Wolfgang's Music Takes the Stage in Rock Opera Si Faust
The theater calendar for November is pretty full, with Shrek, the Musical, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater; Bar Boys: The Musical at Hyundai Hall; Anino sa Likod ng Buwan at PETA; Alice in Wonderland at the Repertory Eastwood Theater; Gregoria Lakambini: A Pinay Pop Musical at the Cultural Center of the Philippines; and many more. But hoping to cut through the chaos is the music of OPM band Wolfgang, driving the rock opera adaptation of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s Faust.
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A collaboration between director-playwright Nelsito Gomez and Wolfgang frontman Basti Artadi, Si Faust is all set to run from November 14 to 23 at the Doreen Blackbox Theater in Areté.
Si Faust reimagines the classic tale of a deal with the Devil through the rock anthems of Wolfgang. The story is set in a Philippine province ravaged by a mysterious plague, where the disillusioned foreign preacher, Faust, makes a desperate pact with Mephistopheles. Granted youth, power, and pleasure, Faust’s "miracles" begin to heal the sick, bringing him fame but ultimately drawing him into a tragic love affair with the innocent provincial girl, Marga, whose life is destroyed by his pursuit of grace and glory.
Leading the cast is Joseton Vergel de Dios as the tormented Faust. Joining him are Maita Ponce as the cunning Mephistopheles, Shaira Opsimar as the doomed Marga, Joshua Cabiladas as Tiño, and Matel Patayon as Martha. MC Dela Cruz, Jam Binay, JV Fulgencio, Thor Ganchero, and Iya Villanueva complete the ensemble.
Si Faust is directed by Nelsito Gomez, with Kabaitan Bautista (musical director, arranger, and sound designer), Rafael Jimenez (assistant director), Jim Ferrer (choreography), Sarah Facuri (set design), Carlo Pagunaling (costume design), D Cortezano (lighting design), and Joyce Garcia (video and projection designer), completing the creative team.
With this fusion of classic literature, local setting, and iconic OPM, Si Faust promises to be a powerful event this November despite its limited run.
Si Faust runs from November 14 to 16 and from November 20 to 23 at the Doreen Blackbox Theater, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University. Ticket prices are at P999 and P1,499, available through Helixpay.
