CAPITOL ONE BANK THEATRE
WESTBURY, NY
March 15, 2009
FUN AT THE FAIR
Well "hadn't we the gaiety" at "Ye Olde Westbury Music Faire"
last Sunday, March 15.
Originally a tent when first opened, during a fad for "mediaeval"
festivals back in the 1950's--'60s, the structure has gradually
evolved. Enclosed and extended in space and time, the renamed
"Capital One Bank" venue now resembles nothing so much as a squat
grey Quonset hut of the WWII era.
Inside, the building is a theater-in-the-round, with a circular
revolving stage surrounding steep banks of seats. As one picks
one's way gingerly down the slope, in illumination roughly the
equivalent of gaslight, thankful to have left the stiletto heels
at home, one is rather morbidly reminded of a Victorian operating
theatre. Having negotiated a safe landing into one's seat and
heaving a great sigh of relief, one is only too ready to be enter-
tained.
And entertained we cartainly were! The Irish Tenors were in grand
form; Arnie Roth conducted. The good-sized crowd, comprised as
usual largely of members of "the Great Generation," and with many
"wearin' of the green" were noticeably more knowledgeable and
responsive than last Sunday's audience. Toward the conclusion of
the show, one or two enthusiastic fans were even observed to be
dancing in the aisle!
As expected, the programme was virtually identical to those pre-
viously performed at Utica and West Point. But none of us "regu-
lars" minded; to the main audience the songs were either familiar
and welcomed, or received with appreciation. The trios and medleys,
it should be noted, were delivered with verve and some new harmonies,
beautifully executed.
Among the solo numbers, several stood out in my mind. Anthony's
heartfelt "Love Thee, Dearest" and his operatic aria, "Eily
Mavourneen," produced soft murmurs of approval as well as much
applause. In all Anthony sings, especially the love songs, one hears
that special "something in the voice" that is so very moving, and
so distinctively Irish.
Karl was in excellent voice that afternoon. "Lift the Wings" did
lift our hearts. When Karl sang "The Water Is Wide," with particular
strength and emotional expressiveness, his lovely sound made the
melody shimmer like sunlight on the waves. Applause was loud and long.
Lively Finbar, in fine fettle, transported everyone "South of the
Border," and then again, back north, to that "fine slated house"
of the Irish bachelor who intended to court Little Bridget Flynn
"just as soon as (he) got bold." Delightful. But it's in Finbar's
serious numbers that one can truly hear the power and multi-colored
harmonics of his glorious voice. If "The Green Isle of Erin" didn't
transport everyone back "home," it's because they were already there
in spirit, on this glad afternoon of beloved Irish music (and a bit
of dancing!)
Now I promised our Webmaster that I wouldn't hold you as long as
one of Anthony's phenomenal closing notes . So I'l leave you
now with a little story about Anthony's Rose.
You've noticed in Gen's fabulous photos from this concert, those
fine fat red rosebuds in the Tenors' boutonnieres. They're held
in place by magnets. At some point, as Anthony left the stage
after a solo and clambered back up the goat trail to the green
room, his Rose tried to hurry on ahead but instead, alas! fluttered
gently to the floor. Without a moment's hesitation, Anthony re-
trieved the flower and handed it to a very surprised lady seated
nearby. So like our Anthony! His gracious gesture generated applause
all around the theater. And the happy recipient was proudly showing
off her "Rose from Anthony" during the intermission. Could be?
it's still nestled under her pillow at this very hour.
Mary-Carol Cahill
