Review: DOCTOR FAUSTUS - Devilishly Good

Christopher Marlowe's iconic work, DOCTOR FAUSTUS, currently playing at The Curtain Theatre, produced by The Baron's Men, is not only a well done piece of historical theatre, it's downright fun.

Written between 1588 and 1593, DOCTOR FAUSTUS began life as a controversial play, dealing with dark, desires and demonic forces. As the action begins, the Chorus (Levi Gore, Maggie Thompson, Timothy McKinney, Samantha Smith) introduce Faustus (Charles Smith). In blank verse he tells us that while he was not born a rich man, he has nonetheless has become scholarly enough to receive his doctoral degree in Wittenberg, Germany. Faustus laments that he finds all subjects boring with the exception of necromancy, the summoning of demons. Using his precious books, the doctor calls forth Mephistopheles (Casey Jones), the right hand of Lucifer (Lindsay Palinsky). After bargaining his soul to the demon using his own blood, Faustus takes the evil minion as his personal servant and demands to be given what he craves above all else, the secrets of the universe. Mephistopheles seems to be rather evasive in his answers and we discover he is not to be trusted. Lucifer introduces the Seven Deadly Sins personified to Faustus. Pride (Kate Clark), Covetousness (Katrina O'Keefe), Wrath (Jennifer Fielding), Envy (Phoebe Moore), Sloth (Eva McQuade), Gluttony (Jacquelyn Lies), and Lechery (Nguyen Stanton) all tempt the Doctor, with the lure of human frailty. Traveling to Rome and playing pranks on the Pope (Jared Walls) and Emperor (Nolan Blair) only serve to depress Faustus, make him long to return to Wittenberg and shake off his demon companion. After the Doctor returns home he meets the fate he has created for himself. Elizabethan themes of good versus evil, religious upheaval, the nature of the physical universe, the afterlife and death are all explored in the play. It is sad indeed that Marlowe died when he was only 29 years old with only a handful of plays completed.

The Baron's Men pride themselves in their traditional staging of historical drama, DOCTOR FAUSTUS is no different. Directors Leigh Hegedus and Victoria Kelly have paid attention to every detail in the recreation of this Elizabethan favorite. Pam Martin's costumes are front and center in this production. Color is used to great effect, Faustus even wears a doublet that recreates the one worn in a historical portrait reported to be the playwright himself. Cast standouts include Casey Jones as Mephistopheles, the demon who assists Faustus in becoming the powerful magician he dreams of being. Jones plays his scenes with an underlying glee, enjoying every wicked moment in the character. The Seven Deadly Sins are absolutely wonderful in personifying the downfalls inherent in human nature. My personal favorite is Baron's Men veteran, Eva McQuade who hilariously gives new depths to the definition of Sloth. In two minor roles, Nolan Blair is magnetic, he delivers with such effortless ease, one would think he spoke in blank verse in daily life. I look forward to seeing Mr. Blair in much larger roles in the future. As Faustus, Charles Smith plays the role with energy and delight, leading the audience to cheer for him and dread his eventual fate. The large ensemble cast clearly enjoy their time on stage as angels, demons, servants and nobles alike. The entire play radiates the love and care put it into producing it.

I recommend DOCTOR FAUSTUS as a show that every theatre goer should see at least once. The setting at The Curtain Theatre couldn't be more perfect at this time of year, a cool breeze blowing off of Lake Austin, a brilliant multicolor Texas sunset and an excellent show in a reproduction of an Elizabethan theatre is a great way to spend an evening. Go early, take a picnic dinner, your favorite beverage, boo and hiss the villains and cheer for the hero, you will have a great time.

Photos by Renee Osborn and Charles Wilson

DOCTOR FAUSTUS
by Christopher Marlowe
Directed by Leigh Hegedus and Victoria Kelly
The Curtain Theatre
7400 Coldwater Canyon Dr, Austin

September 30 thru October 22 at 7:00PM

Running Time: 2 hours with one 15 minute intermission.

Tickets: $10 - $15, thebaronsmen.org

To post a comment, you must register and login.