 The Emerald Isle
or The Caves of Carric-Cleena
A comic opera in 2 acts: Book and lyrics by Basil Hood. Music
by Arthur Sullivan (Completed by Edward German).
Savoy Theatre, London - 27 April 1901 (205 perfs)
Herald Square Theatre, New York - 1 September, 1902 (50 perfs)
Synopsis
A jolly spoof-Irish chorus introduces the hero, Terence O'Brien,
an Irish patriot who, as he claims in song, is 'descended from
Brian Boru'. But, alas, he speaks with an English accent, having
been brought up in 'the luxurious lap of London'. He is not alone,
however. All his countrymen now speak with an English accent
for the English Viceroy has been giving elocution lessons in
the infant schools and now there's not a man nor a colleen here
that could dance an Irish jig correctly, and say 'Begorra' at
the end of it with any conviction.
To the village comes one Professor Bunn, 'Mesmerist, Ventriloquist,
Humorist and General Illusionist, Shakespearian Reciter, Character
Impersonator and Professor of Elocution. Children's Parties a Speciality'.
He has been employed by the Lord Lieutenant for his re-education
programme but offers to change sides and re-teach the Irish how
to be precisely that.
Terence is anxious to meet up with his sweetheart, Rosie, who
is, unfortunately, none other than the daughter of the Lord Lieutenant.
It is arranged that Terence shall hide out in the reputedly haunted
caves of Carric-Cleena, and that Rosie shall come to him there.
But Bunn notifies the Lord Lieutenant of their plans, and the Irish
are obliged to find a subterfuge to keep the redcoats away. They
decide that Molly, one of their number, shall appear as the fairy,
Cleena, and Bunn as an ancient who has been held captive by her
for fifty years, and thus they shall scare away the superstitious
Devonshire soldiers. The first act ends with them bringing their
trick off successfully.
The second act carries on in much the same vein. Bunn goes through
his paces, Terence and Rosie pursue their romance and Molly carries
on with the hereditary 'blind' fiddler, Pat Murphy, who dares not
confess his perfect sight for fear of losing her sympathy and love.
When the Lord Lieutenant descends upon them all, Bunn succeeds
in saving the 'rebels' by proclaiming:
"If we had guessed (as we ought to have guessed) that
you, being a scion of a noble English house, had so much American
blood in your composition, we should not have rebelled against
you. America is the friend of Ireland. You are an English nobleman.
Therefore you are, nowadays, more than half American. Therefore
you are our friend.. ."
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