Faustus 

Reviewed by Dana Martin
Archway Theatre Company at Woodbury University Library
Through July 14th 

Archway Theatre Company bravely makes a deal with the devil by staging Faustus, an adaptation of The Tragical History of the Life and Death of Dr. Faustus by Christopher Marlowe. The production, set in the beautiful library at Woodbury University, is earnest though uneven.

Faustus (Eric Castro) has an insatiable desire for learning — and for women. A scholarly and impetuous man, he seeks deeper knowledge and worldly pleasures. He cozies up to Mephistophilis (Benjamin Cramer), the devil’s right-hand man, and strikes a deal with the devil at a hefty price: his soul. It’s a hell of a way to spice things up. He gets what he wants and takes what he wants ravenously, violently, for a while. But the devil dons many disguises and eventually, inevitably, Faustus’ sins are his demise. And it’s not unsatisfying to see a rapist get eaten by demons.

Adapted and directed by Steven Sabel, this Faustus is an incarnation of the classic tale that focuses on the sexual exploits of our tragic hero. This version brings to life the seven deadly sins, who are now slinky sexy demons, lurking and creeping, and ever present-facilitators of Faustus’ folly. The actors playing the seven deadly sins (Annie Freeman Sabel, Isabela Fuzaro, EmLee Vassilos, Clare Lahey, Angie Dobson Robbins, Mishelle Fuentes and Nj Ambonisye) also double as the Chorus and are the evening’s highlight. They consistently drive the text and create a foreboding atmosphere. Sabel’s direction is fast-paced and, at times, imaginative.

Eric Castro assuming the title role finds a Faustus that is largely one note. When he shifts to operatic singing, he gains a bravado and specific delivery that is absent from the rest of his performance. Because he delivers the vast preponderance of the text, it becomes difficult to gauge the play, as every plot point and revelation holds the same importance and emotional weight. His performance lacks nuance and emotional build. Benjamin Cramer’s Mephistophilis is a slimy, gleeful witness to Faustus’ downfall. His demented delight is restrained and subtle. Abigail Hunt is pleasant and exudes innocence as the play’s many ingenues/victims. Masi Hasher is a sweet, loveable loser as the Groom who’s loses his bride to Faustus.

The production’s design elements are uneven and lack professional polish. Set design by John Eddings takes little advantage of the excellent space and the set feels cluttered and claustrophobic. Lighting design, also by Sabel, is lackluster. Sabel’s sound works well in the cavernous space. Movement by Annie Freeman Sabel is dynamic and interesting.

Things don’t end well for Faustus. He discovers early on that he’s already in hell and his bargaining skills are not what he thought them to be. But he knew what he wanted and he risked eternal damnation to get it. Archway Theatre Company leaves a lasting reminder that everyone has a price. What’s yours?

Woodbury University Library, 7500 N. Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank; Fri.- Sat. 8 p.m.; through July 14th. (818) 980-PLAY or www.ArchwayLA.com.  Running time: two hours with one 15-minute intermission.