The Atlanta Opera’s Faust Marks 25th Anniversary for Beloved Chorus Master Walter Huff
Features International Opera Stars Noah Stewart in Title Role with Mary Dunleavy Returning to Sing Marguerite
Lavish Grand Opera Production Not Seen in Atlanta in 20 years
ATLANTA, (January 6, 2014) - The Atlanta Opera continues its exciting 2013-2014 season with a production of Charles-François Gounod’s grand opera Faust. The opera will be presented on March 8, 11, 14, and 16 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, and will be dedicated to Atlanta Opera Chorus Master Walter Huff in honor of his 25th anniversary with the company. Single tickets, ranging from $26-$133, can be purchased online at atlantaopera.org, or by calling 404-881-8885. Two-opera season ticket packages, which include Faust and the upcoming production of The Barber of Seville, are also available, offering patrons premium seating at discounted prices.
Gounod’s Faust is famous for having been the production selected to open the new Metropolitan Opera House in 1883. Faust has not been seen in Atlanta since The Atlanta Opera produced it to open its inaugural season at The Fox Theatre in 1995.
The Atlanta Opera’s 2014 production of Faust will feature rising superstar tenor Noah Stewart making his Atlanta Opera debut in the title role. Noah Stewart recently made international news as the first black artist to top the UK classical album chart in its 25-year history with his debut album, “Noah.” The role of Marguerite will be sung by the radiant Mary Dunleavy, who wowed Atlanta Opera audiences as Violetta in last season’s La traviata. A soprano with The Metropolitan Opera, Dunleavy is also known for her performance in Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-nominated movie Lincoln. Making his Atlanta Opera debut, internationally celebrated Russian bass Alexander Vinogradov performs the role of Méphistophélès.
The Atlanta Opera’s Carl and Sally Gable Music Director, Arthur Fagen, will conduct The Atlanta Opera Orchestra for Faust. The Atlanta Opera Chorus, featured prominently in this production, will be prepared by Chorus Master Walter Huff. Metropolitan Opera stage director Louisa Muller will direct Faust, which will feature Earl Staley-designed sets and costumes from a production originally staged for Houston Grand Opera by Francesca Zambello.
Faust first premiered in Paris in 1859, and exemplifies the French grand opéra tradition with a lavish score featuring a large cast and orchestra, dramatic plot, dynamic choral scenes, and stunning set and costume design. Gounod’s operatic retelling of the famous legend, loosely based on Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s play of the same name, is a rousing tale of the struggle between good and evil. Set in the 16th century in Germany, the elderly scholar Faust sells his soul to the devil Méphistophélès, regaining his youth and the opportunity to seduce the beautiful Marguerite – but he in turn is seduced by her goodness.
Faust will be performed in French with projected English translations.
Ticketholders may attend a free pre-opera talk about Faust, held one hour prior to each performance inside the John A. Williams Theatre at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
Ticket Information Single Tickets – $26 - $133 plus convenience fees Online – atlantaopera.org By Phone – 404-881-8885 (Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.) In-person – Visit the Bank of North Georgia Box Office at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre (Mon.- Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; and two hours prior to a performance on day of show).
Faust Music by Charles-Franςois Gounod Libretto by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré
Sung in French with Projected English Translations Sets from Houston Grand Opera Original Production by Francesca Zambello for Houston Grand Opera
Previous Atlanta Opera Performance: 1995 Approximate Running Time: 3 hours and 15 minutes, with 2 intermissions
Four Performances at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre: Saturday, March 8, 2014 at 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 14, 2014 at 8:00 p.m. Sunday, March 16, 2014 at 3:00 p.m.
Creative Team: Conductor Arthur Fagen Stage Director *Louisa Muller Set Designer Earl Staley Lighting Designer Marie Barrett
Cast: Faust *Noah Stewart Marguerite Mary Dunleavy Méphistophélès *Alexander Vinogradov Valentin *Edward Parks Sièbel *Emily Fons Marthe Schwerlein Robynne Redmon
*Denotes Atlanta Opera debut.
Description Goethe’s legendary tale comes to life in this lavish production. An aging scholar makes a deal with the devil to regain his youth and seduce the beautiful Marguerite—but he in turn is seduced by her goodness. Will the devil get his due? International opera superstar Noah Stewart portrays Faust and the radiant Mary Dunleavy (La traviata, 2013) returns as Marguerite. Arthur Fagen conducts The Atlanta Opera Orchestra, and Walter Huff leads The Atlanta Opera Chorus. Experience opera on a grand scale!
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About The Atlanta Opera Founded in 1979, The Atlanta Opera is one of the finest regional opera companies in the nation. By producing live, mainstage performances of the highest quality and impactful community engagement experiences, The Atlanta Opera enriches lives through the power of opera. Under the leadership of General & Artistic Director Tomer Zvulun, the Opera strives to attract the finest international, national, and regional singers, conductors, stage directors, and designers. Each season, The Atlanta Opera presents three productions at the Cobb Energy Centre, drawing audiences from the entire metropolitan Atlanta area as well as from the Southeast region.
Sponsors The Atlanta Opera is proud to recognize The Coca-Cola Company as the Official Beverage of The Atlanta Opera. The Faust production sponsor is Martha “Mot” Thompson Dinos. Performance sponsors include John Hammaker (Saturday), Jerry & Dulcy Rosenberg (Tuesday), Candy & Greg Johnson (Friday), and Mr. and Mrs. Wayne James (Sunday).
Media Contact: Cristina Vásconez Herrera [email protected] 404-881-9194