Manon Lescaut
(DVD)

Based on the novel by the Abbé Prévost; libretto by Marco Praga, Domenico Oliva, and Luigi Illica.

Program originally produced in 1983.

Chorus master, John McCarthy ; Conductor, Giuseppe Sinopoli ; Set design, Günther Schneider-Siemssen ; costume design ; Aliute Meczies ; dances, Romayne Grigorova ; videotape editor, Derek Orman ; senior cameraman, Paul Harding.

Kiri Te Kanawa (Manon Lescaut) ; Plácido Domingo (Chevalier Renato des Grieux) ; Thomas Allen (Lescaut) ; Forbes Robinson (Geronte di Ravoir) ; Robin Leggate (Edmondo) ; George MacPherson (Innkeeper) ; John Fryatt (Dancing master) ; Anna Cooper (Madrigal singer) ; Handel Thomas (Sergeant of archers) ; Mark Curtis (Lamp lighter) ; Roderick Earle (Naval captain) ; Paschal Allen (Sergeant of soldiers) ; children from Burlington Danes School ; Royal Opera Chorus ; Orchestra of the Royal Opera House.

Performed in 1983 at the Royal Opera House Convent Garden.

The Hamburg State Opera's production of Puccini's opera. The Chevalier des Grieux meets and seduces the young Manon when she is being escorted by her brother to a convent. Manon lives with des Grieux in Paris, but leaves him for a rich admirer. She is later arrested, charged with prostitution, and deported to Louisiana. Des Grieux accompanies her and during an escape attempt she dies in his arms.

MPAA rating: Not rated.

DVD, NTSC; region 1; Dolby Digital stereo.; aspect ratio 4:3 (full screen).

Sung in Italian with optional English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Japanese subtitles.