Manon Lescaut - What Did You Think?Greetings students and teachers. Thank you all again for your great behavior and enthusiastic response to Manon Lescaut yesterday.
Thanks, too, to those of you who instinctively tweeted about the opera! We're thrilled that you did so!
If you want to remember what the curtain call was like, we filmed it and put it on YouTube.
Now's your chance to tell us what you thought about the opera. Write your reviews here! How were the sets and costumes? Did the singers convince you in their parts? What was your favorite part? Was the story believable and why?
Don't forget to support your opinions!
Please include your first name, school, and your grade in order for your review to be accepted.
Just click on the comments link below and post your review. You can select the "anonymous" profile identity to post the review.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts here!
Comments
Archbishop Wood
10th Grade
I thought the play was good. I did not think our seats were good because it made to very hard to see what was going on the right side of the stage. Some of the music made me tired but the actors were very good singers. I also did not really know who was who. The whole play it was very easy to get confused because they all looked the same. The death scene I hated it took way too long and she died about three different times and on the final death she died standing.
i enjoyed watching the opera Manon Lescaut. my favorite part was when she first met Des Grieux. i think the the story was very believable and i loved the costumes.
Archbishop Wood High School
10th Grade
I thought the show was very good. All of the performers were great. Thiago Arancam was great just as he was in Tosca. Only real downpoint in the performance was that i thought the blocking in the final scene was confusing. Manon appeared to be dead multiple times and ended the show standing in a scene where she was supposed to have died. Also some schools around us were a bit loud. Overall a fantastic show!
Archbishop Wood
10th Grade
I was very impressed by the singing and the acting. It definitely kept my attention. However, the seating was a little difficult because I couldn't see half of the stage from where I was sitting. I liked the costumes and the scenery. There were just a few scenes that I didn't understand because of the props. I didn't know why Manon came out of a closet. Overall, I enjoyed the opera and it was a great experience.
i enjoyed the opera the singing was beautiful and the set and costumes were very pretty the end i felt was a little drawn out but other than that i have no comlaints.
Archbishop Wood
I thought the actors were really good at singing but I didn't like the ending of it because it took forever for Manon to die and I couldn't see the whole stage from where I was sitting.
Archbshop Wood
10th Grade
I thought the play was okay but felt that last years "Tosca" was better. The seats that my school was assigned made it difficult to see and from our angle the mirror on the left of the stage did not make sense. We studied the plot before coming to the opera but if we had not done so I probably could not tell you who was who. The actors did a great job and the singing was excellent. The translations at the top of the stage were helpful and easy to follow. Some of the props did not make sense to me. My least favorite part was the death scene, it took her too long to die and realistically, if she was dying she wouldn't of had the energy to continuously sit down and stand back up. I was also bothered by the fact that she never died and left the stage standing up. The school that was seated to our left was very obnoxious and continuously made interruptions that made it hard to pay attention. They came in as the opera was starting and as a result I was distracted and missed a good ten minutes of Act 1. Students were constantly talking, getting up and leaving, and many were playing on cell phones.
Archbishop Wood
10th Grade
I liked the opera but felt last years "Tosca" was better and easier to follow. The actors were excellent. Our seats were at a bad angle and made it hard to make out what was happening most of the time. The school seated to our left was constantly making distractions which made it hard to pay attention. I hated the death scene because realistically, if she was dying, she would not have been sitting down and standing up again. I thought this scene took too long.
Archbishop Wood
10th Grade
I thought this opera was very good. I however did not like the seating because of the view and because the schools next to us were being very disruptive. Also, at the ending when Manon was dying it was taking too long and she should have been laying down when she died, not standing. Other than those, I thought this opera was very good.
Grade 10
Archbishop Woood
I thought the entire cast was extremely talented, especially Manon, but there were certain things I did not understand. I got very confused who was Geronte and who was the music instructor because they were dressed very similarly. I also thought that the letter in between scenes was a very neat idea, but there is one time in between scenes that the letter goes on and off in less than 5 seconds, and I was unable to read it. I did not understand why there was a piece of furniture in the middle of the desert either. Her death also seemed a bit too prolonged. But besides these things, it was a very enjoyable experience.
I really liked this opera a lot. It was very beautiful both singing and acting wise, but i did think that the death scene was dragged out a little bit. Above all i really loved this opera.
