Faust (Vale Rideout) contemplates a deal with the devil.
Intricate attention to detail, a 40-piece live ensemble and an internationally acclaimed cast made for an intensely passionate performance of Charles Gunoud’s “Faust” Sept. 23 and 25.
Emotion overwhelmed the audience at NIC’s Boswell Hall in the opera’s classic tale of lust, youth and choices. The drama between good versus evil resulted in a standing ovation for the Opera Coeur d’Alene’s professional performance. Director Aaron Nicholson said “Faust” fills every possible artistic need—lyricism, exquisite phrasing, powerful drama and complex characters.
The old professor Faust (Vale Rideout) makes a deal with the devil in order to gain love, power and youth. Devilish Mephistopheles (bass Jamie Offenbach), in a chilling performance, restores Faust to youth, who then becomes entranced by a vision of the virtuous maiden Marguerite (Shana Blake Hill), who also played Musetta in last year’s “La Boheme.”
“This performance of ‘Faust’ is as good as you’ll see anywhere,” Hill said.
With the help of Mephistopheles, Faust seduces Marguerite, who confesses her love for him. They embrace and disappear to her bedroom, while Mephistopheles’ ominous laughter filled the auditorium.
The story unfolded amidst an array of passionate vocals and emotional acting as Faust’s lustfulness ruined the lives of everyone around him. He impregnates Marguerite before marriage, which causes her to lose her mind as she becomes obsessed with the belief that the devil is judging her.
Faust kills Marguerite’s loving brother Valentin (Jason Detwiler) with the help of Mephistopheles. Valentin blames Marguerite for his death and his last words condemn her to hell. Marguerite is then thrown in prison for her sin.
“This production of ‘Faust’ was up to anything I’ve ever seen in the Metropolitan opera in the United States or anywhere else,” said Mildred Harris, an audience member and opera frequenter.
“It was terrific–all the details, the acting. There wasn’t a bad voice in the whole production. I was knocked over. It was a very powerful experience,” she said.
Dustin Thomas, another audience member, agreed.
“It was a quality performance, a war horse of the opera world,” he said.
While initially, the story of Faust seems bleak and dark, in the end there is redemption and grace for the character Marguerite, as she calls on angels to save her. The angels proclaim her salvation, and the opera ended in a brilliant display while the chorus sang “Christ is Risen.”
“I believe Opera Coeur d’Alene makes Idaho a better place,” said chorus member Mike Bullard.
Bullard, who is actively involved in Opera Coeur d’Alene, said that performances like these help put Coeur d’Alene on the map.
