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Manon' pirouettes back into the spotlight, proving some classics never go out of style. Dust off the tulle and dim the house lights—Manon is back at the Sydney Opera House after more than a decade-long hiatus, and it’s stealing the spotlight all over again. The Australian Ballet’s revival of the lush, dramatic, and ever-so-slightly scandalous classic is already drawing ovations from die-hard ballet fans and culture-curious newcomers alike.

The story, a tale of love, betrayal, and enough emotional whiplash to qualify as an HBO miniseries, is being restaged with full period costumes and swoon-worthy sets. Artistic Director David Hallberg called it “one of our boldest returns,” which is ballet code for “bring tissues and your fanciest shoes.” This comeback also lands at a time when traditional arts are reclaiming relevance in a TikTok world.

The Opera House is banking on nostalgia, prestige, and a little theatrical magic to pull crowds back into the velvet seats. The latest? Early reviews are glowing, tickets are selling fast, and Manon herself is serving pirouettes with heartbreak realness. Eleven years was too long—but worth the wait.

Sources: Daily Telegraph, Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian (30 April 2025)