Archbishop Wood
10th Grade
I did enjoy the opera. However, it was difficult for me to see the english subtitles and the excerpts before the acts because of where i was sitting. I loved the music because it was very dramatic and reflected the mood of the characters and the acts very well. On the other hand, i felt the death scene was kind of dragged out and took too long. I actually thought she was dead in his arms until she started singing again. But overall, it was a very nice performance.
Archbishop Wood
9th Grade
I thought the opera was interesting and well casted, but i didn't like the sets. The desert didn't really look like a desert just ruins. Also with all the sets that were supposed to be inside, I didn't know where they were supposed to be. Also i didn't like the way she dies because it was dragged out. But the singing and acting was exciting and well performed.
Archbishop Wood
10th Grade
I did enjoy the opera. I really loved the dramatic music because it conveyed the mood of the characters and the act very well. However, I found it difficult to see the English subtitles and the excerpts before the acts because of where i was sitting. Therefore, I was lost at some points. In addition, I thought the death scene was kind of dragged out. I was confused because i originally thought Manon died in Des Grieux's arms, but then she started to sing again. But overall it was a great performance and i enjoyed it.
10th grade
Archbishop Wood
I thought the opera was pretty good. It was a little difficult to follow because it was hard to figure out which character is which and the words were moving a little too fast. I loved the costumes and the music was pretty good. I think the actors and actresses were very believeable. Some of the scenes were slow. The ending was dragged on a little too long. From my seats, I couldn't see the one side of the stage so I lost the effect of some of the scenery. Overall it was really good.
Archbishop Wood
Grade 10
Overall I thought this opera was very well done with the acting and costumes. But, even though we were briefed on the background before hand I found it hard to alternate between reading the english subtitles and actually watching the acting. Also I wished the death scene was less drawn out. Other than that I really enjoyed it.
archbishop wood
9th grade
Overall, I was not a very big fan of the play. It's not that the acting or singing was bad, I just thought the entire thing was very dragged out, especially towards the ending and the begining parts. The part were Manon was dying was my least favorite of all because she kept saying how weak she was, yet she continud to sing, stand up, and walk around. Also, I think the clarity of the actors voices needs to improve, I couldn't make out a word they were singing and it was very difficult for me to try and comprehend it.
I think this opera was very well done. The part i found most interesting was the music and the musicianship. However, there are some things i disliked. I disliked the seating, because there was a pillar blocking a substantial part of the stage, the dragging on of the last scene, and manon's voice was often overpowered by des grieux.
THis opera was very well done. The things i found most intriguing were the music and the musicianship. However, things i disliked were the pillar blocking a part of the stage, the dragging on of the last scene, and manon's voice was often overpowered by des grieux's.
My favorite part of the show was when they changed the place quickly and when they speak all the time and when the door opened slowly.
What I liked about the opera was that people expressed their feelings by singing. THey tried so hard in doing something they liked. My favorite part was when Des Grieux said that he would do anything for Manon; that is showing true love.
My favorite part of the opera was when Des Grieux and Manon were in the desert and Des Grieux went to find something and then Manon died. Also, when Manon kept falling on the ground; it was sad. Thank you for inviting us.
Fara Rahman from Southwark school
Archbishop Wood
12th Grade
I really liked the opera. The singing and acting was excellent. I could clearly see and hear them from my seat. The music sounded really good too; it wasn't too loud or overpower the actors' voices. The costumes, staging, and props were great as well, except I didn't understand why Manon was in a closet. The only fault with my opera experience was with my seat. There was little leg room, and because of my locaion, I couldn't see the right side of the stage. But, overall, I really did enjoy the opera and would definitely go again.
Archbishop Wood
10th Grade
I enjoyed seeing the opera. I liked the the scenes when Manon and Des Grieux first met, and when they're trying to run away from the soldiers but Manon goes back for her jewels. I did overall enjoyed the whole opera except for the last scene, when Manon was dying. It was hard to follow because it seemed like she was dying multiple times. I was also at a disadvantage because the seats we had made it difficult to see the entire stage. Otherwise it was a good production.
I thought that the opera was alright. It was somewhat boring to me personally, but I did see a lot of people that enjoyed it.
Archbishop Wood
9th Grade
I thought that the play was very good. My only comment is that to me the beginning and ending parts were a little bit dragging on and on. But other then that i was a fan.
