We have a free weekend between Wagner’s The Ring Cycle. So what’s an opera fanatic to do? We decide to drive to Washington D.C. to see Faust at the Washington National Opera Theatre.
It is a morning of syrup and Orchids, 90 mph into the sunrise we arrive at Founding Farmers in time for pancakes (a delicious recommendation from my friend Joe). There will be lots to explore before tonight’s opera.
Of particular interest to us is Marianne Anderson’s portrait in the National Portrait Gallery. She is the opera singer from Philadelphia who sang in front of the Lincoln Memorial in 1939. Above her portrait reads a quote from Barbara Jordan, “If you are dissatisfied with the way things are, then you have got to resolve to change them.” (A dissatisfied Faust will sell his soul tonight to do just that, Anderson did it through determined excellence in her craft).
The story of her performance can be found here:
The day is gorgeous for a couple of walkers and we visit Whistler’s Peacock Room and then the Smithsonian (but Fonze’s jacket isn’t on view).
We eat dinner at the Roof Terrace Restaurant at The Kennedy Center. The foods were prepared to be photographed more than eaten, and the winds were so strong the balcony was closed, but overall the meal came fast and it was convenient to seeing the opera downstairs. After the opera there was a freezing wind and Chaltin saved us by ordering a Lyft.
I really enjoyed the traditional production. Faust’s giant telescope is to be envied. The devil was so much fun at the festival trying to tempt all of the people. Wonderful chorus throughout…
Each passing year I appreciate a little more Faust’s willingness to make a deal with the devil to relive his youth. Just tell me where to sign.
Faust begins with the title character contemplating suicide when the devil drops in to tempt him with youth and wishes in exchange for his soul. Faust falls in love with Marguerite who he seduces with the help of the devil. She has his illigitimate child and her angry brother Valentin fights Faust who kills him with the help from the devil. Poor Marguerite goes mad and kills her daughter and is locked away in prison. She repents however and is saved by angels.
Notes on the production
Listen for:
The Jewel Song
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Composer………………………….….. Charles Gounod
Faust……………………………….……… Marcelo Puente
Mephistopheles………………….….. Raymond Aceto
Marguerite……………………..…….… Erin Wall
Valentin………………………………..… Joshua Hopkins
Wagner……………………………..…… Samson McCrady
Conductor…………………………..….. Keri-Lynn Wilson
Washington National Opera
3/16/19