[Met Performance] CID:167850
Manon {178} Metropolitan Opera House: 02/2/1955.
(Review)
Metropolitan Opera House
February 2, 1955
MANON {178}
Manon...................Dorothy Kirsten
Des Grieux..............Giacinto Prandelli [Last performance]
Lescaut.................Fernando Corena
Count des Grieux........Lorenzo Alvary
Guillot.................Gabor Carelli
Brétigny................George Cehanovsky
Poussette...............Shakeh Vartenissian
Javotte.................Margaret Roggero
Rosette.................Sandra Warfield
Innkeeper...............Lawrence Davidson
Guard...................James McCracken
Guard...................Calvin Marsh
Maid....................May Savage
Dance...................Mia Slavenska
Dance...................Diana Turner
Dance...................Malcolm McCormick
Conductor...............Martin Rich
Review signed A. R. in Musical America
Massenet's "Manon" was again conducted by Martin Rich, with Dorothy Kirsten making her first appearance of the season in the title role and Gabor Carelli singing the role of Guillot for the first time at the Metropolitan. The rest of the cast was familiar, including Giacinto Prandelli as Des Grieux; Fernando Corona as Lescaut; Lorenzo Alvary as Count Des Grieux; and, in other roles, Shakeh Vartenissian, Margaret Roggero, Sandra Warfield, George Cehanovsky, Lawrence Davidson, James McCracken, Calvin Marsh, and May Savage.
Miss Kirsten looked charming as Manon. She was gorgeously gowned; and she sang brightly and precisely. Mr. Carelli was skillful in the part of Guillot; Mr. Prandelli was at his best in the first two acts; and Mr. Corena brought to the role of Lescaut an animal vigor. As a whole, this was a thoroughly competent performance, if not the most searching or distinguished imaginable.