E J Cooper High School - Talons Yearbook (New Hope, MN)

Page 21 text:

1. Bill makes himselflook old. 2. A casual night in the Bordello. 3. Did you have to get married? “Places Please!’’ Three Penny Opera was one of the most difficult styles of musicals Cooper has performed. In spite of the hard characterization, difficult orchestration and lengthy schedules of the cast and crews, Cooper’s Drama Department put on six successful performances. The musical was adapted from The Beggars Opera, written in 1728 by John Gay. The three directors, Gretchen Heath, Jeff Phillips and Dan Dressen decided on Three Penny because they wanted a different format for the play. Ms. Heath, who directed at Cooper for the first time, commented, ‘‘The students were very competent. I was very impressed. They were supportive and worked well together. The musical depicts England’s low life at the time of Queen Victoria's coronation. All performers did an excellent job in their portrayals of beggars, ladies of the night, and swindlers. Bill Holmquistdid an outstanding job portraying the merchant J. J. Peachum. Polly, Peachum’s daughter, was played by talented singer, Lisa Kottke. Todd Hanson portrayed MacHeath, who was also known as Mack the Knife. Dressen stated that Hanson was larger in comparison to former persons he’s cast in the role of MacHeath. To add spice to the musical, MacHeath had a mistress named Jenny. Jenny, one of the more difficult roles, was played by Joan Kantorowicz. Wayne Sawatsky in his first time in a musical or play was excellent. He became one of the highlights of a very challenging, but rewarding experience. Musical — 17

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1. MacHeath and his ex-mistress. Jenny, share a bittersweet moment of dance 2. Mr. and Mrs. Peachum lecture Filch (Phil Darg) on how to be a successful beggar. 3. The street singer informs the audience on the next scene. 4. MacHeath's wives. Lucy and Polly, come head to head when their husband lands in jail. 5. A friendly visit with Jenny's girls: Erica Hansing. Jackie Horner. Julie Reinert, and Laurie Schroeder 6. A present from Mack's gang, played by Paul Sundeen. Scott Weinzetl. Loren Sawatsky, and Jerry Aldoraty. 7. Tiger Brown (8ob Thoe) is tormented by Peachum's beggars. Musical—19