For the beginning of a promising 2009-2010 season, Massenet’s “Manon” premiered at Opera San Jose yesterday. Joseph Marcheso made a remarkable debut as OSJ principal conductor with a steady hand and remarkable precision. Beautifully staged by Dianna Shuster, director, the opera starred Khori Dastoor in the title role, and Alexander Boyer in the role of Chevalier des Grieux. The success of the show was assured by vocally distinguished and dramatically saturated performances of Silas Elash as Count de Grieux, Bill Welch as Guillot de Morfontaine, Krassen Karagiozov as Lescaut, and Adam Meza as De Bretigny. Jillian Boye, Cathleen Candia, and Betany Coffland were adorable in their respective roles of Pousette, Rosette, and Javotte – the three graces of seduction, who unknowingly influenced the rise and fall of Manon in the 1884 libretto by Henri Meilhac and Philippe Gille. The story of a young countryside beauty turned Parisian courtesan and crushed by the society and her own depravity was inspired by a much earlier literary classic, “L’histoire du chevalier des Grieux et de Manon Lescaut” by Abbe Prevost, but holds its timeless appeal for a contemporary viewer. OSJ season subscribers and neophytes, dressed in tuxedos and evening gowns (and what not) filled the house at the opening in the gorgeously restored historic California Theatre. The after show reception at another San Jose landmark – St. Claire Hotel, located steps from the theatre, brought together the youthful cast and the adoring audience for an elegant champagne and dessert celebration. Today’s matinee will surely be a hit with Rebecca Schuessler and Michael Dailey in the principal roles, and Daniel Cilli as Lescaut. The performances will run through September 27 at 345 South First Street, San Jose. More information and tickets at: www.operasj.org.
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