For pop singer-composer Randy Newman, the chance to stage a musical version of "Faust" is a touch of heaven.

Noted for slyly cynical tunes like "Short People," Newman had wanted to tackle Johann von Goethe's 19th century masterpiece for a long time."Faust" fans will notice some departures from Goethe's tale of the scientist who offers to sell his soul to the devil in exchange for unlimited knowledge and experience.

"I made him a 19-year-old Midwestern teenager at a Catholic school," Newman said. "The devil is enormously frustrated with him. The kid is completely without a conscience - it's like dealing with an (unruly) teenager for the devil and he can't handle it."

Newman's adaptation premieres this week.

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Birthdays: For Sunday, Sept. 24

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