Act I

In an inn at Amiens, the wealthy old Parisian Guillot de Monfortaine entertains his friends, the tax-collector DeBretigny, and the actresses Pousette, Javotte and Rosette. Villagers enter the scene to greet the arrival of the coach from Arras. The soldier Lescaut has come to meet his cousin, fifteen-year-old Manon, who is being sent to a convent. She attracts the attention of Guillot, who propositions her and places at her disposal his carriage to take her to his house in Paris.. Guillot’s proposal is cut short by Lescaut, who warns Manon to beware of strangers, then leaves her to go for a drink at the nearby tavern. Manon’s sadness at leaving for the convent is suddenly altered by the arrival of DesGrieux, a young student. When they meet, it is love at first sight. They decide to elope to Paris and steal away in Guillot’s carriage, leaving the old man in a fury, vowing revenge.

Act II

Manon and des Grieux are living happily in Paris, though they are disturbed by the disapproval of both of their families and the consequent financial complications. Already, Manon conceals from des Grieux that another man is sending her flowers. Lescaut breaks in on them,demanding that des Grieux marry Manon. With him is the rich de Brétigny (disguised as a soldier) who has been attracted to Manon since he first saw her (as a member of Guillot’s party at Amiens). Brétigny warns Manon that des Grieux is about to be kidnapped by his father and taken home. He suggests that she forget des Grieux and instead live in luxury with him. The confused Manon does not tell des Grieux of the plot; the young man is taken away.

Act III, Scene 1

At a popular fête in the Cours la Reine in Paris, the crowd circulates. Pousette, Rosette, and Javotte have, for the moment, escaped Guillot’s vigilant protection. They are out to enjoy themselves on their own. Guillot appears to the discomfort of the three ladies.

Still enamored of Manon, Guillot decides to outdo her current protector, de Brétigny, by hiring the Opera ballet to perform in her honor, a wish which de Brétigny had denied her.

Preceded by a parade of elegant lords and ladies, Manon arrives. She is at the height of her worldly success, admired by all and not the least bit hesitant to bask in her popularity and fame.

Count des Grieux arrives. Manon learns from a conversation between the Count and de Brétigny that des Grieux is about to take holy orders at the Seminary of St. Sulpice. She timidly approaches the Count des Grieux, not knowing if he will recognize her, to ask if his son has recovered from his recent love affair. The count makes it very clear that the affair is finished and that his son is recovered.

Guillot arrives with the Ballet, but Manon is distracted and broods over her lost love. She resolves to go to him and asks Lescaut to take her to St. Sulpice, leaving Guillot once again furious at this new humiliation and rejection.

Act III, Scene 2

In St Sulpice, the new Abbe des Grieux has finished preaching his first sermon. He is visited by his father, who tries to persuade him to renounce his vocation and marry some suitable girl. Des Grieux spurns his father’s advice and, alone, prays for the strength to resist his memories of Manon. When she arrives and implores him to return to her, her seductive charm weakens his resolve. He yields to her caresses, passionately reaffirming his love ...