PROVIDENCE, RI (April 22, 2013) - The Wilbury Theatre Group concludes its 3rd Season as Providence's next professional theatre company with a highly anticipated production of Bertolt Brecht & Kurt Weill's seminal masterpiece musical, The Threepenny Opera.
Under the direction of Artistic Director Josh Short, this dark and hilarious tale of a corrupt society plagued by Capitalism and self-interests follows the notorious criminal Macheath (David Tessier) as he marries Polly (Christine Dickinson), the young daughter of the charismatic Jonathan J. Peachum (Tom Gleadow) leader of the city's beggars and all around bad guy. Turned in by one-time lover turned prostitute Jenny (Karen Carpenter) and forced to elude capture by crooked sheriff Jackie "Tiger" Brown, (Brien Lang), Mac and his gang set off a course of actions that without some divine intervention, are sure to end badly.
The Threepenny Opera runs from May 23 through June 8 at The Wilbury Theatre Group, 393 Broad St., Providence, RI. Tickets: $20-$25; preview performances (May 23-26) just $20. Discounts for seniors and students available. Tickets at 401-400-7100 or thewilburygroup.org
ABOUT THE THREEPENNY OPERA
The haves clash with the have-nots while MacHeath, the ultimate sneering antihero, perches in the middle of the storm. A brilliant masterpiece of epic theater, Brecht's sharp critique of Capitalism originated the popular songs "The Ballad of Mack the Knife," "Soloman Song" and "Pirate Jenny."
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. With its haunting jazz score by Kurt Weill, acid harmonies and biting lyrics, The Threepenny Opera would go on to influence the writing of such hits as Cabaret and Urinetown in years to come.
"Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill's seminal 1928 critique of capitalism, self-interest and the bourgeoisie suits ... the tone of these troubled times ... the kind of theater that shakes up an audience."
-Chicago Daily Herald
"The greatest musical of all time."
-Newsweek
Wilbury Group Artistic Director Josh Short says, "For years Brecht's masterpiece has been on my shortlist of favorite plays. As a sharp satire of a culture built around money and excess
Threepenny is without a doubt as funny and foreboding today as it was upon its debut in 1928. It's exactly the kind of entertaining, thought-provoking and socially relevant production that our audiences have come to expect from us, and we couldn't be more excited at the opportunity to deliver it."
ABOUT THIS PRODUCTION
The Threepenny Opera
By Bertolt Brecht & Kurt Weill
Directed by Josh Short
Music Direction by David Tessier
Set Design by Sara Ossana
Lighting Design by Jason Eckenroth
Sound Design by Kerry Callery
Media Design by Mike Commendatore
Costume Design by Jennifer Lyons
Choreography by Kate Lester
Assistant Music Direction by Katie Cohen
Stage Management by Travis Greene
CAST
(in order of appearance)
Mr. Peachum...............Tom Gleadow*
Filch.............................Stuart Wilson
Mrs. Peachum..............Phyllis Lynne*
Matthew Money...........Josh Andrews
Macheath.....................David Tessier
Polly Peachum..............Christine Dickinson
Twisted Finger Jake......Cyrus Leddy
Robert/Betty.................Rico Lanni
Walter/Vixen................Aaron Weininger
Jimmy...........................Julien Toufek
Reverend Kimball.........Andrew Stigler
Tiger Brown..................Brien Lang
Molly............................Alyssa Gorgone
Dolly.............................Blanche Case
Louise...........................Christine Treglia
Jenny Towler................Karen Carpenter
Smith...........................Jo An Peralta
Lucy Brown..................Katie Travers
*Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
CALENDAR OF PERFORMANCES
May
Thursday, May 23 preview at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, May 24 preview at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 25 preview at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 26 preview at 7:30 p.m. (PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN)
Monday, May 27 press at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 30 at 7:30 p.m.*
Friday, May 31 at 7:30 p.m.
June
Saturday, June 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 6 at 7:30 p.m.*
Friday, June 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 8 at 7:30 p.m.
*Followed by talk back.