Directed by Melody Fetske
Music Direction by JoEllen Richardson
Produced by Claudia Weintraub and Melody Fetske
When is an opera not an opera? When it's The Threepenny Opera!
When Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill wrote this musical in 1928, they
broke ground with their innovative style and clever juxtaposition of
melodic tunes against dark topical social messages. Many
translations and formats have evolved over the years, with a long-running
version off-Broadway during the 50's featuring Weill's famous widow, Lotte
Lenya. One of the songs, "The Ballad of Mac the Knife,"
was popularized in the 60's. Although not "prettified,"
this is comedy - populated with beggars, thieves and whores; and filled
with lust, greed, betrayal and some really great music!
So join us for an evening of "opera" in the Industrial
Strength Theater!
NOTE: This play contains strong language and some acts of violence.
Production Dates: January 25 - February 16, 2002
SPECIAL NIGHTS:
Come and see 'The Threepenny Opera,' the warped and quirky musical
comedy. Bertold Brecht's perennial play tells the story of the rise and
fall of Mac the Knife. Through the powerfully driving music and score of
Kurt Weill, become bedazzled by the cynicism, betrayal, greed, and lust of
the denizens of society's underworld.
The
Threepenny Opera Production Website
Interesting
Links to Related Threepenny Opera Sites
Produced by special arrangement with European-American
Music.
ESP Productions are partially supported by a grant from
the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the
Arts.
