Critics loved BOF's production of Gounod's Faust. The Berkshire Edge posted a rave review, saying our Faust has "a fine cast of singers and an excellent orchestra conducted by co-founder Brian Garman with a simple but effective production." The Edge was especially taken with soprano Raquel González, who "sang Marguerite’s song with gusto, clarity, and great beauty." And continued, "it was joyful to watch and listen to this beautiful young woman sing the triumphant song that celebrates the physical strengths of love combined with wealth. Her lyrical tone was matched by her sensitive interpretation of her role."
In their review In the Spotlight, praised the whole cast, saying "tenor Duke Kim is an ardent Faust, singing and acting with passion, clarity, and plush tonal beauty. Bass-baritone Justin Hopkins portrays Méphistophélès with a winning mix of demonic power, comic wit, and even sex appeal. Raquel González tracks Marguerite's journey from demure grace through amorous infatuation to abject heartbreak with unerring skill."
The Berkshire Eagle also had great things to say about Justin Hopkins, namely that he is "flashingly compelling and shimmering with swaggering power. . . and perfect comic timing." And they continued with more high praise for Raquel González. The Eagle noted that "in the finale, she ascended to another plane. González was majestic, her gorgeous voice diamantine and bright as daylight . . . here, BOF gave us perhaps the best few minutes of opera it's ever produced," adding "the chorus, under Geoffrey Larson, was stellar."
Image Credit: Duke Kim as Faust and Raquel González as Marguerite; Photo: Ken Howard.