Photo Flash: Lyric Opera of Chicago Presents New Production of Gounod's FAUST

Lyric Opera of Chicago's new production of Gounod's Faust is inspired by the works of multimedia artist John Frame (theatrical debut). Find out what happens when a deal with the devil goes awry. Lyric's new Faust is conducted by Emmanuel Villaume and directed by Kevin Newbury.

Faust opens tomorrow -- Saturday, March 3, with seven performances through March 21 at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago. Tickets start at $49 and are available now atlyricopera.org/Faust or at 312-827-5600.

This exceptionally romantic, universally popular opera premiered in Paris in early 1859, based on Goethe's play. In the new Lyric production, Faust (Benjamin Bernheim/American debut) is an aged artist rueing the course of his life. At the urging of Satan's agent, Méphistophélès (Christian Van Horn) - Faust becomes young again in exchange for his soul. The drama encompasses Faust's encounter with the innocent Marguerite (Ailyn Pérez,3/3 - 3/18; Ana María Martínez, 3/21), his wooing and subsequent abandonment of her, the death of her brother Valentin (Edward Parks/Lyric debut) at Faust's own hand, and Marguerite's ensuing madness and redemption. Siébel (Annie Rosen) is the boy in love with Marguerite, and Marthe (Jill Grove), Marguerite's busybody neighbor, offers comic relief.

Emmanuel Villaume conducts the new production, directed by Kevin Newbury. Artist John Frame (theatrical debut) is production designer,Victoria Tzykun (Lyric debut) is set and costume designer, Duane Schuler is lighting designer, David Adam Moore (Lyric designer debut) is projection designer, and Michael Black is chorus master.Zach Winokur (Lyric debut) is movement director, and Nicolas Sandys is fight director.

Performance dates for Faust are Mar. 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 at 7:30pm; and Mar. 18 and 21 at 2pm. For tickets and information call (312) 827-5600 or go to lyricopera.org/Faust. Estimated running time is 3 hours 30 minutes, including two 25-minute intermissions.

The opening-night performance of Faust can be heard live locally on98.7WFMT and globally on wfmt.com, beginning at 7:15pm.

Photo credit: Cory Weaver/Andrew Cioffi

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