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The Beggar's Opera 1992

July 18 - August 27, 1992

Parodies of early Italian opera abound…

… as Lucy and Polly vie for the affections of Captain Macheath in this lively political satire.

Words by
John Gay
Music Originally Arranged by
Johann Christoph Pepusch
Santa Fe Opera Version Edited and Arranged By
Nicholas McGegan

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 headshot

James Michael McGuire

Baritone

Captain Macheath

Janice Hall

Janice Hall

Soprano

Polly Peachum

Judy Kaye

Judy Kaye

Soprano

Lucy Lockit

Timothy Nolen headshot

Timothy Nolen

Baritone

Mr.Peachum

Jake Gardner

Jake Gardner

Baritone

Lockit

Elaine Bonazzi

Elaine Bonazzi

Mezzo-soprano

Mrs. Peachum

Clarity James

Clarity James

Mezzo-soprano

Mrs. Trapes

David Garrison

David Garrison

Actor

The Beggar

David Green

David Green

Actor

The Player

John Kuether headshot

John Kuether

Bass

Filch

Jeffery Reynolds

Jeffrey Reynolds

Tenor

Matt of the Mint

Lisa Saffer headshot

Lisa Saffer

Soprano

Jenny Diver

Nicholas McGegan

Nicholas McGegan

Conductor

Christopher Alden headshot

Christopher Alden

Director

Paul Steinberg

Paul Steinberg

Scenic Designer

Costume Designer

Craig Miller headshot

Craig Miller

Lighting Designer

Gary Wedow headshot

Gary Wedow

Chorus Master