Catherine, you make me impatient to see this on Thursday. Some of my favourite choreography is in this ballet. Including the pd3 between Manon, Monsieur G.M. et Lescaut and, as you say, the flirting of Manon with all the men while the poor Chevalier watches helplessly. I have seen Guillem/Hilaire Manon partnership twice in London (and with Cope once), but I wonder how you think Yann Saïz will do as Lescaut? I really enjoyed him as the beggar chief in Paquita. In spite of my prejudices, I really do think Sylvie is superb as Manon and I'm sure it will be a good night.

Will there be any other ballet.co readers at this performance?

Jim, I saw the performance yesterday (saturday, the 10th) with Guillem/Hilaire and Saïz/Gillot as Lescaut and his Mistress. It's difficult for me to say something about this performance because it was the first time I saw Manon. There's so many things to see in this ballet !

Yes Tomoko, it was th first time Le Riche danced Des Grieux.

In the other roles, Delphine Moussin as the mistress danced exquisitely, but somehow missed the comedy the role demands. Yann Bridard, however, made a terrific Lescaut, totally in control in the drunk scene.

Apart from this, the production looked splendid; Hans-Ake Sjoquist's lighting made the second-act brothel scene really come alive - the room looked richer, deeper and somehow more sinister than I've ever seen it. In fact the second act overall was a great improvement on the first and Aurelie Dupond was in total, glittering control in the 'pas d'action' where she's passed from hand to hand; the whole thing looked very smooth and almost 'easy' - who was that very tall, very strong man who carried her high above his head? I think I heard Deborah Macmillan say that at one time they had had to drop that particular lift because they couldn't find a man strong enough to do it; POB have got the very man!

A word about the beggars. Apart from their excellent dancing, led by Miles Djiniadhis, I have never seen such a convincingly filthy bunch; I half expected to be able to smell them!

So, despite the disappointments, there was a lot of enjoy in the POB's 'Manon'.

Maybe it is Stephane Bullion.

Sorry Ann, but your loss looks more likely to be my gain!

When I booked both Kylian Pro. and Manon it was the former I was rather interested - hoping that Legris would appear at least in one of the pieces (besides, Manon had never been my favourite ballet!) . Now I'm really looking forward to see Manon - especially after having missed to see Legris in another full length ballet; last month in 'Paquita' he was replaced by Martinez at the last minute!

Catherine et al, would you keep us updated on the casting info. - no further change for this Manon run?

Juste une chose, Catherine, par rapport au public. Manon est un ballet très différent du Lac et autre Don Q où à chaque fin de variation ou de coda les gens peuvent véritablement crier bravo ! Dans Manon, c'est différent : les variations et pdd sont moins spectaculaires (je devrais dire "font moins d'effet", parce qu'il y a de superbes portés qui ne sont pas des plus faciles), la musique enchaîne souvent assez rapidement, il n'y a pas de saluts "pendant" le ballet et les lumière sont vite rallumées à la fin de chaque acte ; ce qui fait qu'il y a moins cet effet "d'hystérie" du public (à part à la toute fin bien sûr) et ça n'était pas désagréable !

Merci beaucoup pour info.!

>For Kylian Legris would dance Doux
>mensonges but we don't have
>again the dates.

As long as Legris is casted for the Kylian piece, odds are high he would dance on the first night...? Will keep the fingers crossed for that!

The official web site of the Paris Opera says that Sylvie Guillem is injured, and so won't be able to dance in "Manon" on Mar 15 and 17. On Mar 15, Hilaire and Guillem will be replaced with Gaida and Le Riche, and on Mar 17, by Guerin and Legris.

Tomoko, I am afraid that I believe I know how your friend will feel. The very first time I went to see Sylvie (back in 1989) she was new to London but had to withdraw from Nikiya because of a fall in rehearsal. It was last minute, and even the casting (distribution) for the performance had been already printed. I had to put a line through "Sylvie Guillem" and write "Maria Almeida". I think most of the audience felt disappointment and the applause for poor Maria was very muted. Well, I hope the Paris audience will welcome Fanny. I always feel excitement to see a ballerina for the first time (I remember Beryl Grey, Margot Fonteyn, Merle Park as if it were yesterday) so, as they say "every cloud has a silver lining". I can see Sylvie several times a year. But, for the sake of your friend, I do hope Sylvie is recovered for The Concert. And for me too - I have a ticket for March 22!

I too sincerely wish her a speedy recovery - don't want to miss her Giselle in April!

Errrrm, Sylvie fan? Ye