The SF Ballet premiere of Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon opens on January 24

The SF Ballet premiere of Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon opens on January 24 at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco promising an unforgettable dance experience. This production is considered one of MacMillan’s most notable and widely celebrated works which showcases his expertise of narrative choreography and acute insight into human psychology with a full cast of dancers.

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 Ballet that rarely leave the UK, and a breathtaking 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. This ballet feast will dazzle audiences at the War Memorial Opera House from January 24–February 1.

TICKETS & PERFORMANCE DATES
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.

Friday, January 24 at 8:00pm
Saturday, January 25 at 2:00pm
Saturday, January 25 at 8:00pm
Sunday, January 26 at 2:00pm
Tuesday, January 28 at 7:30pm
Wednesday, January 29 at 7:30pm
Thursday, January 30 at 7:30pm
Friday, January 31 at 8:00pm
Saturday, February 1 at 2:00pm
Saturday, February 1 at 8:00pm

Content Advisory: This production of Manon includes instances of sexual violence.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Choreographer: Sir Kenneth MacMillan
Composer: Jules Massenet
Arranged and Orchestrated: Martin Yates
Arranged by: Leighton Lucas
Staged by: Robert Tewsley
Additional Principal Coaching: Tamara Rojo and Julio Bocca
Scenic and Costume Design: Nicholas Georgiadis
Lighting Design: Jacopo Pantani

World Premiere: March 7, 1974–The Royal Ballet, Royal Opera House; London, England
SF Ballet Premiere: January 24, 2025–War Memorial Opera House; San Francisco, California

Runtime
Act I – 42 min
Intermission – 20 min
Act II – 47 min
Intermission – 15 min
Act III – 35 min
Total runtime: 2 hours, 39 minutes

ABOUT SAN FRANCISCO BALLET

San Francisco Ballet, led by Artistic Director Tamara Rojo, is a world-leading ballet company and a trailblazing commissioner, collaborator, and presenter in dance. With a deep commitment to new and contemporary works and the classical repertoire, SF Ballet is a catalyst for the future of ballet, investing in commissions and acquisitions; presenting established and emerging choreographers with a breadth of viewpoints; uplifting dancers, artists, and creatives across disciplines; and cultivating the next generation of the world’s top dancers in its School.