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Giacomo Puccini's "Manon Lescaut" was offered for the third subscription audience of the season at the Metropolitan Opera House last evening. The occasion was one full of interest. The early work of the Italian composer was enjoying a semi-revival, for it was last heard in 1923, and this season won a first hearing over the "Manon" of Massenet, which is built on the same story, and is to be revived at the house later in the year. The cast included several leading stars making their reentry for the season and there were two new singers listed.

Mme. Frances Alda appeared in the role of Manon, a part she has frequently sung here with credit. Last night she was, for the most part, at her best vocally, her voice sounding clear and true, and she sang with good style, and finish. Beniamino Gigli assumed the role of Des Grieux, an impersonation in which he is very happily placed.

His beautiful voice was in good condition and his singing was tasteful and effective. Antonio Scotti, long a favorite as Lescaut, sang and acted his delineation of the gay soldier with vigor and zest and thereby added much spirit to the performance.

A word of praise belongs to Alfio Tedesco for his singing and acting in the secondary part of Edmondo. Grace Divine, a new singer who comes from Cincinnati, disclosed a lovely voice in the part of a Musician and sang well. Adamo Didur was the Geronte and Angelo Bada the Ballet Master. Marek Windheim, a new Polish tenor in the roster, had the minor part of the Lamplighter. Mr. Serafin conducted with admirable skill. The good performance won much favor from a large audience.

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