A performance was reviewed in the Scotsman (16 April). "Judging by the attendance at the theatre last night, Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci must be almost, if not quite, the most popular operas before the public, for the theatre was crowded. both operas have been characterised as melodramas, and there is no doubt muchto be said for thi view of them. It must be admitted, however, that they are exceedingly effective examples of melodrama. ... under Mr Charles Webber's direction, both operas were given last night with an enjoyable freshness of touch. Miss Beatrice Miranda, undertaking the heavy task of appearing both as Santuzza and as Nedda, in each case gave us a finely dramatic interpretation, while her singing had that certanty and artistic finish in which it is never lacking. Despite a tendency to force his voice, Mr Booth Hitchen was an excellent Turridu. mr Frederick Clendon was an effective Alfio, while the Lola of iss Doris Scargill was, vocally and dramatically, full of promise. The Lucia of Miss Winifred Burns was a convincing little study. In Pagliacci the excellent Nedda of Miss Miranda had a splendid companion study in the Canio of Mr William Boland, intense, but without tearing passion to tatters, as Canios too often do. Mr Flintoff Moore's Tonio was another fine performance. The rusty evening suit in which he elected to appear was an innovation, but one in support of which something might be argued.
Although it is now a matter of established tradition, it is a point for consideration whether Canio, the leader of a poverty-stricken troup of strolling players, should always appear in a snowy Pierrot costume, strongly suggestive of being fresh from the laundry. The Silvio of Mr W. Ewart Thomas was an interesting impersonation, and Mr William Peacock made a good Beppo. In both operas, chorus and orchestra were always remarkably satisfactory."
The cast is drawn from a programme dated 15 April, archived in Edinburgh Central Library.
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