ROMAN SONG

Sappy sequel to The Arrival of Fergal Flynn (2005).

Gay Irish opera singer Fergal Flynn has come a long way from his humble beginnings. Growing up in 1980s Belfast, the soft-spoken, enormously talented young man endured the indignities of both war and an abusive family. Father Mac, a handsome young priest who believed in Fergal’s talent, rescued him emotionally and physically, then introduced him to opera legend Alfredo Moretti. Because of Father Mac, Fergal is able to leave behind his miserable Irish life and go to Rome to work under Alfredo’s tutelage. Alfredo and his sister Arianna welcome the lad with open arms, effusive praise and countless gifts and opportunities. Fergal is grateful, and he hardly misses Belfast, but he does long for the intimacies he shared with Father Mac. An unsuccessful sexual attempt with a girl and a meaningless encounter with a married man don’t assuage his craving for an emotional connection, and his singing suffers. When his father dies, Fergal returns home and tries to seduce Father Mac, who spurns him in the hopes that he will become more independent in Rome. Back in Italy, Fergal throws himself into singing and assisting Brendan Fiscetti, a visiting opera star. He learns that Brendan and Alfredo had once been best friends, but Alfredo’s unrequited love for Brendan drove them apart. Conveniently, the old friends reconnect just as Brendan’s young, handsome, gay son Fintan comes to visit. Fergal and Fintan fall passionately in love, Fintan decides to relocate his painting career to Italy, and Fergal gives his first recital to universal acclaim—including that of his estranged mother, who comes to Italy for a much-anticipated visit.

Earnest Fergal is easy to root for, but too many happy endings make it difficult to care.