The Story of Manon
The tragic tale of love, betrayal, and sacrifice
Act I - FRANCE
Scene one
Actresses, gentlemen, and the demi-monde from Paris gather at the courtyard of an inn near Paris. Among them are Des Grieux (a young student), the wealthy Monsieur G.M., and Lescaut. Both Monsieur G.M. and Lescaut are there to meet Manon, Lescaut’s sister, who is on her way to enter a convent. During the hustle and bustle of arrivals and introductions, a beggar steals Monsieur G.M.’s watch. He celebrates gleefully until Monsieur G.M. notices the theft, and Lescaut has to intervene to save him from punishment.
Manon arrives with an Old Gentleman who is obviously attracted to her. Lescaut notices the Old Gentleman’s interest and takes him into the inn to negotiate an arrangement involving Manon. Manon remains outside and meets Des Grieux. He is entranced by her. They fall in love and decide to escape to Paris with the help of the money that she has stolen from the Old Gentleman. Lescaut and the Old Gentleman come out of the inn after striking a bargain only to discover that Manon disappeared. Monsieur G.M. tells Lescaut that he too is interested in Manon and, because of G.M.’s wealth, Lescaut promises to find Manon and persuade her to accept him.
Scene TWO
Des Grieux and Manon are at his lodgings in Paris. He is writing a letter to his father when Manon interrupts to declare her love for him. Des Grieux goes to post the letter, and in his absence, Monsieur G.M. and Lescaut arrive. Manon quickly yields to G.M.’s advances. When Des Grieux returns, Lescaut persuades him that there will be great wealth for all of them if he sanctions the liaison between G.M. and Manon.
Act II - France
Scene one
Manon arrives at the party given by Monsieur G.M. at Madame’s hôtel particulier. She is clearly torn between the wealth of her companion and her love for Des Grieux, who is there with Lescaut. Des Grieux tries to persuade Manon to leave with him, but she tells him that the time is not right and only will be when he takes more of Monsieur G.M.’s money at cards. Des Grieux gets caught cheating and he and Manon rush away.
Scene TWO
Back in Des Grieux’s lodgings, he and Manon once again declare their love. Monsieur G.M. arrives with the police and Manon is arrested as a prostitute. In the ensuing struggle, Lescaut is killed.
Act III - new orleans
Scene one
The Gaoler of the penal colony awaits the arrival of the convicts from France at the port. Manon has been deported to America as a prostitute and Des Grieux has followed her there by pretending to be her husband. The Gaoler sees them together and turns his attention to Manon.
Scene TWO
The Gaoler has arrested Manon, but takes her to his room and forces himself on her. Des Grieux breaks in and kills the Gaoler.
Scene three
Manon has escaped with Des Grieux into the swamp of Louisiana to elude their pursuers. All her former ambitions of wealth and splendor have been renounced for her love of Des Grieux. Manon collapses and dies in Des Grieux’s arms.
