Faust Tickets

The show was a phenomenal success! Wonderfully produced and executed! I will definitely be checking out Indianapolis Opera's next offering.

Loved this treatment. Beautifully staged, sung, and played. I would not change a thing. Arizona opera has come of age. Bravo. Encore!

Fantistic performance but volume needed to be louder, much louder. Our seats were in row AA, center.

My husband and I were sooooo disappointed in Saturday's "Faust" performance we left after the second act (and we noticed at least 25-30 people walking toward their cars at the same time indicating we were not the only ones who felt this way). The storyline focused on an adolescent love theme, and glossed over the depth of the conflict experienced by Faust. Furthermore, the sets were sophmoric (yes, we see the "theme" of the 60s) which further diminished the power and struggle of this classic story. Unfortunately, we feel we wasted $190 on this production and will seriously consider attending another production before plunking down our hard-earned money.

Although very encouraged at AZ Opera's attempt to present an updated version of Faust, I was disappointed with the result. A mere updating of costumes and locales does not necessarily by itself give a fresh interpretation of the opera. Why, for example, must a nightclub experience constitute decadence and evil? My biggest disappointment however was the dramaturgy. There was way too much Park and Bark. The chorus was static and the interactions among characters were facile and amateurish. The relationship of Satan and Marthe was merely one of constantly walking back and forth along the stage. Faust never did anything more than stand and look pained. Marguerite's aria with the jewelry box was static and dull. The scenery was threadbare and banal. I quickly grew weary of the rearrangements of the building and the word projections seemed to be way overdone. I needed a much more imaginative set design, a sincere attempt at choreography and perhaps some well deserved acting lessons on the part of Faust, Marguerite, Valentin and Marthe. The only bright spot of this entire lethargic production was Satan who had a wonderful voice and acted the part of his character with flair. Otherwise, my despair at AZ Opera ever producing a memorable night at the opera remains constant.

This was a world class opera. We have been visiting operas here and in Europe for years, but were amazed how well the opera was conducted. Great background, stunning balance between old and modern, brought the content to life better than any book about Faust we have read. The message of Faust was so present, the voices were excellent. We congratulate!

Thoroughly enjoyed the performance. The modernized set and costumes were a memorable change, although I did miss the period piece. Performers were spectacular. Great venue as well. Thank you Arizona Opera for continuing to bring Tucson these amazing productions.

Bernard Uzan's new contemporizing production of Faust features a strong cast led by the always-wonderful-to-see-and-hear Greer Grimsley as Mephistopheles. His Mephistopheles is a shape shifting trickster who delights in existential practical jokes.The music is fabulous and the essential story--the struggle to graciously accept aging and the life one has made and not fall prey to the folly and vanity that wrecks our lives and the lives of others--can still speak to us. Uzan's new staging works in the first act and third act (bar-room and mental hospital respectively) but is a bit awkward in the second act's reimagining of Marguerite as the owner of a florist's shop which is left open to passersby. The rear projection of words such as "Virtue" "Good" and "Evil"and images of crosses seems to overstate what is already the broad moral message of the opera's text. On the other hand, the startling staging of the final act and the acting of the leads and secondary players in that act are superb.

Amazing, Loved the modern production of this classic. Singing was terrific. Would highly recommend it

The reimaging of Faust was well done. Particularly impressive were the sets and lighting in the second and third acts. Kudos to the cast and orchestra. I was very impressed with Mark Walters, baritone, who played the role of Valentin. His pure baritone voice and his exceptional resonance immediately made him stand out among the other performers. Would hope that AZ Opera brings him back soon!