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Lots of drama and humor can be expected this weekend at the University of the Pacific.
The Pacific Opera Theatre is presenting its first full production in-person, “The Threepenny Opera,” “a play with music,” at the Faye Spanos Concert Hall after two years of online opera because of COVID-19.
“I think sometimes we’re one of the best-kept secrets in Stockton,” James Haffner, director for Pacific Opera Theatre, said.
“The Threepenny Opera” by Bertolt Brech, was adapted from a translation by Elisabeth Hauptmann from “The Beggar’s Opera” from 1728, highlights the life of crime lord Macheath and his business ventures and much more.
This is the second time “The Threepenny Opera” will be presented at Pacific in 11 years. Gritty, funny and relevant is how Haffner described the production.
The show opened Thursday and runs through Sunday.
Filo Ebid, a junior at Pacific studying vocal performance and pre-med has been acting since he was in the eighth grade. Ebid plays the lead role of Macheath, also known as Mack the Knife, whom he describes to be strong-willed, unapologetic and a player.
“It’s been a pleasure getting to access that, you know, evil side of myself,” Ebid said. “Expect drama. There’s a lot of drama.”
Other than drama there will also be music with an on-stage orchestra of 13 orchestra musicians.
Ebid described the music as energetic, powerful and meaningful.
Brylan Finley, who is a junior at Pacific and is majoring in vocal performance opera, has been acting for more than 15 years. Finley plays the role of Jenny, a spunky, adventurous and determined character.
“I think this role gives me an opportunity to expand my acting experience,” Finley said. “This is definitely putting me outside of my comfort zone a little bit.”
Finley said this is her first “big role at UOP” after being cast for a prior production two years ago that was canceled due to the pandemic.
“I’m really excited to portray this character,” she said.
Joshua Cabardo, a senior at Pacific studying vocal performance has been acting for two years, plays Matt of the Mint, a sly, snarky, and loyal character.
“I think the biggest challenge is putting myself in a position to be just different than who I am at my core,” Cabardo said.
“There is a lot of humor in a very dark show,” he said.
“The Threepenny Opera” production is rated R.
“There has to be that factor of, you know, realness to it,” Ebid said. “At the end of the day, it’s still a comedy, there’s still joy in watching the characters be themselves … and a lot of beauty in what we do.”
If you go
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 27.
Tickets: $30 adults, $15 seniors, children and students, Free UOP faculty, staff, and students purchase tickets online at music.pacific.edu
Information: music.pacific.edu
Record reporter Angelaydet Rocha covers community news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @AngelaydetRocha. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.
This article originally appeared on The Record: Pacific Opera Theatre returns to in-person show with ‘Threepenny Opera’
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