It was a great thrill to attend three performances of Jim Molloy Productions' "The Irish Ring" at Carnegie Hall, Lyric Opera, and the State Theatre. By the third performance, thanks to Angela Molloy's sparkling narrative, I almost understood the plots!! But the music is quite beautiful, and the five-member cast, consisting of Anthony Kearns, Kathryn Smith, Miriam Blennerhassett, Patrick Doherty, and Derek Ryan, was more than up to its demands. Singing only the arias, with no stage action in between to give the singers a rest, is very difficult, as Anthony has said.

If I had to choose a favorite performance, I'd have to say that Baltimore was extraordinary. The cast was more relaxed the second evening, and their voices were marvelous. "Eily Mavourneen" has not been sung more beautifully anywhere than Anthony sang it at Lyric Opera. His voice sounded vibrant and full, and the last note, which he crescendo’d, and then diminuendo’d, seemed to go on forever.

In the same opera (The Lily of Killarney), Kathryn Smith's "I'm Alone" was haunting and ethereal. And as I looked around, I saw several people with tears in their eyes. Kathryn has a wonderful voice, with a strong upper range. She tossed off "Scenes That Are Brightest” and the difficult "With Rapture Glowing" (both from "Maritana") with aplomb. She has great presence, and a smile that lights up the stage.

Miriam Blennerhassett has a lovely mezzo-soprano voice, with a thrilling upper range, which makes me think she might one day become a great dramatic soprano. In "Maritana,” she knelt and sang a song to the sleeping Don Caesar (an unseen Anthony)--"Alas Those Chimes So Sweetly Stealing,” with beauty and grace. And the duet between Miriam and Kathryn, "Sainted Mother,” was magnificently done, and certainly one of the highlights of all the performances.

Baritone Patrick Doherty, and bass Derek Ryan had less to do than the women, but they, too, were in great voice. Patrick was especially effective in his duet with Anthony from "The Lily of Killarney"-"The Moon Has Raised Her Lamp,” and in the Act II finale from Maritana-"That Voice,” with Kathryn and Anthony. Derek Ryan is the youngest of the cast, but he shows great promise. He has a dark voice and the "look" of a bass: tall and imposing. His aria "Hear Me, Gentle Maritana" was excellent, and he improved with every performance.

Fear not….I haven't forgotten Anthony. He was at his best in Baltimore, but in New Jersey, he sang an exquisite "There is a Flower That Bloometh” and a ringing "Yes, Let Me Like a Soldier Fall." The duets and ensembles (especially "When Other Lips" and "That Voice") were lovingly sung. I have not changed my opinion that Anthony Kearns belongs on the operatic stage.

Fergus Sheil conducted with a light hand, and good balance. He got a very lovely sound from his orchestra. Having met some of the Hibernian Singers, I know they have some terrific individual voices, but as a group they were in great form, and their Angelus Chorus was another highlight. The entire ensemble truly believed in the magic and beauty of The Irish Ring, and it showed in everything they presented.

I would like to applaud the courage of Jim and Angela Molloy, in bringing this virtually unknown production to America. The people who attended the performances had a great time, and gave the cast a standing ovation at every performance. Hopefully word of mouth (and better publicity) will bring more people to the theatres, should the Molloys decide to do this again. It's definitely worth the effort.
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