This production marked a turning-point for Seattle Opera. With sets and costumes by John Naccarato and stage direction by the company’s newly-hired, excellent Dutch director, Frans Boerlage, the show was the first “complete Seattle Opera production.” Marcella Reale returned for a commanding appearance as Puccini's coquettish vixen. Opera News pronounced the production “up to the . . . standards of any world stage.”

Marcella Reale (Manon Lescaut) in Puccini’s Manon Lescaut, 1973. © Des Gates

Archie Drake (Geronte de Ravoir) and Marcella Reale (Manon Lescaut) in Puccini’s Manon Lescaut, 1973. © Des Gates

Marcella Reale (Manon Lescaut) and Carlos Montané (Des Grieux) in Puccini’s Manon Lescaut, 1973. © Des Gates

Marcella Reale (Manon Lescaut) and Carlos Montané (Des Grieux) in Puccini’s Manon Lescaut, 1973. © Des Gates