By Nadia Smith
Gangsters, a demon, and the devil himself will be taking the stage this month in Trevecca’s adaption of Christopher Marlowe’s “Doctor Faustus.”
“Doctor Faustus” is a cautionary tale about a man who sells his soul to the devil for power and knowledge.
About 17 Trevecca students have spent 18 hours a week for the past several weeks rehearsing for the show.
One of the reasons Jeff Frame, professor of dramatic arts and communication, chose the classic play is because of its serious themes.
“We wanted to do something serious because last year we did Twelfth Night which is a Shakespearean comedy so we try to switch out the comic with the more serious,” Frame said. “We like to every other year do something that is considered a classic and we thought that would be a good choice for this year.”
The classic version of “Doctor Faustus” is set in the late 1500s; however, Trevecca’s version is taking place in the 1920s.
“We get to have fun with the 20s. There’s going to be cigarettes and cigars and liquor. We are going to have some fun sets on stage,” said Kelsey Boyd, assistant stage manager.
Joey Hutton is playing Mephistophilis, a demon that tries to persuade Doctor Faustus against selling his soul.
The show will be like stepping back in time in New York City, he said.
“We are playing gangsters so we come to either bootlegging or speakeasies and all of that prohibition kind of sneaking around stuff,” said Hutton. “Everyone will be wearing period costumes, and everyone has been working on how gangsters would sit back then, even the hair is going to be period.”
Montgomery Sparrow is returning to the stage as the lead role of Doctor Faustus.
He has been working hard on preparing for the role.
“He is doing a phenomenal job. Gummy (Sparrow) did not really have that much of a Christmas break because he spent the whole time memorizing these lines,” said Hutton.
Trevecca alum Jillian Frame is directing the show.
All performances will be in Benson Auditorium in McClurkan Hall. Tickets are $3 for Trevecca students with an ID and can be bought either at the bookstore or the door on the night of the performance. Tickets can also be reserved by emailing theatre@trevecca.edu.