Archbishop Wood
9th Grade
I liked the opera and it was the first one I've ever been to. It was definitely a different experience but I had fun seeing it. The only thing I didn't like about this particular opera was how much they dragged out some parts, specifically the ending. Other than that I congratulate the performers and hope they did well on opening night.
Archbishop wood
9th grade
i thought the play was good and the casting was perfect. i couldnt see everything from where i was sitting but i could read the subtitles. the sets werent the best and i thing they could use more detail but the cast really performed thier best.
Archbishop Wood
12th Grade
I am very glad I went to see this opera. I had never been to the opera before and I am very glad that this was my first one. The acting and singing was very good and I really enjoyed the story-line. The only thing that I would have changed was my seat, I could not see the stage very well at all.
Archbishop Wood
12th Grade
I greatly enjoyed this opera. Everything flowed from scene to scene and throughout very nicely. The acting was superb which made it quite easy to follow the story line as you watched the performance and occasionally neglected the english subtitles. The enthusiasm of the actors was aparent and enjoyable, even though it was often difficult to follow the visual perfomance of the actors on stage left due to our location. Also, the final scene was slightly confusing. She appeared to have died numerous times and it seemed to drag on a bit too long. Overall, however, a truly fantastic play! My first opera and certainly not my last.
Archbishop Wood
9th Grade
I thought that the opera was... ok. I liked the costumes and the singing and the music was great. The sets were cool. I feel like it skipped around a lot. Like you would have one long scene then the curtain would close and then you would have Des Grieux sitting there looking at a huge piece of paper that explains what just happened. I know that it was supposed to be like that but I guess I'm just used to plays not operas. I also feel like it took forever for her to die. She was alive, then she died, then she’s alive again, then she dies again, then she’s alive, then she dies standing up. Her death was dragged out way too long.
Archbishop Wood Highschool
Grade 11
I really liked the opera because the singing was fantastic and so were the costumes. I liked the costumes because I think they really fit the plot of what was going on. I didnt like how she died so many times.
The costumes were great. Nicki Minaj, famous rapper, outfits look like Manon’s did in Act 2. I enjoyed this opera and can’t wait to see the Magic Flute by Mozart next April.
Nicole W. Grade 7
A.M.Y. 5 at James Martin School
Philadelphia, PA
I really liked the opera because there were a lot of people that can make the opera interesting.
I liked that she loved the poor man, Des Grieux but she wanted to marry the rich man Geronte because she wanted to be rich. When Des Grieux comes back to her in Geronte’s house Geronte arrest Manon. I like her tragic death that took about 10 minuets.
By: Corinne A.
Amy at James Martin School
6th grade
I enjoyed this opera and can’t wait to see The Magic Flute opera next April by Mozart. The music went along with the scenes perfect. I would like to thank the Annenberg, Presser, Well Fargo, and the United Universal Health Services foundations.
The seats were amazing and all the dedication that the actors put into this opera. I would want to give a shout out to Michelle Johnson saying she was terrific and Good Luck with your next performances.
Danielle S
Grade 7
A.M.Y. at James Martin School
Good luck to Michelle Johnson. We gave her a big round of applause!
Ryann B.
A.M.Y. School at James Martin School
Grade 7
Arcadia University
I feel that the opera had phenomenal performers and a beautiful set. As with any opera, it was little confusing to follow, but we definitely my favorite opera that I have seen during my college career. I liked the fact that the opera was not extremely long because it kept it interesting. I was also grateful that the opera provided subtitles because it helped me to understand the plot.
Archbishop Wood
Freshman (9th)
Bravo!! Noting that this was my first opera, I was extremely excited for the trip. I was stunned when I saw the exterior of the Academy of Music and couldn't wait what the interior would look like. I was awed by the intricate and elegant archetecture and by the sheer size of the building itself, let alone the stage. The auditorium was breath-taking, especially the height at which we were seated. Down below, I observed the orchestra and during the entire performance I was astounded by how well the orchestra held its state of unity without a stray beat to their playing. But I couldn't get over how well the singers did their part to make the performance so enjoyable. Their voices possessed such clarity and strength and every singer made the opera the best it could be. The sets were ingeniously thought-out also. (I liked how they built a mirror so the stage would seem bigger, but I don't know why it was offset.) I followed the plot pretty well, having read the summary in the libretto. I did think, though, that the dying scene dragged on a little, but when that was over, they announced the curtain calls. I think that was worth it, seeing all of the performers being endlessly appraised by the cheering audience and I believe that is the best part for them; to see all of their hard work paid off in that satisfying moment of thunderous accolades. I'll never forget the day of my first opera and I absolutely cannot wait for next year's performance! Thank you for giving me the chance to experience this!
