bright lights, big city
A glittering ode to the very height of the Belle Epoque era, Jules Massenet's tale of lovers invites you to enter the world of fashionable, sensual Paris and meet Manon and her handsome lover Chevalier des Grieux. From convent girl to femme fatale of the demimonde, Manon's sprawling tale features betrayal, passion, scheming relatives and romance, all in all, the perfect opera!
Based on L'histoire du chevalier des Grieux et de Manon Lescaut by Abbe Prevost, Manon follows the titular heroine from young country girl to courtesan when she is waylaid on her way to a convent by her erstwhile cousin Lescaut. Having caught the eye of elderly rake Guillot Morfontaine who wishes to make her his mistress, she is transported to his carriage. But before Guillot can get his hands on her she stumbles across De Grieux, a student. Falling in love instantly the two elope to the city. But Guilot is furious to have lost his prize and sends Lescaut to retrieve her, thus beginning an adventure that will keep you transfixed to the very end!
