Provided by George Mason University
George Mason University’s School of Theater and School of Music are pleased to announce the performances of the Mason Fall Musical – The Threepenny Opera – on October 27, 28, and 29 at 8:00 p. m., October 29 at 2:00 p. m., and October 30 at 4:00 p. m. at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts in Fairfax, and on November 3, 4, 5 at 8:00 p. m. and November 5 at 2:00 p. m. at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas.
Who can get ahead? Those with money do in Brecht and Weill’s innovative social satire, The Threepenny Opera. Echoing with the spirits of the German Music Hall style, this landmark twentieth century musical offers so much more than popular show tunes like “Mack the Knife” or “Pirate Jenny”. The camaraderie and the sacrifices of war provide context for this humorous examination of class warfare and sexual politics.
Set on the eve of a New York City Mayoral election in the gritty 1920s, when prohibition is in effect but speakeasies are open and corruption abounds, the story follows the charismatic anti-hero Macheath, who has been shaped by the foibles of war and is addicted to thrills, power, money and women. He has met his match in Polly, who, like him, seeks power and wealth and is skillful at dominating through the tactics of wit and fear. Protected by his former comrade-in-arms and current police chief, Macheath is a model for the way society’s values have degenerated toward an adoration of money, status, and success over character and contribution.
Bertolt Brecht made famous a groundbreaking style of theatrical storytelling that valued intellectual thought over emotional attachment, and the director, Ken Elston, and student assistants will work with the cast to explore this style physically. An ensemble of twenty-two actors will create the world, transitions, and a sense of place. Actors will play multiple roles, sexes, and may even be called on to play inanimate objects like a chair, bed, or perhaps, the city itself. The choreography will be created by the cast during the rehearsal process, and the results will be dynamic, bold, sexy and comedic.
The George Mason University’s School of Theater and School of Music production of The Threepenny Opera is directed by Ken Elston with musical direction by Stanley Engebretson. Senior Jessica Dubish is assistant director, and junior Stephanie Risch is assistant choreographer. A Talk Back/Q&A with the cast will take place after the first Friday performance of each production.
This performance is funded in part by the Kurt Weill Foundation for Music, Inc., New York, New York.
Tickets for The Threepenny Opera are $30 for adults and $15 for students, seniors and youth up to grade 12. Tickets are available online at cfa.gmu.edu or hyltoncenter.org, by phone at 888-945-2468 or in person at the Center for the Arts or the Hylton Performing Arts Center ticket office. One free student ticket will be available with Mason ID beginning on October 18, 2016. This performance presents mature subject matter, including language, violence, and sexual content.
