Set to the score of Jules Massenet, Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s acclaimed work, Manon is currently making its Bay Area debut as performances continue through February 1 at San Francisco’s War Memorial Opera House. It was a delight to see this powerful production at the January 26th matinee, along with a young aspiring ballerina.
The ballet promised to “dazzle audiences” and it did not disappoint. “MacMillan was an artist who infused novelty and depth into his choreography,” said Artistic Director Tamara Rojo. “Manon exemplifies how he brought new life to a classic story, transforming it into a timeless narrative.” Exploring the clash between love and ambition Manon is a tragic tale of desire and survival.
This ballet performed to perfection, is so highly regarded that it is interesting to note from Wikipedia that “critical responses to the opening night performance were mixed. The Guardian newspaper stated, “Basically, Manon is a slut and Des Grieux is a fool and they move in the most unsavoury company”, while the Morning Star described the ballet as “an appalling waste of the lovely Antoinette Sibley, who is reduced to a nasty little diamond digger”. The opening night audience gave the ballet a standing ovation. “
The choreography in this ballet is breathtaking, exquisite and extremely demanding. It is emotional and deeply moving. The dancers are remarkable. And those costumes, sent from the UK certainly enhance the viewers’ experience.
MacMillans’ choreography creates a visceral tale, extravagant, deeply human and very moving. Each figure plays a critical role in exploring the themes of love, greed, and the cost of ambition, making Manon a profound ballet that resonates with audiences across generations.
From an aspiring ballerina:
“I was captivated at the performance of Manon. The dancers were incredible, especially the performance of Jasmine Jimison – Manon herself. Jasmine was incredibly light on her feet, her steps agile and almost soundless. I felt awed by how she was able to throw herself without restraint into partnering steps with Des Grieux – Max Cauthorn – and yet retain the control needed for the incredibly difficult steps in their pas de deux. Frances Chung also performed beautifully as Lescaut’s mistress, armed with wit and personality that projected out from the stage. The sets and costumes were incredibly intricate and showed off the contrast of the wealth and opulence flaunted the Courtesans, Gentlemen, and Harlots – as opposed to the backdrop of a Paris rampant with poverty. The orchestral music, sets and costumes, and of course dancing all lent itself to a plot full of drama, tension, and the arch of Manon’s character development as her hunger and longing for wealth ultimately leads to her demise.”
Get tickets while you still can!
Performers: Manon (SF Ballet Premiere)
Choreographer: Sir Kenneth MacMillan
Composer: Jules Massenet
Arranged and Orchestrated: Martin Yates
Staged by: Robert Tewsley
Additional Principal Coaching: Tamara Rojo and Julio Bocca
Scenic and Costume Design: Nicholas Georgiadis
Lighting Design: Jacopo Pantani
World Premiere: March 7, 1974–The Royal Ballet, The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden; London, England
SF Ballet Premiere: January 24, 2025–War Memorial Opera House; San Francisco, California
All photos were provided by the San Francisco Ballet
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