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"The
Threepenny Opera," a ground-breaking work of musical theater
by playwright Bertolt Brecht and composer Kurt Weill, will be presented
by Pierrot Productions at MCCC's Kelsey Theatre. Considered one
of the boldest musicals of the Twentieth Century, the show will
be performed Fridays and Saturdays, May 2, 3, 9 and 10 at 8 p.m.,
and Sundays, May 4 and 11 at 2 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is located on
the college's West
Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road.
Based
on John Gay's The Beggar's Opera (1728) and first performed in Berlin
in 1928, this dark comedy is infused with a sharp political perspective
and the sound of 1920s Berlin cabarets. Turning notions of the good
life upside down, "Threepenny" focuses on the lives of
the lower classes in Victorian London. The protagonist is Macheath,
a notorious, amoral antihero. His secret marriage to Polly Peachum
in the first act complicates his life in unforeseen ways. The union
upsets Polly's father, Jonathan Jeremiah Peachum, who controls the
beggars of London. Peachum initiates a campaign against Macheath,
hoping to see him hanged for his various crimes. Peachum's efforts
are hindered, however, by Macheath's long-time friendship with the
chief of police, Tiger Brown. Determined to prevail, Peachum continues
to press the authorities until Macheath is eventually arrested and
sentenced to hang. But Macheath's connections run deep. Will yet
others intervene to save his neck? Just who are the heroes and the
villains in this dark, farcical vision of society?
"Threepenny
Opera" has been recreated in numerous noteworthy productions
including the recent award-winning 2006 Roundabout Theatre production
in New York City. The powerful, highly acclaimed musical score features
the show's opening blockbuster number, "Ballad of Mack the
Knife," which has been performed by such greats as Ella Fitzgerald,
Frank Sinatra, and Louis Armstrong.
The
"Threepenny" cast features Tom Orr as Macheath, Liz Rzasa
as Polly, Cecelia Tepping as Mrs. Peachum, Cathy Liebars as Jenny,
Melissa Rittmann as Lucy, Lee Benson as Tiger Brown, and Tom Chiola
as the ubiquitous Street Singer. The production is directed by Pete
LaBriola, with musical direction by Pam Sharples and Lou Woodruff,
and choreography by Kat Ross.
Tickets
are $16 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $10 for students and children.
Free parking is available next to the theater. Tickets may be purchased
online or
by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333. Kelsey Theatre
is wheelchair accessible and provides assisted listening devices
upon request. For a complete listing of adult and children's events,
visit the Kelsey webpage
or call the box office for a brochure. To request a brochure
by mail, email your request here.
For
more on events at Kelsey Theatre, visit:
2007-08
Season
Ticket Information
Audition Information
Tomato
Patch Visual and Performing Arts Workshops
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