MABOU MINES FAUST 2 . O

MABOU MINES FAUST 2 . O
AT 122CC, 150 First Ave
TILL, April 14, 2019

DIRECTED BY
SHARON ANN FOGATY

ADAPTED FROM GOETHE BY
MATTHEW MAGUIRE

Faust (Benton Greene) makes a deal with Mephistopheles (Paul Kandel).  He sells his soul for ever lasting wordly pleasures, desires, adventures and more desires. "My life is desire and satisfaction, and desire again." Faust declares his wishes to Mephistopheles who makes a proud bet with God
(Bill Raymond, on video) that he wil surely win Faust's soul.

This production in which Matthew Maguire adapts Faust into a second part where Faust meets Helen
of Troy and also have a child with her besides having many other adventures.

This production is divided into two parts.  Six live actors and almost 18 brilliant actors on video  screens and the effect is stunning visually and technically and is very cleverly done, but Mabou Mines is known for its mutimedia and very ambitious productions and Sharon Fogarty doesn't disappoint.

Video appearances includes many wonderful actors but Greg Mehrten as the Emperor is amazingly
powerful and every inch an Emperor. His presence even on a video screen some times steal the scene
from a live cast which is very good as well.  While I was watching the Emperor, I felt some heavenly energy.  I looked on my left and guess who was sitting next to me?  Greg Mehrten...
watching himself on the video with such concentration (hallmark of a great actor, the intense concentration) Here and there,  during the show I sneaked a look at him, couldn't help it...
I have always admired him a lot in the past as I have cherished, Great Karen Kandel who with her wild energy and hair and a melodious voice call herself, Care and mocks Faust and is scene stealer as well.

Another brilliant actor here is Paul Kandel, tall, lanky, dangerously agile, who plays the devil
Mephistopheles and is superb.

Maude Mitchell and Arthur French, an old couple who had been wrogned by Faust (On video)
are wonderful as well.

Video design by Jeff Sugg, Set & Lighting design by Jim Clayburgh is very cool and effective.

Sharon Ann Fogarty as a director has done a terrific job putting this highly complex show together.  Do not miss.

REVIEW
BY
BINA SHARIF
Editor/Publisher: artsinternational.blogspot.com
binashariff@gmail.com
Cell: 212-260-6207