Giacomo Puccini, one of the most celebrated composers of opera in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, composed only ten operas during his career, but Manon Lescaut is among his most cherished. It was his first major success, helping to establish his reputation as a master of lyrical storytelling. Based on a story that had previously been set to music by composers like Auber and Massenet, Puccini worked with seven different librettists before finding the right words to match his vision. The final work is rich in emotional depth, featuring memorable arias and duets that explore love, playfulness, and ultimately, Manon's tragic fate in Louisiana. A new production of Manon Lescaut will open at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris. The cast includes Ailyn Pérez, an American soprano praised for her powerful voice and stage presence, as Manon, and Roberto Alagna as Le Chevalier des Grieux, a role that showcases Alagna’s strong vocal abilities and emotional depth. This performance marks Alagna’s return to a Parisian stage and his first appearance on avenue Montaigne in a theatrical production. The Orchestre National de France, led by conductor Christophe Grapperon, will provide the musical foundation for the production. The creative team includes Sarah Fahie for choreography, Annemarie Woods for set design and costumes, Ricardo Pardo for set design, and Fabiana Piccioli for lighting. The production is a collaborative effort between the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, the Royal Opera in London, and the Opéra Nice Côte d’Azur. The performance dates at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées are scheduled for November 2, 5, 7, 12, and 15, 2026, with specific times varying by date. Additionally, a concert broadcast by France Musique is set for December 5 at 20:00, as part of the Samedi à l'opéra program hosted by Judith Chaine. The recording will be available for streaming on the France Musique website and the Radio France app.