On December 4th and 6th, 2003, Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy’s Don Bosco Drama Club presented their first production, Christopher Marlowe’s play Dr. Faustus. The story of a man who sells his soul to the devil for 24 years of power, knowledge, and fame, the drama presents the dire consequences of letting the devil into one’s life, no matter how attractive his promises may be.

The audience, which totaled more than 150 people at each performance, was deeply affected by the moral message of the play. Paul Kluke, custodian of St. Hedwig’s Church (where the production was held), commented that the drama made him aware of all the little compromises with the devil each of us makes in everyday life. Although these lesser bargains are not as final or all-encompassing as that of Dr. Faustus, they can take us on a downward spiral that can be just as destructive. When asked what the play had to say about accepting such compromises, Mr. Kluke chuckled: “Don’t do it.”

The success of the play was due in no small part to astounding performances by the two lead actresses, Theodora Ferrant as Dr. Faustus, and Carol Reaume as Mephistophilis. Miss Ferrant played the part of the central character—-a challenging role, with over 600 lines—-with a judicious combination of pride and naïve zeal. She was well matched by a Mephistophilis whose sarcasm and violence were always brewing just beneath the surface, waiting to get the better of his victim.

In addition to these two stars, a great number of people also played their part in producing an effective rendition of the play. Pamela Compeau, costume director, deserves credit for painstakingly recreating the Elizabethan style of dress, which reinforced the sense many viewers had of being transported to another time and place. Mary Connolly, as stage manager, did an admirable job of ensuring that rehearsals ran smoothly and on schedule, and that everyone knew what they had to do.

All the actors are to be commended for the confidence and creativity that shone through in their interpretations—-particularly those whose characters provided comic relief, such as the village idiots Robin and Ralph (Joseph Lees and Ian Sinclair), and Wagner and the Clown (Elizabeth O’Brien and Diane April).

Indeed, according to director Christine Marlin, who teaches literature at the Academy, “One of the most satisfying aspects of the whole production was to see the students' considerable talents being given a forum for expression.”