Manon Lescaut

If you yearn to travel back in time and get captivated with a love story that is filled with plenty of twists, you must find time to watch and enjoy Manon Lescuat opera. You can take pleasure in the four acts whipped up by Giacomo Puccini. The story revolves around the magnum opus  written by classic author Abbé Prévost in circa 1731 titled L'histoire du chevalier des Grieux et de Manon Lescaut. Three of the four acts are held at French cities namely Amiens, Paris, and Le Havre, and the last act is staged in New Orleans in the United States. The setting of the story is about the last half of the 18th century when the earth was young. The Manon Lescaut's opera is named after its main character who happens to be an astonishing and very attractive young girl. Manon is about to enter the convent until Des Grieux appear in the picture. Des Grieux was enamored with her innate beauty and immense charm. Time flew so fast and the love between them flourished and eventually catches fire. From then on Manon crosses a path that is filled with betrayals, desires and trivialities. Manon's craving for wealth set the stage for her bitter downfall but eventually she found solace in Des Grieux's unwavering love for her in the end. Puccini's brilliant, magnificent and soothing piece of music reverberates at the opera and is a perfect complement to the invigorating and wonderful voices of the characters. Additionally, the orchestral score is nothing short of a phenomenal. Alluring soprano Michelle Johnson made her first lead role appearance in 2011 as Manon and will again lead this year's (2012) cast.  Tenor Thiago Arancam, plays the role of Manon's sincere lover, Troy Cook as Manon's brother, and Daniel Mobbs as Geronte.  Maestro Rovaris spearheads the Opera Company Orchestra in a conspicuous production that is spruced up with lavish and beautiful costumes. The opera's director is Michael Cavanagh.