CARUSO AS A COWBOY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3135, 3 February 1911, Page 2

CARUSO AS A COWBOY.

■•WILD WEST” OPERA IN NEW YORK. Pr.cini’s new cowboy opera. "3 lie Girl of the Golden Wist*” adapted from David Belaseo’s play, was given its first production on the stage at the Metiopolitan Opera House, New York, c;.! December 10, and was a most briliiau allair.

The principal roles were sung by Caiuso and Mine. Emmy Dcatinn. Prices of seats were raised IUO per cent. tor the performance, and the box office netted £4BOO. An effort was made ti circumvent the ticket speculators, and no tickets were delivered in advance the purchasers being given receipts which were redeemable at the bo xoliice for tickets half an hour beicr tile performance began. This plan caused great confusion, and did not accomplish its purpose, for the speculators secured many tickets, which tisey tried to sell for as much as £3O apiece . People refused to buy at exoibitant prices, and the speculators were finally compelled to sell them below tile box office prices. The critics agree that Caruso as Johnson ,a cowboy bandit, and sLine. Destinn as -Minnie, have never before attained such dramatic heights. The opera tells a story of cowboy file and love, but Puccini lias musically interpreted it to Italian strains, lienee antagonism has been aroused amonw the critics, who expected to hear harmonies and themes represnteative of the wild, brusque life on the Western plains.

T lie only really American touch is a “ragtime”* them typifying tli Western highwayman. There is no female chorus, and only two female voices in the cast, the heroine and an Indian squaw. Despite the objections of the critics there’is little doubt'that tile opera will become a popular addition to the repertory of the Metropolitan Opera House.

The first night's audience showed great enthusiasm, and there were fourteen curtain calls at the end of the first act, while at the close of the second act the-audience insisted oil the appearance oi Puccini. Belas-ca, and Toscanini, who conducted the oichestra.

"The Girl or the Golden West” will probably be given in London next slimmer as the chief production of the Coronation season at Ooveirt Garden, jlme. De.stinn will sing the role of [Minnie and Ricardo Martin the role of Johnson, the cowboy bandit.