Furman University Theatre will present The Threepenny Opera by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill April 15-18, 22, and 25 at 8 p.m., with matinees April 18, 19, and 25 at 3 p.m. in the Theatre Playhouse on campus.
The production, translated by Marc Blitzstein, is directed by Furman’s Maegan McNerney Azar, and is part of Furman’s Cultural Life Program.
Brecht and Weill transformed John Gay’s old-fashioned ballad opera The Beggar’s Opera into a cold and biting commentary on capitalism and morality “by and for beggars” that has since inspired award-winners likeCabaret, Sweeney Todd, and Urinetown.
Threepenny features a menagerie of characters maneuvering for rank in a corrupt world. Audiences will recognize classics like “The Ballad of Mack the Knife” and “Jealousy Duet” in this pungent musical score. As Macheath says, “It’s art, it’s not nice.”
Furman Theatre alum and Mellon Foundation post-doctoral fellow Will Lowry is scenic designer for the production. Furman Theatre alums Carolyn Carrier-McClimon, music director, and Kevin Frazier, lighting and sound designer, also join the production team. Furman music faculty member Bruce Schoonmaker, D.M., is vocal coach. Costumes are designed by Furman professor Margaret Caterisano, makeup designer is sophomore Dakota Adams, and props are designed by freshman Taylor Jensen.
The all-student cast includes: Sam Nelson ‘17 (Boise, Idaho) as Macheath, Sarah Cushman ‘17 (Aiken) as Polly, Elli Caterisano ‘17 (Travelers Rest) as Jenny, Hollins Worsley ‘18 (Davidson, N.C.) as Lucy, Robert Fuson ‘15 (Greenville) as Mr. Peachum, and Clare Ruble ‘17 (Greenville) as Mrs. Peachum, among other cast members.
For ticket information and reservations, call the Theatre Box Office at (864) 294-2125.