Manon

Jules Massenet’s
Manon

Claude L. Shaver Theatre
Baton Rouge, LA

March 2020

Directed by Dugg McDonough
Conducted by Michael Borowitz
Scenic Design by Josafath Reynoso
Costume Design by Julie Winn
Lighting Design by Nate Wheatley
Stage Manager: Lauren Hingle

Produced by LSU College of Music & Dramatic Arts

Photo Credit: Josafath Reynoso

“Manon” is an opera composed by Jules Massenet, with a libretto by Henri Meilhac and Philippe Gille. The opera is based on the 1731 novel “Manon Lescaut” by Abbé Prévost. The story revolves around the young and beautiful Manon, who is torn between love and luxury. The opera unfolds as Manon, a naive and impressionable woman, is seduced by the allure of wealth and social status. She falls in love with the Chevalier des Grieux, but her ambition leads her into a life of luxury and excess with the wealthy Geronte. As Manon’s choices take her down a path of moral compromise, tragedy ensues. The opera explores themes of love, desire, and the consequences of pursuing worldly pleasures. The character of Manon undergoes a complex journey, reflecting the opera’s exploration of the conflicts between love and materialism. “Manon” is celebrated for its expressive melodies, emotional depth, and the poignant portrayal of its central characters.