
The Beggar's Opera 1992
Parodies of early Italian opera abound…
… as Lucy and Polly vie for the affections of Captain Macheath in this lively political satire.
Synopsis
Act I
A prologue, spoken by the Beggar and the Player, introduces the opera written “for celebrating the marriage of James Chanter and Moll Lay, two most excellent Ballad Singers.”
Mr. Peachum, reckoning his accounts, declares that his is an honest employment. Like a lawyer, he acts both for and against thieves. Protecting them is only fitting, since they afford him a living. He decides who should escape punishment through bribes and who deserves deportation or the gallows. Though Mrs. Peachum finds a favorite of hers on his list, she makes no effort to influence her husband’s decision.
She does say, however, that Captain Macheath a highwayman, stands high in her regard, as well as in that of their daughter, Polly. The news upsets her spouse. If Polly marries, her husband may learn family secrets and thus gain power over them. Peachum orders his wife to warn Polly that marriage and a husband’s domination would mean her ruin. They are dismayed when Polly announces her marriage to Macheath. They predict that she will not be able to keep Macheath in gambling and philandering funds, that there will not even be enough money to cause quarrels; she might as well have married a lord.
The Peachums’ ‘greatest fear is that Macheath will have them hanged and gain control of their fortune. He will have to be disposed of, and they suggest that Polly inform on him. Widowhood, they declare, is a very comfortable state. But she stubbornly asserts her love for the dashing highwayman. Overhearing the plan of her parents, Polly warns Macheath. They decide that he should go into hiding until, Polly hopes, her parents relent.
Artists

James Michael McGuire
Baritone
Captain Macheath

Janice Hall
Soprano
Polly Peachum

Judy Kaye
Soprano
Lucy Lockit

Timothy Nolen
Baritone
Mr.Peachum

Jake Gardner
Baritone
Lockit

Elaine Bonazzi
Mezzo-soprano
Mrs. Peachum

Clarity James
Mezzo-soprano
Mrs. Trapes

David Garrison
Actor
The Beggar

David Green
Actor
The Player

John Kuether
Bass
Filch

Jeffrey Reynolds
Tenor
Matt of the Mint

Lisa Saffer
Soprano
Jenny Diver

Nicholas McGegan
Conductor

Christopher Alden
Director

Paul Steinberg
Scenic Designer
Costume Designer

Craig Miller
Lighting Designer

Gary Wedow
Chorus Master