Book & Lyrics by Philip Goulding Music by Kate Edgar
4m 2f actor/musicians. Also version for 12 perfomers inc. 6 actor-musicians
Instrumentation: Flute/Clarinet/Sax (doubling) : Violin : Trumpet : Guitar/Banjo : Double Bass : Piano : Drums
Forest Forge Theatre Company (2002), Maine Performing Arts Festival (2007)
He rode into town with the Devil on his trail….
After many years travelling around the West selling his Famous Miracle Cure, Doc Faust fetches up at the out-of-the-way Arizona town of Heart's Desire, where he takes a shine to the Sheriff's daughter, Helena. She, alas, seems more interested in Cornelius Valentine - a young man recently arrived from the East to edit the local newspaper - the Epitaph. Accepting the fact that his powers have waned, Doc Faust retires to the desert to lick his wounds. There he encounters a mysterious black-clad stranger who believes he can help the Doc revive his fortunes. There will, however, be a price to pay… Soon the Doc and his new found pardner Memphis are headed back into Heart's Desire - and you can bet your bottom dollar that life in that sleepy no horse town ain't ever gonna be the same again…
Dale Superville and Chris Talman in Doc Faust! Directed by Kate Edgar.
Photograph by Ian Christy.
REVIEWS
A witty and entertaining musical with catchy tunes and snappy dialogue, this Wild West version of Goethe's classic tale is a rip roarin' good yarn. A slick and enjoyable treat that will have audiences yelling 'yee ha' all the way home. (The Stage)
A feast of colourful characters and catchy tunes. This must surely be one of the most original adaptations of the Faustian legend so far. (Southern Daily Echo)
I can't remember a more enjoyable night in the theatre. The tale unfolds with Western panache. Complete with gunfights, saloon girls, and, of course, lurve. Great numbers… the fun and action never flag. (Ringwood Magazine)
An evening of rootin' tootin' entertainment full of Western wit. A darned fine tale. A really good night out. (Salisbury Journal)
An exuberant and witty interpretation. (emagazine)
Maine Performing Arts Festival - Ian Carlsen as Doc Faust, directed by Andrew Harris.
THE NATURE OF THE BEAST
Before you start imagining how a man might change your world
And raise you to a plane of greater meaning
Just look before you leap into the frying pan, my girl
For there's more to life than cooking and a-cleaning.
For the apple of your eye may turn out to be a worm
When what once had you a-quiver simply makes you squirm
He'll promise you the moon and the stars
He'll pledge to swear off booze and bars
He'll agree to all you fervently demand
But once he's had his way with you
He'll have nothing left to say to you
I'm afraid that's just the nature of a man
So although you might be thinking how a man could be the cure
To remedy the ennui you're feeling
Take it from an expert, dear - they soon lose their allure
After many evenings staring at the ceiling.
What once seemed multi-faceted 'ppears singular and slight
And sends you straight to sleep where once it kept you up all night.
The man who yesterday excited you
Enamoured and delighted you
Will have you tearing out your hair before too long
And where once he seemed insatiable
In time he'll grow incapable
While you yourself could still be going strong.
For though they might seem int'resting, or dangerous or cute
Rugged or remarkably refined
It's generally the case that these are fleeting attributes
Such impressions seldom stand the test of time.
What was it had you thinking he was the soul of wit
When his finest achievement is the distance he can spit?
Though once completely awed by him
Now you're merely bored by him
Once captivated, now you beg to be released
Yesterday you'd sing for him
Today you'd gladly swing for him
I'm afraid that's just the nature of the beast.
© Philip Goulding/Kate Edgar 2002
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