Culture
OU School Of Music Presents “The Threepenny Opera”
By: Bryan Gibson
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The Ohio University School of Music will perform Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht’s The Threepenny Opera on Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28 at Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium.
Since 1954, The Threepenny Opera has been performed over 10,000 times in 18 different languages, eclipsing Oklahoma! as the longest-running musical in the history of American theater. Its most well-known song, "Mack the Knife," was made popular by Bobby Darin in 1959.
Although the word "opera" is in the title, the piece was designed by Brecht and Weill to satirize both tradtional opera and operetta and create a new kind of musical theater.
"Weill's jazz-influenced music is fascinating in the way it sounds familiar, but with the twist that it's just a ‘bit off,' producing unexpected melodic, harmonic and rhythmic turns that are absolutely delightful," said Music Director Andrew Trachsel.
OU's production is the result of a collaboration with Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, N.C. Costumes and lighting were designed by local talents Ellen Wenger and Rush Radwany, while the set has been borrowed from Lenoir-Rhyne.
"The folks at Lenoir-Rhyne brought the set 300 miles north as an academic project for their students," said Artistic Director and Stage Director Philip Christiansen. "I think we are very fortunate to find such a willing colleague and a set that beautifully fills the considerable proscenium of Memorial Auditorium."
The major roles are performed by OU students. The infamous Macheath is portrayed by Christian Lindsey, who is flanked by three suitors: Anna Grossman as Polly, Kelsey Wymore as Jenny and Kaitrin McCoy as Lucy.
"It’s not your typical opera," said Wymore. "You don’t have to be an avid opera-goer to understand any of the subject matter. If you like gritty, in-your-face disparity, then you will probably find this show humorous."
The show time is 7:30 p.m. both evenings. General admission is $12. OU students will be admitted free. Call 740-593-1780 for tickets.