12th Grade
Archbishop Wood
I greatly enjoyed the Opera. The singing and acting were phenominal. I loved the sets and costumes, they brought even more excitement to the Opera. The only thing I would have changed would be where I sat. I couldn't see most of what happened on stage left, which happened to be where a lot of acting took place.
Archbishop Wood H.S.
Grade: 12
I enjoyed the opera, but our seats were too far to the right in the balcony, so most of down left action was left to our imagination unfortunately. We even missed Manon's first entrance. The music from the orchestra was brilliant, I loved it. Also, the actor playing Des Grieux was a wonderful, his voice and his acting were right on point. Overall, it was good.
Archbishop Wood
Grade 9
I thought the opera was excellent. Bravo! The Academy of music added to the deeply emotional ambiance of the opera Manon Lescaut. When you enter, you cen feel the power of the great muscisians who have graced their presence. It was very dramamatic, and Thialgo portrayed the role perfectly. I have been to many operas before, and the ending of this was the best. It did take long for Manon to die, but that just added to the drama.
Archbishop Wood
12th grade
I loved the opera. I had never been on the trip before, so seeing this type of show was a new experience for me. The music was beautiful, as were the costumes. I liked how the opera had more ornate costumes than a typical play or musical. The only issue was the seating, because me and my group found oursevles unable to see the action happening on stage left, which is where the majority of the action not on center stage seemed to happen. Other than that, I loved the whole experience.
Savier, grade 7
Waldorf School of Philadelphia
Sincerely,
Brianna, grade 7
Waldorf School of Philadelphia
You did a very, very good job. I liked Des Grieux's voice and Manon's voice. The costumes were great and the music was even better. When the singers reached the highest notes, I thought the chandelier was going to fall down! I thank whoever organized the opera and I hope we can come again next year.
Thanks again,
Dante, grade 7
Waldorf School of Philadelphia
Keely, grade 7
Waldorf School of Philadelphia
I only recently discovered that the Manon we saw had to learn the role so quickly. I was shocked because her voice was the strongest and purest I have heard.
Saria, grade 7
Waldorf School of Philadelphia
Galen, grade 7
Waldorf School of Philadelphia
Amy at James Martin
8th grade
I thought this opera was good. The most fantastic part was the death scene. The way the orchestra made the scene feel dark and depressed. It was truly amazing. Also the way the singers put so much passion into the lyrics and words was really beautiful. It was a very long but was worth sitting through.
The orchestra was amazing because they were on time with the singers and the music went along with the story. They worked so hard to make the opera great and they succeeded.
My favorite scene is when Manon dies because it was sweet when she says to her lover that her love for him will never die. She told him that she will love him forever. I love the opera so much and I hope everyone else did too.
Maribel A.
Amy at James Martian
Grade 7
The orchestra was amazing because they were on time with the singers and the music went along with the story. They tried so hard to make the opera great and they succeeded.
My favorite scene is when Manon dies because it was sweet when she says to her lover that her love for him will never die. She told him that she will love him forever. I love the opera so much and I hope everyone else did too.
Maribel A.
Amy at James Martian
Grade 7
IRDA V.
AMY AT JAMES MARTIN
7TH GRADE
Amy At James Martin
7th Grade
I thought the opera was absolutely amazing, because they put a lot of effort into it. Everything was beautiful , especially Manon’s costume when she was rich. I also loved the settings, because it was very dark at times. I think everything was very well done and organized, like when there was a lot of people on set. I also thought their voices were great. Everything was very deep and the acting also was very good, because they put a lot of emotion into it.
Amy 5
7th Grade
I think that the opera was really fun and entertaining. I can’t wait to go back next year. I find operas really interesting after seeing this one and I would like to see more and more. I hope I see more operas in the future. This opera had some very dark and intriguing props for the scenes. It was very detailed and the acting was very good. I actually felt what the actors were feeling in many scenes and I could tell when the actors were sad or mad. Everything was gorgeous especially Manon’s costume when she was rich. The jewelry was very shiny and pretty. I liked everyone’s performances and I think they did a very good job.
