IO'S "FAUST" FANTASTIC

          The  Indianapolis Opera  outdid themselves again with a spectacular rendition of  Gounod's "Faust". I have never seen a production like this. This was the best "Faust" I have ever experienced. Joachim Schamberger, the stage director, set and video  designer, was mostly responsible for this splendid event. His name will be repeated many times during this review. His special  effects were mind boggling and never interfered with the glorious music and singing. He directed this show with the audience in mind. He must have prepared months in advance. I will see any production his name is  associated with. Joachim Schamberger  is a man to be reckoned with, and a name that will be remembered.


      The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra played Charles Gounod's music brilliantly under the magic baton of conductor James Caraher. The Indianapolis Opera chorus was splendid under the direction of John A. Schmid. The costumes were magnificent under the auspices of designer Susan Allred.


       And now for the cast, which delighted the audience many times. First, I must admit there were two in the cast that just blew me away,  Kevin Short as Mephistopheles and  Sean Anderson as Valentin, Marguerite's brother. I have never witnessed a better Valentin than Sean Anderson, and that goes for Kevin Short also. He was graceful as he was powerful as the demonic evil sorcerer. He commanded the stage with menacing authority. Needless to say the devil stole the show. Kevin Short and Joachim Schamberger deserve Hoosier Oscars for their tremendous contributions to an exciting performance.


          Two scenes stood out and impressed me. There were many more I assure you. The waltz in the first act was gorgeous, and the dueling scene in the third act between  Faust and Valentin with Satan lending a helpful and fateful hand to kill Valentin was well maneuvered.


        I would be remiss if I did not mention the two leads. Faust was expertly played by Gran Wilson. His love interest was Marguerite, sung and acted well by Maureen O'Flynn. The trio (with Satan) in the third act was thrilling and sent chills up my spine


       Much congratulations to the Indianapolis Opera for such a  grand finale to this season. I am certainly looking forward to next season.

CIVIC'S "GUYS AND DOLLS" ENTERTAINING

       Civic's Director Robert J. Sorbera made the old chestnut musical, "Guys And Dolls" more palatable than expected. Naturally it was dated but who cares? What really saved this  production was the absolute familiarity of the music with such wonderful songs like "A Bushel and a Peck", "Guys and Dolls", "If I Were a Bell", "I've Never Been in Love Before", "Luck Be a Lady", and "Sit Down You're Rockin the Boat" to name a few. 


       Sarah Brown, the leading lady was played beautifully by Theresa  Koleszar, whose only fault was a terrific operatic voice which her role did not call for.  Opposite her was Nathanael Welch as Sky Masterson who seemed somewhat stiff at times in this romantic role. The person that impressed the most was Laura Lockwood, as Adelaide, especially in her musical  numbers, "A Bushel and a Peck" and her "Lament", when she infects the audience with her cold. J. D. Walls was funny as Nathan Detroit while  Dan Scharbrough was deliciously menacing as Big Jule. Craig Underwood and Troy Johnson were a very comic couple as Nicely-Nicely and Benny.


       The choreography  by the talented Michael Worcel was exceptionally lively. The costumes by Jean Engstrom matched the excellence of the unusual scenic  and lighting designs by Robert and Ryan Koharchik. Danna Sheridan had a lot do as she stage- managed the huge cast and crew.


        This Damon Runyon story was put to music by Frank Loesser,  who also created the lyrics. The book for "Guys and Dolls" was written by Jo Swerling  and Abe Burrows. It is no wonder this musical is a favorite and goes on and on being produced.