Reviews

Exciting times are upon us, dear friends: Musoc’s first full-scale, post-quake musical opened this week – and it ticks all the right boxes. Bertolt Brecht’s The Threepenny Opera is a bold piece of musical theatre, and an extremely wise choice to show off some of the amazing talent we have here in Christchurch, both on and off stage.

The performance begins as soon as you walk through the doors of the venue – where what is usually a rehearsal space has been transformed into a street theatre straight from the grimy backstreets of Victorian London.

In true Brechtian style, you are constantly reminded of your role as an audience member, allowing you to think more openly about the ideas presented to you through song and story. The Threepenny Opera offers up some interesting ideas about values, morals and the capitalist system. However, these rather weighted themes are balanced perfectly with incredible songs and many laughs. After co-directing Musoc's last show, Jason Pemberton steps back onto the stage to lead this strong and magnificently talented cast. Carrying the role of the infamous "Mack the Knife" with ease, Jason shows that his acting chops are on par with his sonorous voice.

The ladies in Threepenny also hold their own, ranging in roles from hopeless romantics to stoic prostitutes. Rachael Norcross plays the naïve Polly Peachum, and belts out some breathtaking songs over the course of the three acts. The modestly-sized cast boasts an array of powerful and impressive voices that leave you in awe when the music begins to fade.

Director Erin Harrington's boundless talent is shown off scene by well-crafted scene, and the passion that she poured into the project is visible in the details that make this show so unforgettable. The songs throughout are played wonderfully, once again showing the talent of musical director Cameron Stewart. The band shares the stage with the cast, and is equally important in bringing the show to life. The Threepenny Opera is sure to wow audiences over its two week run, so look out for the ticket desk around campus and make sure you don't miss out.

The Threepenny Opera runs on the 14th, 15th, 17th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, and 24th September, from 7pm until late in the Drama Workshop 1, Jack Mann Auditorium, College of Education. Students $12/everyone else $15.

Directed by Erin Harrington