Three Penny Opera
by Bertolt Brecht
Music by Kurt Weill
Translation by Michael Feingold
Directed By Steven Kent
Musical Director: Dr. James Calhoun
Vocal Director: Carol Stephenson
Considered to be a 20th century masterpiece of musical theatre, Bertolt Brecht’s Three Penny Opera is a trailblazing musical spectacle of fierce social and political critique. Written in 1928, Brecht’s biting text paired with Weill’s acid harmonies created a revolution in musical theatre, inspiring shows like Chicago and Cabaret.
This delightful production will play for seven delicious performances at Dailey Theatre opening on February 9th with additional performances on February 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 at 7:30 p.m., with a closing 2:00 p.m. matinee on February 19th. Ticket prices are $10 for general admission, $8 for seniors, faculty and staff and $5 for all students.
Set in the seedy gangster underworld of L.A. Harbor, the play follows the infamous gangster Macheath (played by Alvaro Renteria) as he marries the pretty Polly Peachum (Sierra Taylor), much to the disappointment of her parents Mr. and Mrs. Peachum (Zachary Green and Sarah Rae Jackson). The Peachums set out to get their new son-in-law arrested, but Mack is close partners with the police chief Tiger Brown (Ernie Reyes). Peachum blackmails Tiger Brown with a scandalous secret and Brown has no choice but to throw Macheath in jail, where he is certain to meet a dreadful, bloody end.
This production is under the direction of University of La Verne Director of Theatre and three-time LA Drama Circle Critics award winner Steven Kent, with musical direction by Dr. James Calhoun and vocal direction by Carol Stephenson. It includes an electrifying set design by University of La Verne alum Matthew G. Hill as well as a spectacular light design by Amy Anne Tofolla, and stunning costume design by Rachel Shachar. This production serves as the senior performance thesis for Alvaro Renteria.
Scenic Design by Matthew G. Hill
Costume Design by Rachel Shachar
Light Design by Amy Anne Tofolla
Technical Director: Alan Tollefson
Stage Manager: Amanda Novoa
Assistant Director: Daniel Bride
Assistant Stage Managers: Maryanne Householder, Alexis Robles
Cast:
STREETSINGER: Cole Wagner
MACHEATH: Alvaro Renteria
MACK’S GANG:
Cody Goss, Jordan Randall, Cole Wager, Jake Tittl, Daniel Ramirez
TIGER BROWN: Ernie Reyes,
MR. PEACHUM: Zachary Green
MRS. PEACHUM: Sarah Rae Jackson
POLLY PEACHUM: Sierra Taylor
LUCY BROWN: Gabrielle Atchley
PIRATE JENNY: Stephanie Aguilar
FILCH: Alon Dina
REVEREND KIMBALL: Thomas Smerdon
ENSEMBLE:
Gemma Alfaro
Teresa Beardsley
Adrienne Castillo
Alexander Clague
Destiny Guillory
Ariana Harris
Sonora Hernandez
Joe Kim
Moheb Moktar
Kimberly Phan
Jenni Peterson
Bo Powell
Travis Snyder-Eaton
Mason Sustayta
Elizabeth Torrecillas
Christina Zepeda
