Mack the Knife is back in town! Butte Community College Drama Department will present Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill’s “The Threepenny Opera” November 12 to 16 in The Black Box Theatre of the Arts Building.
First performed in Berlin in 1928, this revolutionary piece of musical theatre was adapted from English dramatist John Gray’s 18th century piece, “The Beggar’s Opera”, a dark satire of “respectable” society; it initially was to rouse theatregoers into political awareness and action.
The setting is Victorian London with in the ‘steam punk’ fashion, with a nine piece orchestra! “The Threepenny Opera” is one of the authentic contemporary musical masterpieces full of beauty, humor and compassion. The thieving Mackie through the depths of Soho and witness how his crimes, lies and womanizing lead to his arrest. Only the miracle that can come from a musical can save his life, and bring a conclusion to what should be a sorrowful end. Its commentary on human beings with scathing songs with the blasted fusion of jazz like The Ballad of Mack the Knife, Pirate Jenny, and Tango Ballad.
Admission is $15 general public, and $10 students and seniors, add $2 at the door. Performances are at 7:30pm November 12 to 15, and at 2:00pm November 16. Tickets are available at the Butte College Bookstore and online.