A PACT WITH THE DEVIL NEVER RUNS SMOOTH

Benjamin Bernheim makes his debut at the Lyric Opera stage this season, in the title role of Faust. He performs alongside Ryan Opera Center alumni, Erin Wall as Marguerite (the object of Faust's affection) and Christian Van Horn, the Lyric Opera Center graduate as Mephistopheles (Lord of the underworld aka the Devil). Returning to the podium to lead the orchestra is Emmanuel Villaume. Based on Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's two-part play, Charles Gounod (Ave Maria) concentrates his opera on Faust's romantic encounter with Marguerite and the tragic results of their liaison, showcasing the aria masterpieces of 'The Golden Calf', 'Jewel Aria', and the 'Soldiers Chorus'.

WHAT IS FAUST ABOUT?

Disillusioned with life, science and God, the scholarly Dr. Faust is tempted by promises of youth, riches, power and knowledge - all this in exchange for his services in hell after his death. And so the aging Faust makes a pact with the Devil and is transformed back into a dashing young man. Faust lusts after Marguerite, and eventually wins her over with disastrous consequences as the once innocent Marguerite is imprisoned having killed, in a fit of madness, the baby she bore Faust. The leading lady eventually overcomes both Faust and the Devil to save herself, entrusting in God and ascending to heaven. With the struggle between religion, moral value, and sin, this is an intensely theatrical story.