While these two works are likely the most commonly performed double-bill in the whole operatic repertoire, their starring tenor roles — Turiddu in Cavalleria and Canio in Pagliacci — are each strenuous in themselves. Singing them both in one night at a house like the Met is a big enough job that only five tenors before Licitra had done it in the company's entire history: Ermanno Mauro (1988), Plšcido Domingo (1978, telecast), Kurt Baum (1951), Frederick Jagel (1934 and 1935), and Thomas Salignac (1901).

Licitra is cast as Canio for the entire run; Frank Porretta, the scheduled Turiddu, has been ill but still hopes to make his performances on February 7 and 10.