By Phil Doyle
Bertolt Brecht's ground breaking influence is often
*gasp* forgotten by modern day lovers of traditional musical theatre. The Threepenny Opera exists in a
desperate, eat or be eaten, exploit or be exploited, corrupt world. This
is a show that stands in sharp contrast to the glossy notion of what the
musical became. Before Roger's and
Hammerstein wrote songs about surrey's with fringes on top. The Threepenny Opera is a brisk dip in
ice water, after wallowing in a hot tub for too long.
The
Threepenny Opera (1927) by Bertolt Brecht and composer Kurt Weill, is
based on John Gay's The Beggar's Opera.
The title indicated the ticket price, and was originally meant to appeal to
lower class theatregoers, leveling out the disparity of the theatre patron.
Brechtian theatre provides a didactic approach that
often demonstrates hypocritical and polarizing themes of society. For example, the
dichotomy of the rich and destitute is presented in such a way that may
shock and alienate the observer, and then provokes reaction.
YIKES! Listen
to me! Are you still with me? If you are, I bid you congratulation. You
have passed my test. Allow me to brush off all of this historical theatre gobbledygook …
So, to sum things up in a metaphorical nutshell: The works of Bertolt Brecht gleefully wallow
into hardcore filth and debauchery that makes the Tournament of Roses Parade
look like the Folsom Street Fair.
The
Threepenny Opera is a love story set amongst beggars and prostitutes.
Macheath, aka Mack the Knife, is a successful criminal who captures the
love of Polly Peachum, and they quickly decide to
marry. Polly's father, Jonathan Jeremiah Peachum, doesn't take
kindly to the engagement and sets a plan in motion to have Macheath arrested
and hanged.
We quickly discover
that all of the characters are corrupt and desperate opportunists. From the chief of police, to the women who
Macheath has manipulated to meet his own needs.
The
action comes to a
head with the hangman’s noose around Macheath’s neck. At that vital
moment, TA-DA! A miracle. The execution is called off, and Macheath is
awarded a lifetime of wealth (and thus power).
Perhaps this epic moment of financial salvation was originally made to
appeal to the poor patrons in the audience.
It is an act of a deus ex machina that would make Euripides
proud.
This version tends to lean on the safe side. Sure it tosses out the occasional four-letter
word, and social taboos are addressed, but it feels like it has been watered
down. Which brings me to an interesting
point. This production still works,
especially for Brecht newbies, or the more traditional theatre attendee.
Though not as stark and shocking as many fans of
Brecht would expect, this production is driven by the talents of gifted
actors.
The first reason to go see this show: Richard Cowden as Macheath (Mackie the
Knife). Cowden gives a powerful
performance that embodies the imposing presence of Macheath. He has a commanding vocal range, and an
exquisite ability to communicate his character’s intent.
The second reason to see this show: Mel Horton as Mrs. Peachum. Her skilled vocal talent raises the bar of
this production. Horton performance is a
delight to behold.
My third reason to see this show: Megan Van De Hey as Jenny. A stunning performance, and a voice that
gives The Threepenny Opera its
momentum. For me, this show really began
once Van De Hey hit the stage. Have I
mentioned stunning? Oh yeah, I did … and
the third time is a charm. Stunning.
There are other reasons to see this show. There are other standouts. Personally, Cowden, Horton, and Van De Hey
are gems. The rest of the talented cast
sometimes fluctuate in ability and performance.
I applaud and give mad props to any theatre company
delivering Brecht. I am a proud theatre
geek, and loved some stand out performances in this incarnation of The Threepenny Opera. The rest of the show felt kind of safe. Brecht served a la mode, (albeit with vanilla
ice cream), is still a delicious treat.
Miners
Alley Playhouse presents "The
Three Penny Opera" through October 21. For more information visit www.MinersAlley.com or call 303-935-3044.
