We got good news this morning from the theatre: Buzz and tickets sales have been so strong that we are extending our "Devils and Saints" rep at Quintessence Theatre an additional week, through May 1st!! A really powerful, and very well received production of SAINT JOAN got us going a few weeks ago, I'm pleased to report that DOCTOR FAUSTUS has lived up to that high standard, with another round of rave reviews and audience enthusiasm.
As I'm tasked with the title role in FAUSTUS, I'm bashful about the warm reception the show is getting. So, let me just give you the press:
Jim Rutter, for the Philadelphia Inquirer:
"The Doctor Faustus of Christopher Marlowe's play sought all the pleasures and knowledge that mortal life could offer. Quintessence Theatre's production equals his quest by showing all the magic that a tremendous cast and imaginative staging can provide.
"Isaac’s Faustus performance begins humble and frustrated, and by turns of his newfound power, turns devilishly charming and pitiably unrepentant. Through his performance, Quintessence’s staging creates a lifecycle. If Marlowe’s play acknowledges friendship as the chief of earthly pleasures, then watching performances like Quintessence’s Doctor Faustus certainly stands a close second."
Mark Cofta, for the Broad Street Review:
"Quintessence Theatre Group's "Devils and Saints" repertory is devilishly good. This fast and furious production [of DOCTOR FAUSTUS] puts a premium on spectacle, but is also remarkable clear verbally and easy to follow. At the center of it all, on stage nearly the entire play, is Isaac's fascinating Faustus, led to ruin by his ego."
And, Neal Newman, for DC Metro Theatre Arts:
"Add all of this into one magical cauldron and The Tragical History of the Life and Death of Doctor Faustus gets this critic's highest recommendation. Raves all around for this one."
Both SAINT JOAN and DOCTOR FAUSTUS are now set to close the weekend of May 1st. Performances have already begun to sell out. So don't dilly-dally, my friends. Reserve your tickets today and get yourself out to the Sedgwick!
Gregory Isaac as Faustus - Photo by Shawn May
Gregory Isaac as Faustus, Josh Carpenter as Mephistophilis - Photo by Shawn May
Josh Carpenter as Mephistophilis, Leigha Kato as Evil Angel, John Basiulis as Lucifer, Gregory Isaac as Faustus - Photo by Shawn May
Gregory Isaac as Faustus - Photo by Shawn May