Black Donnellys wow crowds
by Corey LeBlanc coreyleblanc@thecasket.ca
The Black Donnellys took Antigonish by storm over the weekend. The musical creation of veteran entertainer Hector MacIsaac (pictured) attracted two sold out audiences on Saturday and Sunday nights at the St. F.X. Chapel Auditorium. (Corey LeBlanc photo)
The Black Donnellys have come and gone – leaving Antigonish wanting more. Two sold out audiences at the St. F.X. University Chapel Auditorium enjoyed the story of one of Canada’s greatest historical tales – the tragic and compelling story of the Irish immigrant Donnelly family. Created by well-known entertainer Hector MacIsaac, the tale of treachery and murder is not a play, but a story put to music. As MacIsaac says, the piece is as “historically accurate as any legend can be.” The darkened Chapel stage set the mood for a heartbreaking and sometimes heart-warming tale. MacIsaac, who has spent a great deal of time sifting through the history of the 1800s family, did an amazing job of weaving together a captivating tale through words and songs. Other than the strong performances by the musicians, of course, the stars of the show were the songs penned by MacIsaac. He brought the words on the history pages to life with pieces covering a gamut of emotions – everything from love and family lost to the need for revenge. To help make the story flow, MacIsaac smartly bridged the songs with a speaking role by Hector MacQuarrie as Johnny O’Connor. His reflections on the events leading up to the massacre of the family painted a vivid picture, and the songs of the Black Donnellys provided the final brush strokes. Along with his speaking role, MacQuarrie also showed his prowess on the pipes and low whistle. Joining him in the musical ensemble was MacIsaac’s daughter, Emma, who wowed the crowd in singing the part of the widowed family matriarch Johannah Donnelly. She brought tremendous vocal power to the moving songs she performed. Brian Farrell, as the voice of Jim Donnelly, and Junior Fraser, in the role of “bad guy” Constable James Carroll, were top notch. They commanded the stage when they performed. The playing of renowned fiddler Stan Chapman, Ian Bryson (bass) and Tim Robertson (mandolin and drums) were amazing in helping bring the vocals to life. With the lyrics at the forefront, the combination of vocals and music set a dark and tragic mood that proved to be a winning combination. MacIsaac provided the final key piece of the puzzle as William Donnelly – the son who spent years trying to avenge the slaughter of his family. MacIsaac became Donnelly as he belted out each tune. In just about an hour, the ensemble told the audiences an unforgettable story with an artistry and approach not often seen. The stage performance truly brought to life MacIsaac’s songs featured on his new CD “The Legend of the Black Donnellys.” If the visit by the Black Donnellys was not enough, the Antigonish audiences also enjoyed music and comedy from MacIsaac and friends in the second half of the show. If people were unable to see the Antigonish show, they should pick up the CD to enjoy this tremendous musical walk through history. For more information about MacIsaac and his new CD, visit hectormacisaac.com >> Return to articles main
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