Massenet: Thaïs

When the most voluptuous, sought-after courtesan in the world meets an ascetic monk whose life is devoted to God, you know erotic sparks are going to fly. And when the clash takes place in a glorious, but rarely performed, opera by Massenet, it’s a delight to the ear just as much as to the eye. Renée Fleming is every inch the glamorous Thaïs, swathed in elegant gowns designed by Christian Lacroix. Thomas Hampson is Athanaël, the tortured man of God. This production by John Cox, which premiered in December 2008, brilliantly sets the stage for a confrontation as old as civilization itself.

Cast

Renée Fleming

as Thaïs

Thomas Hampson

as Athanaël

Michael Schade

as Nicias

Alain Vernhes

as Palémon

Alyson Cambridge

as Crobyle

Ginger Costa-Jackson

as Myrtale

Maria Zifchak

as Albine

Trevor Scheunemann

as Guard

Daniel Clark Smith

as Cenobite Monk

Roger Andrews

as Cenobite Monk

Reviews

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