'Life in the Faust Lane' not to be missed

A man appears in Dr. Ursula Faust's office telling her that she can have anything in the world she desires if she agrees to relinquish her eternal soul to Hell. This was the scenario that Dr. Faust thought would happen when she attempted to summon Mephistopheles. However, by mistake when the professor is out, Mephistopheles gives this offer to Faust's bumbling graduate assistant, Wagner. When given the opportunity to choose any wealth, strength or power, his desire is sex with nine different woman throughout the course of nine days. His wishing leads to a downward spiral with glances into ancient Troy, junior high crushes, pop stardom and who's really on the other side of your computer screen. \nThe Bloomington Playwrights Project's new play is nothing short of hilarious. "Life in the Faust Lane" is a sexual farce written by the talented Eric Pfeffinger, who also wrote the plays "Where Men Are Empty Overcoats" and "Last Things." He magically transformed the play from the classic German tragedy written by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The dark tale was revised from the 1808 piece into a journey through the egocentric 21st Century where people have the power to do nearly anything, minus the help from The Underworld. It is no longer a struggle between good and evil for the soul, but a conflict between sex and how much time is available for it. \nThe staging of the play was creatively designed by director Scot Greenwell, who also directed "Naked Ambition" for BPP. The energetic and comical script was equally matched in hilarity by the cast. \nBreshaun-Birene Joyner, who played Dr. Faust, presented a strong performance as the professor bored with endless and dry committee meetings. At times her power and outrage on stage was down right frightening. Her cold stare certainly stopped Satan in his tracks, making her performance memorable.\nJoyner's presentation was met by co-star Matt Holzfeind in the role of the graduate assistant Wagner. Holzfeind's ability to be awkward caused his physical comedy to be hysterical. His performance was an uproarious image in the manner of Michael Richards, Kramer of "Seinfeld," under the pressure of thirteen years as a graduate with no focus and raging hormones. \nLaughter is abundant as well for Kathryn McRay and Brian G. Hartz, who played the roles of Gretchen, Wagner's love interest and the greatest cause of irritation for Dr. Faust, and Mephistopheles, the Prince of Darkness who needs no introduction. McRay appears with flowing energy as the bubbly and knowledge-thirsty student who was hiding a sexual hunger for those lacking intelligence. Hartz, even though he is portraying absolute evil, convinces the audience that maybe they wouldn't mind going out for a cup of coffee with the devil. He has the perfect blend of apathy, sarcasm and charm.\n"Life in the Faust Lane" is a show not to be missed at the Bloomington Playwrights Project. Beginning with an epigraph from Britney Spears, then an in-depth look at modern penis envy, and ending with the remodeling of Hell, one should expect a hilarious evening full of surprises.\nBloomington Playwright's Project is located at 312 S. Washington St. The show runs from now until June 30, Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. Reservations can be made by calling 334-1188.