Opening march 2nd, Intensely romantic and beguiling Manon Lescaut is the first tragic heroine in a long list of Puccini favorites. Patricia Racette makes her role debut in John Pascoe's "impassioned, sensual production" (Baltimore Sun).

Sentenced by her parents to a life in the convent, Manon escapes to Paris with her young lover, the student Chevalier des Grieux. Lured away by the glamorous life offered by an elderly patron, Manon's true feelings for her first love are rekindled when des Grieux suddenly reappears. But when she refuses to abandon her jewels, her wealthy benefactor plots a revenge that sends foolish, frivolous Manon to despair in a distant land.

Intensely romantic and beguiling, Manon Lescaut introduces the first tragic heroine in a long list of Puccini favorites.

In her role debut, Washington favorite Patricia Racette returns to the Opera House stage as Manon Lescaut. This WNO revival of John Pascoe's "impassioned, sensual production" (Baltimore Sun) is conducted by WNO Music Director Philippe Auguin.

"[Racette] exceeds expectations with a rare blend of radiant singing and emotional truth."
–Houston Chronicle

Manon Lescaut: Patricia Racette
Lescaut: Giorgio Caoduro
Chevalier des Grieux: Kamen Chanev
Geronte de Ravoir: Jake Gardner

Opera Insight: Free preview of Puccini's Manon Lescaut and Bellini's Norma on the Millennium Stage featuring members of the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program on Tue., Feb. 5 at 6 p.m.

O-Zone Lecture: Free pre-performance lecture in the Opera House – Thu., Mar. 14 at 6:15 p.m. Patrons must present a ticket or stub from any performance of this production.

Artist Q&A follows the performance on: Sun., Mar. 17. Artist Q&As are free, but patrons must present a ticket or stub from any performance of the production that is being discussed.