At Boston College. Set in modern day London, director Stuart J. Hecht did a fine job of assembling his troops to create a stark and powerful rendition of Threepenny, though it did plod at times.

Perhaps the most striking thing about Hunter College's production of Threepenny Opera was their claim that the show was being performed by prisoners. The playbill was so convincing, featuring several fake organization names ("Prison for the Performing Arts is a member of the Corrections and Rehabilitation Corporation of America") and a jaunty fake logo with prison bars. I bought this gimmick wholesale (even though I couldn't find a website for Prison for the Performing arts on my phone...) and the "alienating" effect was tremendous! I was downright scared.

It was a fantastic show. Decent singing all around, fabulous direction (Mackie seemed to have a fetish about keeping things clean: he would gently wipe Polly's face after offering a kiss.) I would have appreciated clearer diction from everyone, but overall a success.

Don't knock it. The perfect contrast to a matinee of La Bohème.

From the Encores! series at City Center. I adored this music, and even though the book felt underwhelming, if I saw a complete production of this which could capture the salty sea air calling to our hero, I would completely fall for this operetta-like, old school musical. And it would be brilliant with more legit voices. Everyone did admirably, but that music would have been better delivered with an extra dose of legit.