Rare Operatic Masterpiece Comes to the Historic Los Angeles Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles

Lyric Opera of Los Angeles will perform the rare 19th century opera "Manon Lescaut" by D.F.E. Auber in April, 2006 at the historic Los Angeles Theatre.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) January 2, 2006 -- Lyric Opera of Los Angeles is proud to announce that tickets are available for purchase online for their Spring, 2006 production of "Manon Lescaut" by D.F.E. Auber. This production will take place, appropriately, at the historic Los Angeles Theatre (http://www.LosAngelesTheatre.com) in downtown L.A. As part of the ongoing downtown LA renewal project, and efforts by the Los Angeles Conservancy (http://www.laconservancy.org), many of the grand theatres of yester-year are trying to bring live performances back to the former Broadway District. The beautiful Los Angeles Theatre was once the crown-jewel of this downtown Broadway District and is a fitting location for the oppulent French opera being presented by the Lyric Opera of Los Angeles.

In keeping with our missions of both producing rare operatic masterpieces and keeping tickets affordable for the general public, we have tickets available from $10 (senior/student, loge) to $30 for Premiere Orchestra seating. Tickets may be purchased online using a credit card, or you may call to order. Mail orders are also available. Please contact Laura Ruiz for more information. Tickets to the opera make a great gift for that special someone -- whether they're a die-hard opera fanatic, or someone just beginning to love the art form -- tickets to the Lyric Opera of Los Angeles mean a fun & enjoyable outing every time.

Manon Lescaut (prem. 1856), as set to music by D.F. E. Auber, is the story of a simple and beautiful young woman at the turn of 19th century France who, on the way to a convent, meets a young man and runs away with him to Paris. In the big city, she comes to learn about the vagaries of power, love, lust, and debauchery in the complex world of Parisian society of the day. Through a tangle of events, she ends up being arrested and shipped off to an early Louisiana settlement where she will meet her destiny and make her final amends for a life she unwittingly led.

Although most opera-goers are probably familiar with the Puccini, or even Massenet, versions of this story, very few have had the opportunity to see or hear this opera performed in the 20th or 21st centuries. Based on our research, it would appear that this opera has never been performed west of New York City, and that the last time it was performed in the United States at all was in 1979. This is truly a rare treat.

Music is performed in French, dialogue in English. Supertitles are provided to help your understanding of the story throughout the performance. This production includes a full-orchestra.

Stage Director: Arthur Freeman

Music Director: Robert Sage

Executive Producer: Laura Ruiz

For more information about this production or the Lyric Opera of Los Angeles, please contact Laura Ruiz or visit www.LyricOperaLA.org

About Lyric Opera of Los Angeles:

Lyric Opera of Los Angeles is a tax-exempt, 501(c)3 organization. All donations are tax-deductible. Founded in 2002 by Founder & Artistic Director Laura Ruiz, LOLA has established itself as one of the premiere community opera organizations in the Southern California area. LOLA specializes in performing rare, yet exciting, operatic works each season. In its short existence to date, they have performed such rarities as "Der Vampyr" by Heinrich Marschner, "Cendrillon" by Pauline Viardot, "Goyescas" by Granados, "Abu Hassan" by C.M.v Weber, & "Rita" by Donizetti. Their 2006/7 season includes "La Boheme" by Leoncavallo, "Otello" by Rossini, and a Mozart opera still TBD.

Contact:

Laura Ruiz

Founder / Artistic Director

Lyric Opera of Los Angeles

1-800-471-9515

www.LyricOperaLA.org

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