One of the most popular operas of all time returns in a passion-filled production. Stefano
Secco, praised as a "tremendous actor" and "a find" by London's The Guardian, portrays the
forlorn philosopher who regains his youth by making a dubious deal with the Devil.
Patricia Racette, "a dramatic soprano of the utmost subtlety and emotional power"
(New York Post), plays the object of his desire. John Relyea, lauded by The New York Times for his "stentorian power [and] wily, seductive lyricism", is a
superbly sinister Méphistophélès. Maurizio Benini, acclaimed for his mastery of this gorgeous
score, conducts in a classic production.
One of the most popular operas of all time returns in a passion-filled production. Stefano
Secco, praised as a "tremendous actor" and "a find" by London's The Guardian, portrays the
forlorn philosopher who regains his youth by making a dubious deal with the Devil.
Patricia Racette, "a dramatic soprano of the utmost subtlety and emotional power"
(New York Post), plays the object of his desire. John Relyea, lauded by The New York Times for his "stentorian power [and] wily, seductive lyricism", is a
superbly sinister Méphistophélès. Maurizio Benini, acclaimed for his mastery of this gorgeous
score, conducts in a classic production.
ACT I
In his study, the aged philosopher Faust laments his inability to find a meaningful life. He thinks of committing suicide, but does not have the necessary courage. Tormented, he resorts to calling upon the forces of evil. Méphistophélès appears and proposes a contract: his soul in exchange for youth. When Faust hesitates, Méphistophélès conjures up a vision of a lovely maiden, Marguerite. Faust agrees to the bargain, drinks a magic potion, and is transformed into a young man.
ACT II
A town fair is in progress, celebrating the departure of soldiers to war. Valentin, a young army officer, holds a medal given him by his sister, Marguerite, to whom he offers a touching farewell. Wagner, a student, starts the revelry with a lively song but is interrupted by Méphistophélès, who offers an impudent hymn of praise of greed and gold. He infuriates Valentin with an insulting toast to Marguerite. The soldier draws his sword, but it shatters. The other officers, recognizing Satan, hold their swords like crosses before Méphistophélès, who cowers before them. As the crowd begins a dance, Faust speaks to Marguerite, who refuses his offer to escort her home.
ACT III
Siebel, a youth in love with Marguerite, visits her garden to leave her a bouquet of flowers. The romantic young man is followed by Faust and Méphistophélès, who goes in search of a gift to outshine Siebel’s. Left alone, Faust hails the simple beauty of Marguerite’s home. Méphistophélès returns with a box of jewels, which he places near Siebels’s flowers. When Marguerite arrives she sings a ballad, interrupting the song with reflections on the stranger she has met. Discovering the flowers and the box, the young woman exclaims in delight as she adorns herself with jewels. A middle-aged neighbor, Marthe, arrives and Méphistophélès pretends to woo her so that Faust may make his conquest. As night falls, Marguerite confesses her love but begs Faust to leave. Just when Faust is about to comply, Méphistophélès mockingly sends him back and laughs as Marguerite yields to her lover’s embraces.
ACT IV
Marguerite has been betrayed and deserted by Faust. The faithful Siebel, however, offers her his love but Marguerite stills loves the man who abandoned her and hopes against hope that he will return. Marguerite seeks refuge in a church, only to be pursued by Méphistophélès, who torments her with threats of damnation. She collapses in terror. Valentin and his comrades return from war, singing the glory of those slain in battle. The soldier questions Siebel about Marguerite, but receives only evasive replies. Faust, remorseful at having abandoned Marguerite, arrives with Méphistophélès, who serenades her with a lewd ballad. Valentin, stepping forward to defend his sister’s honor, fights a duel with Faust, who, guided by Méphistophélès, fatally wounds him. As Méphistophélès drags Faust away, Marguerite kneels by her dying brother, who curses her.
ACT V
In a barren spot where witches celebrate Walpurgis Night, Méphistophélès tempts Faust to forget his love by invoking the ghosts of historic beauties, but a vision of Marguerite brings him back to reality. Marguerite lies asleep in prison, condemned to death for the murder of her illegitimate child. Faust and Méphistophélès enter with the intention of taking her away. When Faust awakens Marguerite, she is at first overjoyed to see him, but instead of fleeing with him she begins to recall their days of happiness. When Méphistophélès urges them to escape, Marguerite calls on the angels to save her. As she dies, Méphistophélès pronounces her condemned, but angelic choirs proclaim her salvation.
High-definition video projection screens will be featured on the balcony level for this performance. 
