2013 marked the 85th anniversary of the premiere of The Threepenny Opera (Die Dreigroschenoper). As the 2013-14 season continues, a number of stagings will be on the boards; not only is the work alive and well, it’s thriving. See below for a few listings to whet your appetite.
San Jose Stage Company
“The Bay Area’s Premiere Off-Broadway Theatre” offers an extended run from 5 February through 30 March 2014. Kenneth Kelleher directs; Richard Marriott conducts. Book translated by Robert David McDonald, lyrics by Jeremy Sams.
Graeae Theatre Company
A British company that specializes in employing disabled performers takes on a work where characters pretend to be disabled to attract sympathy. Graeae will tour their staging to four different venues this spring:
- Nottingham Playhouse, 21 February – 8 March
- New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, 12-22 March
- Birmingham Repertory Theatre, 27 March – 12 April
- West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds, 24 April – 10 May
The production will be directed by Jenny Sealey and Peter Rowe, conducted by Robert Hyman. Book translated by Robert David McDonald, lyrics by Jeremy Sams, updated from his original 1994 version.
Atlantic Theater Company
Starring F. Murray Abraham (Peachum), Lilli Cooper (Lucy Brown), Rick Holmes (Tiger Brown), John Kelly (Street Singer), Sally Murphy (Jenny), Laura Osnes (Polly), Michael Park (Macheath), and Mary Beth Peil (Mrs. Peachum). Previews begin on 12 March for this New York production, which runs from 7 April through 4 May. Director: Martha Clarke; music director: Gary Fagin. English adaptation by Marc Blitzstein.
Nordharzer Städtebund Theater
The Harz Mountains region of Germany will have the opportunity to enjoy this original-language touring production, with performances in Quedlinburg, Halberstadt, Heilbad Heiligenstadt, and Eisleben. The first performance takes place on 14 March, the last on 30 May, both in Quedlinburg. Directed by Ulrich Fischer, conducted by Johannes Rieger.
Amarillo Opera
Two nights only: 5-6 April. Lenya Competition Prizewinner Maren Weinberger will play Polly. Directed by Walker Lewis; conducted by Braden Toan. English adapation by Marc Blitzstein.
Salzburger Landestheater
Twelve performances in repertory from 4 April through 15 June. Stephanie Mohr directs; Christian Frank and Stefan Müller conduct.
Signature Theatre
A Tony Award-winning Washington, D.C.-area company that prides itself on innovative musical theater, the Signature will feature Threepenny from 22 April through 1 June. Directed by Matthew Gardiner; conducted by Gabe Mangiante. Book translated by Robert David McDonald, lyrics by Jeremy Sams.
