Theatre and Dance Students Perform The Threepenny Opera

From Connie Lester, Redfern:

KSC Theatre and Dance students will perform The Threepenny Opera, directed by KSC assistant professor Ron Spangler, Wednesday through Saturday, November 18-21, at 7:30 p.m. at the Redfern Arts Center.

The Threepenny Opera, a musical written by Bertolt Brecht and composer Kurt Weill, is an early example of the modern musical comedy genre depicting the dark side of human nature. Set in Victorian England, Brecht uses such characters as Macheath (Mack the Knife), who wants to marry Polly Peachum for reasons other than love, and Mr. and Mrs. Peachum, who control the beggars of London, to exemplify the idea that everybody cheats, and everybody sells someone out. Brecht makes it known to the audience that a fairytale ending can only happen in a play, not in real life.

The Threepenny Opera incorporates a sharp political perspective of the time with the sound of a 1920s Berlin dance band and cabaret. It’s apparent why Threepenny was the inspiration for such contemporary musicals as Chicago and Cabaret.

KSC professor of Theatre and Dance Cèline Perron is designing sets and lighting, and Professor Elisabeth Roos is costume designer for the production. Theatre and Dance faculty members Craig Lindsay and Marcia Murdock serve as technical director and choreographer, respectively. Tickets are available through the box office at 8-2168 or online.