ARTS

A challenging tragedy opens Sarasota Opera season

Richard Storm Correspondent
Sandra Lopez as Manon and Matthew Vickers as Renato des Grieux in the Sarasota Opera production of Puccini's "Manon Lescaut." [Sarasota Opera photo / Rod Millington]

Giacomo Puccini’s “Manon Lescaut” is not his most popular opera, an honor most likely held by “La Boheme,” which was composed a few years later. However, it was very well received at its debut, a welcome outcome for the period of tumult that accompanied its composition. Librettists came and went, but the composer continued to work on the opera, occasionally borrowing from his own earlier works.

The effort was well worth it, as demonstrated in Sarasota Opera’s presentation, which launched the 2018 opera season Saturday evening. 

The handsome production has an energetic start with the arrival of Manon and her brother, who plans to accompany her to a convent. One of the students in the boisterous crowd, Cavalier Renato Des Grieux, is immediately struck by Manon’s beauty and arranges to meet her later. 

In the meantime, he has been alerted to a plot by Geronte, an old and wealthy Parisian, to abduct Manon for his own purposes. Another student, Edmondo, foils Geronte’s plan by convincing Des Grieux to take Manon with him, fleeing to Paris. 

We next see Manon enjoying a luxurious life as Geronte’s mistress having left Des Grieux. However, when Des Grieux arrives, he tries to convince Manon to give up her life of luxury and return to him. She hesitates and is arrested and jailed with a group of prostitutes who are then exiled to America. 

After Manon and Des Grieux have fled to a wasteland near New Orleans, they are wandering and exhausted, with little hope of survival. Indeed, Manon dies in Des Grieux’s arms, bringing the tragedy to its inevitable end. 

Supported by the rich sound of the Sarasota Opera Orchestra and chorus, conducted by Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi, soprano Sandra Lopez, as Manon, and tenor Matthew Vickers, as Des Grieux, led a fine supporting cast through this dramatic tangle with authority and impressive tone. Vickers, in particular, has a powerful voice, well-suited to the dramatic demands of this complex story. Although a few vocal balances were a bit dodgy, the overall effect of this duo was impressive. 

Of the large supporting case, Studio Artist Sean Christensen was solid in several roles, often required to include humorous attitudes in his characterizations and strong vocalism. 

Sets by scenic designer David P. Gordon were skillfully paired with Ken Yunker’s fine lighting, while Howard Tsvi Kaplan’s costumes supported the dramatic scenario well. 

The large cast performed with secure skill as directed by Stephanie Sundine, bringing a risky and melodramatic production to vivid life, initiating yet another ambitious season that includes company premieres of “Norma” and “Tiefland” and a revival of “Carmen.”

‘Manon Lescaut’ 

By Giacomo Puccini. Conducted by Victor DeRenzi, directed by Stephanie Sundine. Reviewed Feb. 10, Sarasota Opera, 61. N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. Through March 23. Tickets start at $19. 941-328-1300; sarasotaopera.org