The Threepenny Opera: Musical Information & Synopsis


Synopsis

The Threepenny Opera offers a portrayal of London’s criminal underworld, centering around the antihero Macheath, known as Mack the Knife. As the plot unfolds, Macheath faces challenges, including relationships with various women and his constant threat of arrest. The Threepenny Opera explores themes of capitalism, morality, crime, and the subversion of social norms.


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Musical Information

Musical Type: Opera (1928)

Cast: Medium (15+ Roles)

Genre: Drama

Setting: 1830s / England (London)


Creative Team

Music: Kurt Weill

Lyrics/Book: Bertolt Brecht

Based On: The Beggar’s Opera by John Gay


Cast Albums

Original Off-Broadway Cast (1954)➝

Broadway Revival Cast (1976)➝

Donmar Warehouse Cast (1997)➝


Licensing

The Threepenny Opera is available to license through the Kurt Weill Foundation.

International Licensing

Resources

Sheet Music: Amazon➝


Tags

1920s, Dramatic, OperaticPirates


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Knickerbocker Holiday

The Pirates of Penzance


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