Tosca by Giacomo Puccini Cambridge International Opera, Oct. 2, 1992 The Corn Exchange, Cambridge (in English) One of the things I hoped for in spending a year in Cambridge was the chance to see a lot of operas. If I thought this performance was the standard to be expected, I wouldn't be too excited. This was not top quality stuff. Both principals (Bridgett Gill as Tosca and Paul Wilson as Cavaradossi) sang the roles well enough and Malcolm Rivers was a powerful Scarpia, but the overall effect was lackluster. For one thing, Wilson is a pudgy, pear-shaped blond who just didn't communicate the potency that Cavaradossi demands. His voice also underwhelmed; he had plenty of range and a sweet tone but no power, especially in higher register. The staging was very conventional; the costimes and sets workaday at best. The small orchestra (seated at audience level in front of the small stage) was unremarkable. Barb and I decided to attend at the last moment, rode our bikes down to the Corn Exchange Theater and watched in blue jeans. I loved that convenience, but it didn't make up for the modest success of the singing. There are some touring companiues due here later in the year. I also will be headed for London.