Center Stage Opera, a small company that survives mostly on ticket sales and the group’s all-around goodwill, is performing Gounod’s “Faust” in a staging that transports the story from 16th century Germany to the black-and-white world of TV’s “The Twilight Zone.” Liam McLachlan portrays Faust; Shira Renee Thomas is Marguerite. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Performances of “Faust” are Feb. 27 and 28 at the Madrid Theatre in Canoga Park. Gabriel Vamvulescu portrays Mephistopheles, who uses Shira Renee Thomas’ Marguerite to tempt Faust into selling his soul. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Liam McLachlan, as Faust, rehearses for the weekend’s performances. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Gabriel Vamvulescu, center, portrays Mephistopheles, whose temptation proves to be too powerful to Dr. Faust. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Shira Renee Thomas is Marguerite; Liam McLachlan is the rejuvenated Faust, who yearns for her. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Arkeel Tamayo portrays Valentin, the soldier brother of Marguerite. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Center Stage Opera’s music director, Brian Onderdonk, conducts during a rehearsal. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Adrien Roberts readies Shira Renee Thomas for the rehearsal. For more information about the Feb. 27-28 performances, go to www.centerstageopera.org. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
