San Francisco Ballet (SF Ballet) has announced details for the SF Ballet premiere of Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon.
Set to open SF Ballet’s highly anticipated 24/25 Repertory Season, this sumptuous production is considered one of MacMillan’s most notable and widely celebrated works. Showcasing his expertise of narrative choreography and acute insight into human psychology with a full cast of dancers, this ballet feast will dazzle audiences at the War Memorial Opera House from January 24–February 1.
MacMillan’s Manon is a masterpiece of storytelling, weaving passion, ambition, and tragedy into a narrative that resonates across generations. Inspired by a 1731 novel, this ballet captures the meteoric rise and heart-wrenching fall of its titular heroine, immersing viewers in the opulent and morally complex world of 18th-century France.
This production promises a vivid experience of European decadence, brought to life through lush sets and intricate costumes from The Royal Balletthat rarely leave the UK, and a score by Jules Massenet, performed live by San Francisco Ballet Orchestra under Music Director & Principal Conductor Martin West.
“MacMillan was an artist who infused novelty and depth into his choreography,” said Artistic Director Tamara Rojo. “Manon exemplifies how he brought new life to a classic story, transforming it into a timeless narrative.”
Each performance includes a stylized Opera House setting with lobby activations featuring interactive opportunities for guests to immerse themselves in the elegance and fashion of 18th-century France. The bars within the Opera House will also serve a specialty cocktail inspired by the themes of Manon, bringing a taste of luxury to the audience experience.
Principal casting for Manon includes Principal Dancers Dores André, Jasmine Jimison, Sasha De Sola, and Nikisha Fogo as Manon, and Harrison James, Max Cauthorn, and Aaron Robison as des Grieux. SF Ballet is also thrilled to welcome Principal Guest Artist Alban Lendorf to the War Memorial Opera House stage, where he will be joining SF Ballet for select performances of Manon as des Grieux. Lendorf previously performed as a principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre and the Royal Danish Ballet; he now performs as an international guest artist with companies such as English National Ballet and Stanislavski Ballet. In 2013, he received the prestigious Benois de la Danse award.
Tickets start at $29 (+ $14 per order handling fee) and are available for purchase at sfballet.org.
Tickets may be purchased online or by calling Ticket Services at 415-865-2000, open Monday through Friday, 10am to 4pm. Casting and prices are subject to change.