The Threepenny Opera

The Threepenny Opera by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill is a criticism of capitalism and middle-class morality, set in a world of corruption with a score that draws upon opera, jazz and cabaret. Set in Victorian London, the musical focuses on the exploits of Macheath, an amoral criminal, who manipulates women and the law with equal dexterity.

The opening song about Macheath’s murderous ways, “Mack the Knife,” became an unlikely pop hit in the 1950s for both Louis Armstrong and Bobby Darin.

Note: Contains adult themes and language.