Manon Lescaut
directed and designed by
John Pascoe
 
 
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‘The Washington National Opera production is uncommonly lavish for our current, budget-pinched times. The decadent sets and lush costume designs of John Pascoe – who also directs the current production – are what grand opera is meant to be: a brilliant, visual, period spectacle made memorable by fabulous music and elegant singing. This production boasts all of the above.’
Washington Times, March 2013
Washington National Opera, 2012
Act II
Manon (Patricia Racette) and the maestro di ballo (Robert Baker, right)
photo: Scott Suchman
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‘The use of the page torn from Des Grieux’s writing as a bookend between chapters is a brilliant way to give the story consistency between a whirlwind of changes.’
EDGE: Washington DC Theater, March 2013
Washington National Opera, 2007
Act I
Renato des Grieux (Kamen Chanev) surrounded by students as he works on his novel.
photo: Scott Suchman
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‘The set, designed by director John Pascoe, who also designed the show’s costumes, easily keeps pace with the broad range of settings, from opulent and lavish apartments to deserted wastelands. His transformative set pieces magically move from one scene into the next without any loss of reality.’
EDGE: Washington DC Theater, March 2013
Washington National Opera 2012
Act I: L'amor! L'amor?! Questa tragedia, ovver commedia, io non conosco!
Renato Des Grieux (Kamen Chanev) confesses that he has given up hope of finding true love.
photo: Scott Suchman
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‘John Pascoe has staged most of the production in traditional fashion, with sometimes dazzling period costumes and wigs.’
The Georgetowner, March 2013
Washington National Opera, 2012
Act I
Geronte (Jake Gardner) is enchanted by Manon (Patricia Racette).
photo: Scott Suchman
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‘Lighting designer Ruth Hutson worked gorgeously with Pascoe’s ideas and lit the worlds with such effect I felt like gasping at the unveiling of each chapter in Manon’s life.’
DC Theater Scene, March 2013
Florida Grand Opera, 2011
Act I: Vedete? Io son fedele alla parola mia …
Des Grieux (Kamen Chanev) seduces the willing Manon (Patricia Racette).
photo: Scott Suchman
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‘Pascoe has delicious fun with the four settings … capturing the mood of each with a distinct palette of colour and tone that reflects the inner emotional landscape of the central character. His choices become bolder and ever more successful with every act.’
DC Theater Scene, March 2013
Washington National Opera, 2012
Act II
Geronte (Jake Gardner) tries to embrace Manon (Patricia Racette).
photo: Scott Suchman
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‘A resounding revival of one of Puccini’s great works … From the stage direction to the gorgeous sets to the clever use of lighting … this might be the most completely satisfying performance I’ve seen in Washington this season.’
After Hours, March 2013
Washington National Opera, 2012
Act II
Geronte (Jake Gardner) is rejected by Manon (Patricia Racette).
photo: Scott Suchman
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‘A resounding revival of one of Puccini’s great works … From the stage direction to the gorgeous sets to the clever use of lighting … this might be the most completely satisfying performance I’ve seen in Washington this season.’
Opera Warhorses, March 2013
Washington National Opera, 2012
Act II: Ed ora? Un neo
Manon (Patricia Racette) in luxury.
photo: Scott Suchman
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‘Patricia Racette triumphed in her role début as the doomed heroine Manon, in a production that is not to be missed’
DC Metro Theater Arts, March 2013
Washington National Opera, 2012
Act II: Ah! Vieni, resister più non so!
Manon (Patricia Racette) desperately yearns for the return of Des Grieux.
photo: Scott Suchman
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‘Sumptuous period costumes, towering powdered wigs and heavily rouged faces, hilarious dancing scenes and pompous serenading were the production’s major beauties’
Bachtrack.com, March 2013
Washington National Opera, 2012
Act II: Sulla vetta tu del monte erri, o Clori
Daniela Mack (lead madrigal singer) entertains Lescaut (Giorgio Caoduro) and Manon (Patricia Racette).
photo: Scott Suchman
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‘Director, set designer and costume designer John Pascoe’s innovative vision of Manon comes to life with lush, detailed sets and costumes that enhance and support the emotions onstage.’
DC Metro Theater Arts, March 2013
Washington National Opera, 2012
Act II: Davver che a meraviglia questa veste mi sta?…
Lescaut (Giorgio Caoduro) admires Manon (Patricia Racette).
photo: Scott Suchman
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‘The WNO production abounds in breathtaking sets and costuming – maybe the best anywhere currently on a DC stage. Credit British import John Pascoe for the effect: the production’s director was both set and costume designer.’
Maryland Theater Guide, March 2013
Washington National Opera, 2012
Act II: Vi prego, signorina ... Un po' elevato il busto
Manon (Patricia Racette) is instructed by the maestro di ballo (Robert Baker).
photo: Scott Suchman
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‘Pascoe’s stylish creation boasted everything a compelling traditional opera production can offer … a must-see event of the season.’
DC Metro Theater Arts , March 2013
Washington National Opera, 2007
Act II: Attenta! L'occhialetto …
Manon (Patricia Racette) and the maestro di ballo (Robert Baker)
photo: Scott Suchman
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‘The lavish palace of Geronte is a wonder … dominated by a large cabinet, in which Manon herself appears at one point, amid the tiaras and jewels she loves so well.’
