"First among those on the road to stardom is tenor Sean Christensen, cast in the challenging role of the Chevalier Des Grieux. His stage presence and supple tenor lent an air of resignation to this hapless hero, who veers in and out of Manon's arms with a brief side journey towards taking holy orders. Of course, he can't resist the heroine's charms, as expressed in powerful arias that rose brightly above the stave and captured the conflict of emotions that drives this character forward. This was a breakout role for a fine singer."