March 03. 2018 - March 21. 2018

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March 03. 2018 - March 21. 2018

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New Production Faust

Who doesn’t long to be young again? It happens for the aging philosopher Faust — he sells his soul to the devil and, in exchange, is transformed into a dashing young man. He falls in love with the innocent Marguerite, with disastrous consequences. Gounod’s masterpiece has been one of the world’s most popular operas for more than 150 years. You’ll know why when you hear the score, which simply bursts with memorable music. Marguerite’s Jewel Song, the Soldiers’ Chorus, the spectacular final trio — these and much more make Faust a sublime experience for young and old alike.

Language: Sung in French with projected English translations
Running Time: 3 hours, 40 minutes with 2 intermissions
Location: Lyric Opera House

Faust videos

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See what critics are saying about Faust

Who doesn’t long to be young again? It happens for the aging philosopher Faust — he sells his soul to the devil and, in exchange, is transformed into a dashing young man.

Designer Vita Tzykun on Faust

Hear from designer Vita Tzykun on what Lyric Opera's new production of Gounod's Faust will look and feel like.

Gounod's Faust at Lyric Opera of Chicago

Who doesn’t long to be young again? It happens for the aging philosopher Faust — he sells his soul to the devil and, in exchange, is transformed into a dashing young man.

From the podium with Maestro Emmanuel Villaume // Faust Sitzprobe

Get a conductor's-eye view as Maestro Villaume takes you onto the podium for the Sitzprobe of Lyric's brand new co-production of Gounod's Faust.

Introducing Visual Artist John Frame

Step inside the world and mind of critically-acclaimed artist John Frame, as he talks about his work, how he creates such moving art, and what his hopes are for the viewers.

Faust

by Charles Gounod

Warner Classics recording — Studer, Leech, Van Dam, Hampson, cond. Rizzi.
Musical excerpts provided through a generous arrangement with Warner Classics, Official Education and Promotion Music Provider for Lyric Opera of Chicago.

“Salut, demeure chaste et pure”

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“O Dieu! que de bijoux!”

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“Alerte! Alerte!”

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Faust

by Charles Gounod

Lyric Opera Commentaries are sponsored by the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Foundation in memory of their parents.

© 2017/18 Lyric Opera Commentaries Original sound recordings of musical excerpts used by permission of Warner Music Group. All rights reserved. Recording & Production services provided by Mark Travis.
A project of the Women’s Board

Commentary by Nicholas Ivor Martin

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Faust articles

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Faust: A New Vision for a Timeless Opera

Together, the creative team has created an alternate reality that expands and reconfigures Frame's three-dimensional collages to fill the stage. This new approach to the Faust legend will be like nothing you've ever seen at Lyric.

Stars of Lyric's New Faust Share Their Excitement

The cast members for Lyric's new Faust have had a devilishly good time, rehearsing with passion and gusto. Hear what some of them say about their roles and the experience.

Synopsis

The aging scholar Faust believes he has wasted his life and longs to be young again. In a deal with Mephistopheles, Faust sells his soul to the devil and in return is transformed into a handsome young man. When he falls in love with the beautiful young Marguerite, he soon finds that having all that you desire comes with a price.

PLACE: Germany

Faust's workshop.

Faust, an aged artist, contemplates ending his life. Carefree voices are heard from outside: the women sing of the joys of nature and love, the men of the beautiful day that will find them reaping their fields. Faust sets down his phial of poison and curses happiness, learning, prayer, and faith. When he invokes Satan, that very being appears, in the debonair person of Méphistophélès. Faust rejects offers of wealth and power, asking instead for youth.

The devil agrees to grant his wishes if Faust will serve him later in hell. When the old man hesitates, Méphistophélès tempts him with a vision of a beautiful young woman (Marguerite). Faust now eagerly agrees and is transformed into a handsome young man.
A tavern.

Wagner, a student, leads the townspeople in a song extolling wine and beer. Joining the group is a soldier, Valentin, who holds a medallion his sister, Marguerite, has given him for protection in battle. He prays that God will protect Marguerite in his absence. Siébel, who is in love with the girl, promises to watch over her.

Wagner resumes the festivities with a lively song about a rat, but he is interrupted by Méphistophélès, who regales the crowd with his paean to the Golden Calf. He predicts an imminent soldier's death for Wagner and tells Siébel that henceforth flowers will wither at his touch. The local wine proves inadequate for Méphistophélès, and he magically produces his own vintage. He then provokes Valentin's anger with a toast to Marguerite. The soldier’s rage and that of the other men fail to frighten the offender. Having guessed his identity, the men are finally able to subdue Méphistophélès.

Faust arrives and demands to meet the girl he saw in the vision. The villagers dance a waltz in which Siébel is asked to join, but the lad can think only of Marguerite. When she appears, she demurely declines Faust's gallant offer to lead her home. He realizes he already loves her.
Marguerite's garden.

