[Met Performance] CID:168460
Manon {181} Metropolitan Opera House: 03/31/1955.
(Review)
Metropolitan Opera House
March 31, 1955
MANON {181}
Manon...................Eleanor Steber
Des Grieux..............Giuseppe Campora
Lescaut.................Ralph Herbert
Count des Grieux........Nicola Moscona
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...............Pierre Monteux
Review signed R. A. E. in Musical America
Giuseppe Campora added the role of Des Grieux to his characterizations at the Metropolitan, in this presentation. The Italian tenor, who has proved an impressive addition to the opera company's roster this season, as Rodolfo, Cavaradossi, and Faust, was perhaps, least successful in the Massenet work. It was still a creditable performance, urbanely sung (in a slightly Italianate style) and acted, with that special quality of cohesion between singing and movement that make Mr. Campora's performances a pleasure to watch. His characterization seemed somewhat tentative in the first two acts, but gained in assurance and force from the St. Sulpice scene on.
Ralph Herbert's knowledgeable and lively Lescaut was also new to the Metropolitan stage. Eleanor Steber, Nicola Moscona, Gabor Carelli, and George Cehanovsky were other leading singers in the cast. conducted by Pierre Monteux.