FAUST

Friday | Oct. 20, 2017 | 7:30 p.m.
Sunday | Oct. 22, 2017 | 2:30 p.m.

The classic tale of ambition, love, redemption and deals with the devil. Charles Gounod’s first great success, establishing his international reputation, vividly comes to life in this classic production designed by Earl Staley and reimagined by the youthful vision of stage director Omer Ben Seadia.

When Faust curses science and faith, the devil, Méphistophélès, appears with an offer the aging scholar can’t refuse. Faust sacrifices his soul in return for regaining his youth and love. In “Salut! demeure chaste et pure,” he declares his love for the innocent Marguerite. She rejects Faust until his gift wins her to his heart as professed in “Ah, je ris de me voir” (The Jewel Song).

Marguerite falls in love with Faust, but then Faust kills her brother, Valentin, and abandons her. Desolate and devastated, in prison, her child with Faust dead by her own hand, Marguerite pleads to heaven for mercy. As she dies, a chorus of angels surrounds her spirit and proclaims her salvation.

Sung in French with English titles projected above the stage.