Willamsburgrev2 - Page: 1 of 1

It's always been my contention that it's worth a trip from anywhere,
to hear Anthony Kearns sing. I made my second trip to Virginia in less
than a month, to put my money where my mouth is. St. Bede's Church
is a huge, beautiful though very modern, slightly sterile edifice, which for
the occasion of this concert was bedecked with huge pots of fall-colored
chrysanthemums placed around the "stage." The church is so large that
even the front row seats were not close to the singer, but with the new
pipe organ gleaming in the background, and the aforementioned pots
of flowers, it was a striking stage picture. Anthony and Patrick came
from the back, down one aisle, to the stage, and on their way, managed
to acknowledge, nod, or wink to lucky fans.

As had been hoped, this was an almost entirely new program, which also
included several old favorites which hadn't been heard in awhile. Before
he began to sing, Anthony remarked how good it was to see a packed
house. And I could feel a certain anticipation in the audience, not only
from the fans, but from the people who had never heard Anthony sing.
This audience was ready and willing to be entertained. And as usual,
the men of the evening did not disappoint. Anthony began his program
with a beautiful old English song by George Monro called "My Lovely
Celia." It was a good opener, because the sweetness of Anthony's
voice boded well for the rest of the evening. To be honest, I don't
remember the order of the songs, so I'll just mention what to me were
the absolute highlights and memory-makers of the evening. Of course
to me, the diamond on the crown of songs was "Serenade" from The
Student Prince, by Sigmund Romberg. Anthony said it was his first
time performing it, but it was really exquisite. The top notes were rich
and expansive, reverberating throughout the church, and the lower notes
were full and virile. It got a huge audience response. They loved it. This
was one of Mario Lanza's big numbers. The film of The Student Prince
in the 1950's, was to have starred Lanza, but he was in one of his "fat"
periods (as the studio said), and he was deemed not romantic enough
to play the title role. So the English actor Edmund Purdom acted the

part to Lanza's dubbed-in voice. I would have preferred a bigger Mario
Lanza and his voice, rather than some cardboard actor, mouthing
someone else's voice. But Hollywood wasn't known for its brain trust.
Back again from last season was "I Saw from the Beach", the Thomas
Moore melodie which deserves its repeat. It's really lovely, and the
feeling that Anthony puts into the words would make Moore proud.
The second diamond on this crown was the new lullaby which Patrick
wrote for Anthony. It's called "A Father's Prayer", and because it
got lost in the mail, Anthony had an extremely short time to learn it.
You could've fooled me. Patrick has created another masterpiece.
Again he has made use of Anthony's strong points, such as the vibrant
lower register, the sweetness of tone, and the ethereal, pianissimo,
floated final note. It was sublimely beautiful. The words which Patrick
has written deserve to be read by themselves, but with Anthony's
excellent diction and beauty of sound, this song is a treasure.
There was another song which I don't believe Anthony has sung
before..."On Wings of Song" by Mendelssohn. It's a very famous
German Lied, and Anthony sang it simply and eloquently. There were
other wonderful songs, such as a lovely "Believe Me If All Those
Endearing Young Charms", a tender "Bird Songs at Eventide",
"At the Ball", and some oldies but goodies, such as "Phil the Fluther",
which got a rousing audience reaction with its ending high note.
Also, a pensive "As I Sit Here", "Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes" from
The Gondoliers, and a wonderful "Danny Boy." This was only the
first concert of the tour. How I envy those who will hear it as it
gets even better. Because even the best, gets better.

Patrick Healy began his contribution to the evening with an absolutely
amazing "Modern Major General" from Pirates of Penzance. It was truly
a wonder to hear that quintessential "patter song" tossed off with such
panache by Mr. Healy. I could understand every word!! So.....one of the
world's foremost authorities on Gilbert & Sullivan is also one of the finest
G&S performers, as well! He sang another new song "I'm Shy, Mary Ellen"
about a reluctant suitor who, try as he will, cannot kiss his lady, even
after they're married, because.......HE'S SHY. It was another Patrick
Healy gem. And the duet which Patick penned for himself and Anthony
about the trials and tribulations of their airplane journeys, has great
potential, and will doubtless get better and better as the tour goes on.
It's very funny.

The reception which followed the concert was probably the nicest
reception I've ever attended. Thanks to Ann and Aleck Loker, and their
co-chairs, there was a very festive atmosphere, with large, fresh floral
arrangements, wonderful food, champagne flowing, and the men of the
evening looking very dapper in their Williamsburg tricornered hats, and
surely basking in the glow of success. They stayed until everyone in
the LONG reception line had a chance to say hello, thank them, or
have a picture taken. In fact, the reception lasted almost as long
as the concert did, which shows what a good time was had by all.
There were not that many "fans" in attendance. Most of the audience
was made up of people who had not heard Anthony Kearns and Patrick
Healy perform before. And when they left the church, they were
determined that it would not be the last time they heard them! So,
not to be redundant......it is indeed worth a trip from anywhere to hear
Anthony Kearns and Patrick Healy.

Berta Calechman