In Marguerite's garden, Siébel picks flowers for a bouquet, but he discovers that the stranger's prophecy has come true: the blossoms wither. He uses holy water to break the spell, then leaves his flowers for Marguerite and happily departs.

While Méphistophélès searches for a suitable gift for Marguerite, Faust reflects on his joy at being near her. The devil returns with a box of jewels, which he places near Siébel's flowers. After the men withdraw, Marguerite appears and sings an ancient song about a king whose beloved has died. When the girl catches sight of the jewels, she cannot resist trying them on.

Marthe, a meddlesome neighbor, rejects Marguerite’s notion that the splendid present was left by mistake. Méphistophélès appears and melodramatically informs Marthe that her husband has died. The devil seductively induces Marthe to follow him out of the garden, leaving Faust with Marguerite. Returning to observe the young couple, Méphistophélès calls on the darkness to come to Faust’s aid. As night descends, Faust grows more passionate towards Marguerite, she confesses that she returns his love. The devil urges Faust to wait a moment before obeying Marguerite's wish to be left alone. When she expresses her longing for Faust, he rushes to her
Scene 1. Marguerite's garden.

Marguerite longs for the return of Faust, who has abandoned her. She is visited by Siébel, her only friend who has remained loyal.

Scene 2. A church.

In church, Marguerite attempts to find solace in prayer. She hears the voices of demons calling her name and Méphistophélès looms before her, threatening eternal damnation. The choir sings of the Day of Judgment, but the devil interrupts them, tormenting Marguerite until she collapses.

Scene 3. A street.

The villagers turn out to welcome the returning soldiers, Valentin among them. Siébel arouses his suspicions by evading questions about Marguerite. When the remorseful Faust appears with Méphistophélès, the devil pauses to sing a derisive song. It draws Valentin, who challenges his sister's seducer to a duel. Valentin is fatally wounded by Faust, whom Méphistophélès urges to flee. A crowd gathers and is horrified to hear the dying Valentin curse his sister.
A prison.

Marguerite has borne Faust a child, but she has killed it and is now in prison, having been condemned to death. Faust comes to her cell, but her joy at being reunited with him quickly fades when Méphistophélès appears. Marguerite prays to the angels of heaven and with her last breath repulses Faust, while a celestial choir proclaims her salvation.

Program book

Go inside this production of Faust with engaging articles, notes from the director, a complete plot synopsis, artist bios, and more.

View Digital Program Book

Meet the artists

Benjamin Bernheim

Faust

The French tenor has swiftly risen to international prominence and made his American debut with the title role in Lyric's 2018 production of Faust

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Ailyn Pérez

Marguerite

(3/3 - 3/18)

Hailed by the New York Times as "a beautiful woman who commands the stage" and "a major soprano," Ailyn Pérez is in demand at the world's leading opera houses and cultural capitals.

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Ana María Martínez

Marguerite

(3/21)

Puerto Rican soprano Ana María Martínez is Lyric's cultural ambassador.

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Christian Van Horn

Méphistophélès

Ryan Opera Center alumnus

The American bass-baritone, a Ryan Opera Center alumnus and winner of the 2018 Richard Tucker Award has appeared in many roles on Lyric's stage.

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Edward Parks

Valentin

Baritone Edward Parks made his Lyric debut as Valentin in Faust (2017|18)

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Emmanuel Villaume

Conductor

The French conductor has been consistently acclaimed for appearances with the most prominent opera companies and symphony orchestras around the world.

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Kevin Newbury

Director

Director Kevin Newbury's Lyric credits include Faust (2017|18); Norma (2016|17); Bel Canto (2015|16, world premiere); Anna Bolena (2014|15).

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John Frame

Production Designer

Over more than three decades, the internationally-celebrated American artist’s works of sculpture, film and photography have been exhibited extensively in the United States, Europe, Japan and China. He made his theatrical debut with Faust (2017|18).

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Vita Tzykun

Set & Costume Designer

The designer has designed sets, costumes, and projections for The Bolshoi Theater (Russia), Den Norske Opera (Norway), Santa Fe Opera, LA Opera, Seattle Opera, Minnesota Opera, Dallas Opera, Opera Philadelphia, Boston Lyric Opera, Atlanta Opera, and The Kennedy Center (Washington DC) among others.

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David Adam Moore

Projection Designer

The renowned American baritone has also forged separate careers as a director, composer, and video designer. He co-founded two New York-based arts collectives – GLMMR and Choreo Teatro – with whom he has created music, video, and performance works in venues including the 92nd St. Y, National Sawdust, NO Gallery, and The Cell.

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Duane Schuler

Lighting Designer

Former resident lighting designer Duane Schuler worked on more than 140 productions at Lyric Opera since 1977.

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Michael Black

Chorus Master

Michael Black has served Lyric Opera of Chicago since the 2013/14 Season.

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