FAUST

by Charles Gounod
Production/Director: Brad Dalton
Set Designer: Steven Kemp
Lighting Designer: David Cuthbert
Costume Designer: Malabar Ltd

presented at Opera San Jose, 2012

“Strategic cuts combined with a lively, comically attuned approach by director Brad Dalton serve this production of ‘Faust’ well. The group scenes are especially entertaining. Dalton uses his cast to create a number of arresting images, notable when Mephistopheles turns the local congregation into automatons, pressing their upside-down hymnals to their foreheads to signal their demonic possession. Dalton also deploys a young girl to appear as the spirit of Marguerite’s little sister, a touching addition.” – Michael J. Vaughn, Operaville

“Opera San Jose presents a sensitive interpretation of the classic legend of Faust. Director Brad Dalton and designer Steven Kemp wanted to create a minimalist set that would emphasize the spiritual nature of the opera, and in my opinion, they were eminently successful. I have no intention of giving away director Brad Dalton’s two secrets for the ending scene, but I heartily approve of both. I strongly recommend buying a ticket right now for one of the remaining performances” - Philip G. Hodge, The Opera Nut