concert in CT was missing more than a few of the songs
others had previously mentioned. We did not hear "If I Can Help
Somebody," "The Old Man," "Danny Boy," or the Winter Wonderland
Medley. AND there was no intermission......the fellas sang straight
through, which is always a bad sign.
Having said that, I will say that although the men were probably
very tired, they were in excellent voice, and what we did hear
was great, and in some cases better than great. They had a very
appreciative audience, who whistled, woo-hoo'd often, and gave
them more than one standing ovation. But the orchestra played
more than its usual interludes, and I found them, and the
conducting, tepid and uninspired. I missed Arnie Roth.
To me, the most beautiful moments of the evening were the
opening number-"Be Thou My Vision," Anthony's "I Heard the Bells"
which was eloquent, and his "Terence's Farewell," a piece he
hasn't done in several years. It was so beautifully sung, with his
perfect diction, it brought to mind all the reasons why it's always
been one of my favorite songs. Also Ronan's "Hallelujah," by
Leonard Cohen. It was wonderful, and suited his voice very well.
There were also superb performances of "Silent Night," and "O
Holy Night" by the trio.
As for the usual hijinks and tomfoolery we've come to expect
from the men.......there was hardly any. They couldn't seem to
muster up the energy. Ronan was very funny and showed great
comic timing, with his deadpan bit about auditioning for the part
of Shrek, on Broadway. And I hope Finbar wasn't ill, because
I've never seen him so aloof from his other two colleagues.
He sounded terrific, though, and sang a lovely "Christmas Song,"
written by Mel Torme. The men ended the concert with a stirring
and exciting "God Bless America," and the audience stood as
one, and sang along.
For the unintiated and it appeared that to a great many, this
was their introduction to The Irish Tenors, it was a memorable
evening. But to those who have applauded the Tenors for many
years........well, I felt a little shortchanged.
It doesn't diminish my admiration for the men from Cork, Wexford,
and Kilkenny, and I wish them Godspeed, safe home, and a Happy
Christmas.
Berta Calechman
