Faust's legendary deal with the devil has captivated audiences for centuries with its themes of desire, sacrifice and redemption. Here, MPR's Brandi Parisi offers up a plot synopsis to guide you through Charles Gounod's opera and explain this story's timeless appeal.

MPR and the Minnesota Opera present Faust

Walk through this scene-by-scene slide show of photographs and text from the Minnesota Opera's production.

MPR's Brandi Parisi interviews the opera's participants.
(RealAudio 3.0)

•  Minnesota Opera artistic director Dale Johnson discusses Faust's appeal

•  Paul Charles Clarke, who portrays the title character, tells how he creates sympathy for Faust.

•  Paul Charles Clarke talks about language. Part 1 Part 2

•  Brandi Parisi talks with conductor Emmanuel Plasson Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

A list of the players, the crew, and the credits.