Loud Voices, Louder Costumes

Director Carolee Shoemaker turns Christopher Marlowe’s “Doctor Faustus” into a wearisome costume drama at the Knightsbridge Theatre. Goateed men in breeches shout well-enunciated lines, and the wardrobe (Ruth Talley is the costume consultant) ranges from passable to awful Halloween outfits.

Marlowe wrote a frightening tale about demons and devils, and a man who finds fame and fortune by selling his soul. In the 16th century, people still believed in witches and sorcerers. The fears were very real to them.

The ensemble, led by Dwight Bacquie as the ill-fated doctor, never gives more than two-dimensional characterizations. The growing ego of Faust and his tremulous realization of his fate are played with equally flat, high-decibel zeal.

Mephistopheles (Michael Kellick) is hampered by a glittery costume that screams trick-or-treat party time, and he never delivers the sullen patience of a servant who will soon enough be master to the foolish Faustus.

The only bright spot is Ryan Petersen’s comic turn as Robin, a clown and servant.

*

* “Doctor Faustus,” Knightsbridge Theatre, Braley Building, 35 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena. Saturdays, 5 p.m.; Sundays, 6 p.m. Ends Sept. 26. $15. (626) 440-0821. Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes.