The Nampa Civic Center is a beautiful 640 seat Performing Arts Center approaching 10 years old. One would believe it had just been built; it has been lovingly cared for.
Anthony and Patrick were quite taken with the hall, commenting often on its stage, sound, piano, and intimate feel. Paddy couldn’t resist the beautiful piano, sitting right down and playing tune after tune at the sound check, Anthony belting out whatever came into Paddy’s mind. The staff at the center were delighted with this impromptu concert, remarking how good Anthony sounded as people began to arrive. It was obvious that Nampa had been looking forward to the Tenor’s visit.
When we arrived, there was a scant 50 or so tickets left to sell, and people began lining up shortly thereafter. By show time, we had a capacity crowd with very few empty seats. Again CDs began selling the moment the doors opened, and the excitement of the crowd was palpable. Many audience members remembered seeing The Irish Tenors in Boise a few years ago; they were anxious to experience a Kearns Solo…and they were not disappointed!
Anthony threw in a surprise this evening, beginning the program with Shubert’s Serenade: Liebestruam. Other than this change, the repertoire remained the same, with the same audience reaction: enthusiastic and thrilled! I had thought this would be a wonderful tour of four new venues, I didn’t realize just how wonderful it would be.
After the crowd was hushed, Anthony introduced them as “the last traveling minstrals, Paddy and I.” The Dynamic Duo were in rare form this evening…their banter amusing, their humor contagious, their performance flawless. Both gentlemen turned in stellar performances and were the most animated I have yet seen them.
Paddy remarked after the concert that he felt Anthony was in superb voice. I had to agree, and so did Nampa! As the evening drew to a close, Anthony announced that all good things must come to an end and the crowd groaned, shouting, “NO!” They were then treated to a remarkable “Danny Boy” which brought them to their feet cheering. After a long standing ovation, Anthony left the stage, with Patrick still at the mic.
“Do sit down,” he said, “you’ll get tired standing up. What a great experience for us. We’ll always remember you here…it’s why we’ve been so bad! But you’ve extended the hand of friendship and we appreciate it so much. If we persuade him nicely, I think he’ll return.”
Anthony did, indeed, return to the cheering crowd, to sing a dynamic “Granada,” which once again brought the people to their feet, whistling, clapping, and cheering. After some time and several bows, Anthony said how much he had enjoyed his audience and their venue, saying “…and perhaps, please God, we’ll return one day.” By the loud cheering at that statement, I believe you can bet on it!
But I mustn’t end this review without sharing with you some hilarity, the likes of which only our traveling troubadores could deliver so well!
Right after Paddy’s tremendously funny story of the sopranos who sacked him because he played in the wrong key, he began a song in the wrong key for Anthony! After a verse, he asked Patrick to fix it. Patrick was talking under his breath and caught the Tenor off guard bringing on giggles and “Behave yourself or you’re fired like the sopranos did!” Patrick smiled up sweetly with a “Who ME?” look.
Anthony announced “The Father’s Prayer” as a piece the multi-talented Patrick wrote. He sang it so beautifully; the audience was obviously deeply affected by it. Next, to launch “Friendship” he said, “Well it makes me sick to have to tell you he composed this one, too….the last one so sweet, and this one….it will turn your stomach!” However, that hilarious duet brought huge applause, cheering, and whistling. Just as “The Bould Gendarmes” had done as Anthony marched and saluted. That one went so well that Patrick stood up and they heartily shook hands. Those two duets are pure Kearns/Healy, and purely delightful! They should always be included in the program, they have become trademark numbers.
The audience particularly enjoyed the hilarity of Kitty and McBreen. Their strongest reaction was to “Because You’re Mine,” “Mattinata,” “O Sole Mio,” “Danny Boy,” “Loveliest Night of the Year,” and “Granada.” The sighs could be heard for “Glocca Morra,” “Somewhere a Voice is Calling,” “Snowy Breasted Pearl,” and “A Father’s Prayer.” But it must be said, there was not a single number which did not get huge applause and a great reception! The audience was enraptured and delighted all evening long. I have to say: the repertoire for this tour of new stops has been very well-chosen, and incredibly well-received!
At the VIP reception for sponsors of the event, the prevailing sentiment was: "This is the best show we've ever presented!" I can’t wait to see the reaction in the next two locations: Stay TUNED!