The American Tenors wowed the Woodland’s season opening audience last night

I don’t usually compare very talented men to dogs but I love dogs and I loved the performance by The American Tenors last night.
Pianist, producer, arranger Frank McNamara is like a pug, lots of power in a compact and adorable form.
The newest and youngest tenor, Ben Gulley is much like my golden retriever, big, youthful, exuberant, easily put through his paces and always surprising himself that he can do the task. All the while a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes.
Nathan Granner is much like an Australian shepherd, an extreme amount of energy, a dependable working dog that will occasionally do a back flip just to make sure you are watching.
Marcus McConico is a regal afghan, a beauty to watch as he goes through his paces, attractive, sure-footed and exudes confidence.
My doggie comparisons aside these men were musically entertaining, a joy to listen to and to watch. The woman in the seat next to me was so taken by the performance that she said she was going to see if she could procure a seat for tonight’s show, too. It was that kind of show, one you can see over and over again and still find something fresh and entertaining.
What a wonderful way for the Concerts Association to open its 19th season. Before the concert began, a jazz trio of Village musicians entertained the waiting audience in the lobby while. Rich Lytle, president of the Concerts Association, welcomed the audience from the stage, made a few jokes and quickly led us to the main event.
The American Tenors is the brainchild of producer Frank McNamara. His list of credits is nearly endless. The Irish musician, entrepreneur and gifted pianist conducted a nationwide search in 2002 to find his American tenors. He had already created a successful formula when he formed The Irish Tenors in his homeland in 1998. Each group performs a wide range of music from successful modern Broadway shows to classical opera.
McNamara’s true gift is his ability to disappear on stage. His playing is flawless and allows the audience to focus on the vocalists. There were a few times when he was featured and they were a treasure. McNamara joked that he liked to mix things up a bit. He then launched into and Irish jig playing back and forth with classical Mozart. It was fun to watch his capable fingers dancing across the keyboard. The piece was humorous drawing some wahoos from the audience at its conclusion.
The evening’s entertainment included several selections when the tenors sang together and many opportunities for the vocalists to strut their stuff as soloists. The opening number, There’s a Song in My Heart, had the auditorium vibrating with so much tenor sound. The men came out on stage in their tails and wowed the audience. Granner started the tenor introductions. He is from Kansas City, Missouri. He has a successful solo career and has toured with classical guitarist Beau Bledsoe. The duo performs classical, folk, flamenco and gospel music with the aid of soprano Lisa Williamson.
Gulley also hails from Kansas City. He is pursuing a career focusing on opera. He is currently studying with Professor Dale Morehouse. Both Granner and Gulley are alumni of Opera in the Ozarks in Eureka Springs.
McConico hails from Duluth, Minnesota. He travels the world pursuing his opera career. His repertoire is extensive and ever growing.
All three men are powerful tenors with an underpinning of baritone. Their lower registers are lush and beautiful. Their upper notes are pristine and accurate with good use of dynamics. Granner impressed the audience by stepping away from his microphone and singing all out on his first operatic treat, Puccini’s Che Gelida Manina from La Boheme. The audience rewarded him with prolonged applause.
There were several opportunities for the audience to reward each of the singers with their applause. The medley of tunes performed by all three tenors of West Side Story was a big hit. All three tenors paid tribute to Mario Lanza and his paving the way for tenors as popular performers. All three performed their share of popular and traditional music but classical opera was the way to the hearts of the Woodlands audience.
The audience loved Gulley’s performance of Verdi’s La Donna Mobile from the opera Rigoletto. It was showy and he played it to the hilt.
McConico’s interpretation of My Wild Irish Rose, an 1899 hit, was a big audience pleaser. He stood in the crook of the piano and crooned his way through the selection. He also demonstrated his breath control and showed off his high notes on the wedding favorite Because.
There was a lot of light patter between the numbers giving each tenor the opportunity to share more of his personality. Tonight Granner’s mother and aunt will be joining the audience. I’m sure that will bring some memorable moments.
The tenors offered a few audience participation selections including Luigi Denza’s Finiculi, Finicula, what fun. There were also many tender moments, if I were a crier, Shenandoah would have brought me to tears closely followed by Amazing Grace.
The highlight of the show was the trio singing Puccini’s Nessun Dorma from Turandot. It was breathtaking and all three tenors rose to the occasion. This following an energy packed show made it even more impressive. The high passages, the echo effect, perfection.
The opening night audience was lucky enough to get a second encore of Irving Berlin’s God Bless America. Wow.
Usually opening nights are like dress rehearsals working all the kinks out. There were no kinks here which means the following nights should be even more phenomenal than the opening last night.