(1)
The Beggar's Opera (Sekacz)
John Caird
The Beggar's Opera
by John Gay
Highlights
What readers are saying
Readers appreciate the clever satire and humor in the play, often noting its relevance and amusement despite being centuries old. Many enjoy the musical elements and the energetic character portrayals that lend themselves well to performances. However, there's an acknowledgment of its dated and problematic language, sparking mixed feelings regarding its treatment of women in the narrative.
Witty satire of Italian operaEngaging and darkly funnyCaptivating character portrayalsStill relevant and entertaining todayProblematic language regarding women
Synopsis
John Gay's famous "opera of the people" has been adapted for modern use.
All the essential ingredients of the story are there-- Macheath's love of women and Polly's and Lucy's fight over him; Peachum's selling of Macheath to the law; Macheath's escape and re-capture and his eventual pardon so a happy ending can be achieved.
The settings are simple without complicated set changes.
Press Reviews
"…with Ilona Sekacz's complete musical overhaul, [Caird] raises the dramatic fever of the score to match Gay's wonderfully savage and scabrous script.“ —Observer (London). ”Fresh as milk, horny as hell, a dream, a nightmare, a cross-section of an ant hill, John Gay's BEGGAR'S OPERA is like life. It is beautiful, it is there, and it goes on. And, in John Caird's sensationally seductive production you never want it to end…Here's variety before the word was invented.“ —Midweek Magazine. ”THE BEGGAR'S OPERA…is obviously full of zest and fascination…There is so much life and vigour in the whole thing…It was absolutely spell-binding…"
— Oxford Magazine
Characters
| Character |
|---|
BEGGAR/MR. PEACHUM A notorious fence and informer |
BEGGAR/FILCH His servant |
BEGGAR/MR. LOCKIT Chief Jailer of Newgate Prison |
BEGGAR/CAPTAIN MACHEATH A famous highwayman |
BEGGAR/POLLY PEACHUM Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peachum, wife of Captain MacHeath |
BEGGAR/MRS. PEACHUM Mr. Peachum's common-law wife |
BEGGAR/LUCY LOCKIT Daughter of Mr. Lockit, girlfriend of Captain MacHeath |
Members of the MacHeath Gang |
BEGGAR/JIM |
BEGGAR/NED |
BEGGAR/MATT |
BEGGAR/BEN |
Others |
LADIES OF THE TOWN |
BEGGAR/DOLLY |
BEGGAR/JENNY |
BEGGAR/MRS. COAXERBEGGAR/MRS. SLAMMEKINCONSTABLES (2) |
PRISONERS (2) |
FOUR WOMEN WITH BABIES |
THE HANGMAN |
Available Editions
Publication
PublisherNick Hern Books
Year2007
BindingPaperback
EditionTurner/Gay
Pages128
LanguageEnglish
ISBN-139780573080531
ISBN-100573080534
LCCPR3473 .B4 2006
The Beggar's Opera is a British comedy play written by John Gay and published by Nick Hern Books (2007).
Digital editions available on Amazon Kindle.
Community Reviews
No community reviews yet
Buy Play
Turner/Gay
Concord Theatricals
From $31.67 total
Performance Rights
Available for Licensing
Amateur & Professional
Fee:Licensing fees and rental materials quoted upon application.
Apply for RightsSimilar Plays
Plays with similar themes, style, and content.
