YOUNGSTOWN, OH (September 16, 2025): Opera Western Reserve (OWR) returns to the DeYor Performing Arts Center on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 7:30 PM with Charles Gounod’s grand masterpiece, Faust. This powerful production will take place in the Edward W. Powers Auditorium.

The cast features several exciting OWR debuts, including Erica Petrocelli as Marguerite and James Eder as the demon Méphistophélès. OWR alunnus Johnny Kaufman returns to the Youngstown stage in the title role of Faust. Together, the performers will deliver a thrilling interpretation of Gounod’s timeless story of love, betrayal, and redemption. 

The production is inspired by a steampunk aesthetic, and patrons are encouraged to come dressed in steampunk attire to add to the ambiance. Those who dress up will be entered into a costume contest.

Composed by Charles Gounod with a libretto by Jules Barbier and Michael Carré, and adapted from Carré’s play Faust et Marguerite, the opera follows an aging scholar who strikes a fateful bargain with the devil to regain his youth. His passionate pursuit of love with the innocent Marguerite sets the stage for tragedy and salvation.

Music Director and Conductor Susan Davenny Wyner looks forward to sharing the production with the community, saying “The music for the soloists, orchestra, and chorus is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colors and contrasts. Devilishly witty, terrifying, romantic, passionate, soaring, and inspiring, it’s no wonder that Faust is one of the favorite operas of all time.”

Tickets are available through the YoruArts Box Office by phone at 330-259-9651, in person at 260 W. Federal Street in Youngstown, or online anytime at operawesternreserve.org.