Manon - Massenet - Florida Grand Opera, January 13th, 2001

After opening the season with Otello, the FGO presented Manon by Jules Massenet. I saw the performance on January 13th, 2001.

Unfortunately this performance was worse than Otello. A real flop from start to finish, with one exception (read on later).

The sets and scenery were fine but Act 2 for instance was poor as was Act 4 (both shared the same sets with the exception of the roof which was more decorated in Act 4). One could see the trees were made of paper which is a shame (unless it is a return to the 19th century performance style). The direction of the singers was routine and very little care was given to the dialogs which is essential for an opera comique.

Karen Driscoll was appallingly bad. I don't know why FGO thought she could handle Manon. Her voice is non existent in the low and middle and the high notes were always sharp. The timbre is also thin and unpleasant. By Act 2, I wanted to go home. She missed a high note in her aria in Act 3 and everybody heard, but alas, the FGO public instead of complaining, cheered her, applauses in all, a nice gesture but I don't think it benefits the singer because it may give a false impression she did fine. I saw a lot of people leave after Act 3. She did do a fine job in Act 5 though but it was too late.

Fernando de La Mora was excellent. In Act 1, he was a little bit cool but projected the voice well and he has the "French" style of singing. His Act 2 aria (The Dream Aria) was superb with some true legato and fine pianos. His Act 4 aria was also very good and some excellent ringing high notes, a pity the duet was marred by Driscoll's shouting. I only stayed until the end for his sake.

Frank Hernandez as Lescaut was ordinary. His role was also cut.

Kurt Link was terrible. He could not cope with the high notes and his low notes were not much better either.

Douglas Perry was very good and together with de La Mora saved the evening (although it is a small role, it is very important for the plot) and Kelly Anderson was good.

Stewart Robertson secured good playing from the orchestra and although not refined was a good conducting. Chorus was good too.