A.M.Y at James Martin
8th grade
I thought this opera was good. The most fantastic part was the death scene. The way the orchestra made the scene feel dark and depressed. It was truly amazing. Also the way the singers put so much passion into the lyrics and words was really beautiful. It was very dragged out but all and all it was a good opera.
Claribel A.
Grade: 7
AMY At James Martin School
I think the opera was really fun. I can’t wait to go to the opera again next year. I think it’s really cool that we got to go for free too. I’m also pretty sure everyone enjoyed it like I did.
Nicole C.
Amy 5 at James Martin
7th grade
In conclusion, I did not understand why I took so long for Manon to die. But the rest of it was good
Nicolle B.
A.M.Y At James Martian
Grade 7th
I think the opera was really fun and entertaining. I can’t wait until next year to go back and see another opera. I love the drama of operas so I can’t wait until I see more. I want to go with my parents to see another opera soon. I had a great time and looking forward to see more.
Tia W
Amy 5 School
7th grade
AMY at James Martin
Grade 6
Manon wore so many outfits! How could she keep up with the opera and get changed before she had to sing again? The guy with the muffin top dress was kind of weird because its not something.
The opera was great and I hope all the singers loved singing, the work so hard just for us. We should support them and say Thank you for your work and the opera turned out great!
My favorite part of the opera was when Manon came in and Des Gruiex fell in love with her.
Johnny Sonpon
AMY At James Martin
7th Grade
Arcadia University
Freshman
I had never seen an opera before, and I was not sure what to expect. Overall, I did not care for it. Having to read the subtitles took my attention away from the actors. Also, there was a lot of focus on the singing and not enough on the acting. The set was a little too inconsistent. It was either too busy or there was not enough of it. The performers were good, but opera is just not my cup of tea.
Arcadia University
Senior
This was the first opera I attended. The sounds, set, and performs created a very engaging performance. The drama was built up very well ultimately leading to Manon's death. My attention never waned and I would love to see another opera in the future.
Also, Mr. Bolton's visit was awesome. He showed us how the singers project their voices.
Darwin, grade 6
Waldorf School of Philadelphia
Emmanuel, grade 6
Waldorf School of Philadelphia
Sincerely,
Chloe, grade 6
Waldorf School of Philadelphia
Sonny, grade 6
Waldorf School of Philadelphia
Ben, grade 6
Waldorf School of Philadelphia
Scarlett, grade 6
Waldorf School of Philadelphia
Martha, grade 6
Waldorf School of Philadelphia
Jameson, grade 6
Waldorf School of Philadelphia
Sondra, grade 6
Waldorf School of Philadelphia
Zoe, grade 8
Waldorf School of Philadelphia
Toby, grade 8
Waldorf School of Philadelphia
Leila, grade 8
Waldorf School of Philadelphia
Zoe, grade 8
Waldorf School of Philadelphia
Thanks again,
Elliana, grade 8
Waldorf School of Philadephia
Luke, grade 8
Waldorf Shcool of Philadelphia
St. Mary IP School
I found the play to be quite intriguing. I found the story to be exciting, yet sad. Manon Lescaut was a great way to retell an old story of love and romance.
St. Mary IP School
I liked the opera because the costumes were pretty. The only thing that was annoying was Manon dying and then coming back to life to sing another song.
St. Mary IP School
This was a very nice opera. I don't enjoy opera, but this caught my attention.
St. Mary IP School
Manon Lescaut was a beautiful, sophisticated play. This is what opera should look like. All of the characters were on pitch and were perfect.
St. Mary IP School
I did not like the opera because I couldn't understand a word they were saying. It makes me uncomfortable. It would be more enjoyable if they would speak in English instead of us having to look up at the words. That makes it so we can't look at the stage and see what's going on.
St. Mary IP School
I liked the opera because I loved the clothes but at some parts I was a bit confused.
St. Mary IP School
I didn't like the opera because I thought it was way too romantic for our age level.
St. Mary IP School
I think the play was good. It needed less singing and more romance. Manon also needed to die faster.
St. Mary IP School
The opera mixed elements of music, acting and dancing to make the opera very interesting. The only thing I didn't like it that it was very lengthy.
St. Mary IP School
I enjoyed the opera because it focuses on two people who are deeply in love with each other. I also enjoyed the orchestra.
St. Mary IP School
I very much enjoyed the opera. I was happy to see captions above the stage to understand. The fashion had to be my favorite part. I would wear any of Manon's fashions in a heartbeat!