Hillsdale College Produces “The Threepenny Opera”
The jazz-inspired “play with music” will runthrough Sunday, Feb. 27
HILLSDALE, Mich. — The Hillsdale College Tower Players and the John & Dede Howard Department of Music Production staged the opening performance of “The Threepenny Opera” on Feb. 23. Students, faculty, staff, and community members were in attendance for the jazz-inspired “play with music,” which runs through Feb. 27.
“The Threepenny Opera” draws on John Gay’s “Beggar’s Opera,” and delves into the London criminal underground to satirize widespread societal corruption. Writer Bertolt Brecht and composer Kurt Weill collaborated on the creation of the play, which includes the popular song “Mack the Knife.”
“This is a fantastic play to stage,” said James Brandon, chair and professor of theatre. “It’s biting, it’s funny, and it doesn’t pull any punches. The audience isn’t just invited into the play’s world — they are pulled in to a complex, dynamic experience that has to be seen to be believed.”
Brandon directed the performance, and James Holleman, chair and professor of music, directed the music.
“The Threepenny Opera” will run Feb. 24 to Feb.26 at 7 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee on Feb. 27. All performances are free but require ticket reservations. Call (517) 607-2848 or email [email protected] to reserve a space.