Manon

Opera

Writers: Jules Massenet Henri Meilhac Philippe Gille

Overview

Show Information

Based on the Play/Book/Film
L’histoire du chevalier des Grieux et de Manon Lescaut by the Abbé Prévost
Category
Opera
Number of Acts
5
First Produced
1884
Genres
Drama, Romance
Settings
Multiple Settings, Simple/No Set, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
end of the 19th century, france
Cast Size
medium
Orchestra Size
Large
Dancing
None
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Ideal for
Professional Opera, Star Vehicle Female
Casting Notes
Mostly male cast
Includes young adult, adult, mature adult, child, early teen, late teen characters

Synopsis

Manon is a tale of love, greed, and betrayal. Manon is a young girl who is being sent to a convent by her family. She runs into Des Grieux, who falls instantly in love with her, and the two decide to elope and run away to Paris. They live happily for some time, until Manon is persuaded to leave Des Grieux for the promise of luxury and riches with De Brétigny. Some time later, Des Grieux is so devastated that he has decided to enter into the priesthood. Manon hears of this and rushes to convince him of their love. The two are reunited, until they gamble away their fortune and are both arrested for cheating in a game. While Des Grieux is released, Manon is sentenced to long years in prison and deportation to America. Des Grieux seeks her out to rescue her, but arrives too late. Manon dies in his arms.

Lead Characters


Manon guide sections