Sunday, March 13, 1 p.m., Orcas Center
— from Artha Kass —
Kristine Opolais and Roberto Alagna star as the ill-fated lovers at the center of Manon Lescaut, Puccini’s passionate adaptation of the classic novel about a free-spirited country girl who becomes the toast of Paris. Soprano Kristine Opolais sings the title role of the country girl who transforms herself into a Parisian temptress, while tenor Roberto Alagna is the dashing student who desperately woos her. Director Richard Eyre’s new production places the action in 1940 occupied France in a film noir setting.
”Desperate passion” is the phrase Puccini himself used to describe the opera that confirmed his position as the preeminent Italian opera composer of his day. Met Principal Conductor Fabio Luisi leads the stirring score.
Sir Richard Eyre’s new production, set in WWII Paris, reunites him with set designer Rob Howell, his collaborator on recent Met productions of Le Nozze di Figaro, Werther, and Carmen.
The media raves include: “Kristine Opolais managed to make the tragic heroine both voluptuous and vulnerable.” —Financial Times
“Opolais sounded as glamorous as she looked… Roberto Alagna gave an ardent, impassioned performance.” —New York Times
“The roles of Manon and des Grieux have been a magnet for the great singers of the past… Opolais and Alagna can add their names to the list.” —Huffington Post
Tickets for The Met: Live in HD’s Manon Lescaut are $20, $15 for students, $2 off for Orcas Center members, and may be purchased at www.orcascenter.org or by calling 376-2281 ext. 1 or visiting the Orcas Center Box Office open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from noon – 2 pm . $5 subsidized tickets available at the box office. For more information about Orcas Center’s 2016 season visit www.orcascenter.org.