Maryland Theater Guide, March 2013
Washington National Opera, 2007
Act II: Lodi aurate mormorate or mi vibrano d'intorno
Manon (Patricia Racette) is showered with gifts as Geronte (Jake Gardner) looks on.
photo: Scott Suchman
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‘In the second act, a massive column opens like a giant jewellery box to reveal the quintessential material girl in a glittering gown, worldly as Jessica Chastain on the Oscar runway. Behind her spread across the entire back of the stage is a painted Baroque sky of swirling clouds and cherubic putti. Oh Man, oh Manon!’
DC Theater Scene, March 2013
Washington National Opera, 2007
Act II: L'ora, o Tirsi, è vaga e bella
Manon (Patricia Racette) in her jewel cabinet.
photo: Scott Suchman
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‘Washington National Opera’s brilliant revival demonstrates that as early as 1893, when Giacomo Puccini was writing this, his first popular work, he knew well how to use music to make hearts beat faster and minds sympathise with his characters.’
The Examiner, March 2013
Washington National Opera, 2007
Act II: Tu non m'ami? Dunque non m'ami più?
Des Grieux (Kamen Chanev) tries to resist the tears of Manon (Patricia Racette).
photo: Scott Suchman
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‘An exciting evening that brilliantly displayed the virtues of this rather under-appreciated masterpiece. I recommend this production and cast unreservedly.’
Opera Warhorses, March 2013
Washington National Opera, 2012
Act II: Ah! Manon, mi tradisce il tuo folle pensier
Des Grieux (Kamen Chanev) accuses Manon (Patricia Racette).
photo: Scott Suchman
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‘A lovely touch was the subtle use of mirrors in Geronte’s home as a representation of Manon’s vanity … Visually, this production was beautiful and engaging, serving as a continuation of the story being told on stage. Don’t miss Manon Lescaut!’
Minnesota Star Tribune, September 2013
Washington National Opera, 2012
Act II: Mio buon signore, ecco!... Guardatevi!
Geronte (Jake Gardner) discovers Manon's infidelity.
photo: Scott Suchman
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‘Director John Pascoe’s staging is traditional, the costumes appropriate to the 18th-century setting, but there’s nothing wrong with adhering to tradition when it’s done so effectively.’
After Hours, March 2013
Washington National Opera, 2007
Act II: O Manon!... O mia Manon!
Des Grieux (Kamen Chanev) is restrained as Manon is dragged off to gaol.
photo: Scott Suchman
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‘During the Intermezzo, the manuscript wall opens yet again and the audience experiences the waves of the open sea, as Manon and Des Grieux sail on to America, an effect that Puccini himself – the creator of the extraordinary transition of scenes in the final act of Madama Butterfly – might have found absorbing.’
Opera Warhorses, March 2013
Washington National Opera, 2007
Act III: Tu … amore! … amore … Nell'onta non m'abbandoni?
Des Grieux (Kamen Chanev) comforts Manon (Patricia Racette) while Lescaut (Giorgio Caoduro) stands guard.
photo: Scott Suchman
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‘Manon Lescaut oozes with passion, and is filled with larger-than-life heroes and villains. Washington National Opera is more than equal to the task of bringing Manon to the stage in a relevant, exciting, and beautiful way.’
DC Metro Theater Arts, March 2013
Washington National Opera, 2012
Act III: È l'alba! … O mia Manon,pronta alla porta del cortil sii tu …
Des Grieux (Kamen Chanev) tries to rouse Manon (Patricia Racette).
photo: Scott Suchman
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‘Hutson and Pascoe took their palette from northern European painters and light to capture the rainy day and the dirty grime of Le Havre harbour.’
DC Theater Scene, March 2013
Washington National Opera, 2007
Act II: Ah! guardami e vedi com'io soggiacio questa angoscia amara!
Manon (Patricia Racette) is comforted by Des Grieux (Kamen Chanev) before the pair set sail.
photo: Scott Suchman
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‘In Act IV, the red of the backdrop evoked a cross between a Wagnerian landscape and a scene from Bonfire of the Vanities. All the former pedestals and columns used in the show could be recognised but now lay broken on their sides, the wreckage of an imploded civilisation.’
DC Theater Scene, March 2013
Washington National Opera, 2012
Act IV: Tutta su me ti posa, o mia stanca diletta.
Manon (Patricia Racette) and Des Grieux (Kamen Chanev) stagger through the wreckage of Manon's dreams.
photo: Scott Suchman
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‘If Pascoe’s Mozart hints at his admiration of aspects of pop culture, his Manon Lescaut manifests his encyclopedic knowledge of European cultural history.’
Opera Warhorses, March 2013
Washington National Opera, 2007
Act IV: Son vinta! … Mi perdona! Tu sei forte, t'invidio; donna, debole, cedo!
Des Grieux (Kamen Chanev) and Manon (Patricia Racette) collapse with exhaustion.
photo: Scott Suchman
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‘An abundantly emotional Manon Lescaut at the Kennedy Center’
Bachtrack.com, March 2013
Washington National Opera, 2007
Act IV: Asil di pace ora la tomba invoco … No … non voglio morir! … Amore, aita
Alone, Manon (Patricia Racette) realises that death is approaching.
photo: Scott Suchman
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‘It is hardly arguable that the staging of this story … calls for outstanding set and costume designs, convincing acting, and strong vocal artists capable of conveying the emotional depth and intense beauty of Puccini’s music. The revival of John Pascoe’s 2004 production for Washington National Opera did not disappoint.’
DC Metro Theater Arts, March 2013
Washington National Opera, 2012
Act IV
Des Grieux (Kamen Chanev) holds the dying Manon (Patricia Racette) in his arms.
photo: Scott Suchman
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