The Magic of
Gilbert and Sullivan

Starring Anthony Kearns
Produced by Patrick Healy

(Photograph by Kristin Callahan)

"What a Wonderful World"
"The World of Gilbert and Sullivan"

September 20, 2003
National Concert Hall, Dublin
Review submitted By John Evans

As I look back on my trip to Dublin now, it was somewhat reminiscent of the words of Herodotus..now the motto of the Post Office.. "neither hurricane Isabel, a four day power outage, a terrible connection through Gatwick, nor jetlag, could keep me away from the performance Saturday night, September 20, 2003.

I had the distinct pleasure to be one of several Americans who made the journey to Dublin's National concert Hall to hear Louis Browne and Patrick Healy's presentation, "The World of Gilbert and Sullivan," and a decided treat it was.

The seven member ensemble presented various familiar, and some not so familiar, selections from Gilbert and Sullivan, all carefully introduced by our favorite accompanist, raconteur, showman (and now acclaimed composer) Patrick Healy.

Though you may not always be able to see Anthony and Patrick after a performance, they know you are there and they appreciate it greatly. Sometimes it's a smile, a wink, or a nod, but tonight Patrick graciously thanked the Americans who traveled so far to attend the performance. The audience also applauded their appreciation. In fact, during intermission, several people came up to me and told me they hoped I enjoyed my time in their country and to be sure to see this and that before going home...just an example of the warm Irish welcome I received everywhere I went.

Some might ask who is Gilbert and Sullivan? In brief, Arthur Sullivan was a child prodigy who could play every instrument in his father's band and later became known for such compositions as the "Irish Symphony," "Te Deum," and "Onward Christian Soldiers." With the help of W. S. Gilbert, over a twenty five year partnership they turned out a series of comic operas which are uniquely their own. In them, they poked fun at all the foibles of English society...at their politics, their manners and dispositions, and their restrictive class structure. Just like the English at the time, the capacity crowd at the National Concert Hall that night roared with laughter and begged for more. Gilbert's lines were witty and pointed, and Sullivan's music suited them perfectly.

In addition to the comedy, some touching and romantic moments occurred when Niamh Murray and Anthony sang lover's duets..."Is There Not One Maiden" and "Poor Wandering One." Her voice complimented Anthony's, for it had the similar clarity and crystal-like qualities. I sat there making a mental wish list of famous duets for them to sing. I hope to hear them perform together again. When Anthony sang alone it was captivating. With sincere apologies to the readers of this review, I did not take notes because I did not realize I was "on assignment" until I returned home to America. Suffice it to say that the singing, dancing, and acting from the ensemble provided a delightful evening of humor and song. Occasionally, I had to try to make myself stop laughing, especially at John Ayldon, just to hear the next humorous line.

The highlight of the evening came next. Begging the forgiveness of Mr. Gilbert and Mr. Sullivan, Patrick introduced the first of his two compositions to be performed that night. For the second time, he thanked the Americans for coming and explained that the cards and letters in advance of our arrival had requested "The Hills of Home," and he hoped the audience would indulge its performance. Personally, I cannot imagine being so modest about such a marvelous song. Anthony then took the stage and powerfully sang this tale of an immigrant longing for all that has been forsaken for a new life so far away from all that is familiar and all that he loves. We aren't the only ones who love that song....rousing and extended applause followed its conclusion. I don't know if it was the venue, my front row center seat, or the thrill of being in Ireland, but the song was even more poignant and lovely that I had remembered. Anthony sang it so beautifully. Over the years, I have heard him sing opera, hymns, folk songs, and comic pieces....no one can sing like Anthony Kearns, no one.

The much anticipated new song, "Friendship," was an hilarious duet portraying the diametric lots of a local tenor near the end of his career sung by Louis Browne, and a young successful tenor who sought fame and fortune in America, sung by Anthony. At a later date, I hope the entire lyric can be made available. Here are some lines I recall..Louis sings "I have my bus pass" to which Anthony replies "I drive a Mercedes Benz." Later, Louis sings "I've sung opera for a very small fee," and Anthony responds with a kneeling "Mother Machree." The line which received the strongest response was "I earn my money in the US of A." As soon as it was over we knew the new song was a smash! Dear old Louis Browne with tottering steps and faltering voice came back out to center stage and declared, "Tonight Patrick Healy is a Composer." They immediately did an encore of the piece and again it stopped the show.

When the ensemble took the stage for the finale, I looked into their faces, Patrick's at the piano, and those of the crowd around me, and reflected how genuinely happy I was despite the arduous journey. I was glad, so very glad I came to "The World of Gilbert and Sullivan"...like Ireland herself....it's a wonderful world.