Stage Centre Productions wrap up their season with a rare foray (for this group) into the world of musical comedy, and not just any musical comedy. They are presenting one of the great classics: Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht’s The Threepenny Opera, using the Marc Blitzstein translation from 1954.

The production showcases fine singing, and a thorough exploration of the text, which is loaded with political satire and dark humour. How dark? The opening ballad – and the show’s most famous song “Mack the Knife” sums it up perfectly.  J.B. Pierre Rajotte sings with conscientious emphasis on the words and subtext. This version may be an English translation abut the roots are decidedly German, with Weill’s angular melodies underscoring the text.

The music in Threepenny Opera is deceptive. Some may find the music too dry, but rest assured many of these tunes will be with you days after the performance. Blitzstein’s translation is less authentic than later versions but he brings such poetry to the piece that it is small wonder this is the preferred version for performance.

Roger Kell with a broad cockney accent is the perfect embodiment of the avaricious Mr. Peachum. His Missus is portrayed by Judy Gans, whose Brunnhilde-like hairstyle generates laughs before she even opens her mouth. Their daughter Polly is played by Jennifer Strype, who has a lovely lyrical soprano voice.

The other key female roles, Jenny (Debbie Yuen) and Lucy (Hanna Peltoniemi-Fam) are equally well sung and acted. The central role of Macheath is portrayed by newcomer Zachary McKendrick. He is perhaps a touch less menacing than might be expected offering instead a charming snake oil salesman approach that is certainly appropriate. You can see why Polly would run away with him.

Music director James Pinhorn has created a music track to back the singers that generally works quite well, though it occasionally proves a challenge to the cast to stay on tempo with the score.

Director Garth Allen has wisely keeps the original three-act structure and stages the piece to build to each of the dramatic finales. He keeps the action moving swiftly and really accentuates the humour of the piece. The performers infuse the proceeding with so much fun, and deliver the lyrics crisply.  Best of all, Allen’s simple yet effective design allows the set pieces to be changed easily and quickly while providing a spare 18th century look that serves the material exceptionally well.

Because of the complexities of the score, The Threepenny Opera is not done all that frequently by Community Theatre groups. Stage Center has the necessary acting company to play the Brechtian text, and happily they give full measure to Kurt Weill’s fascinating score.

It’s a fine finale to a strong season of shows from the troupe.

Stage Centre Productions offers The Threepenny Opera at Fairview Library Theatre, 35 Fairview Mall Dr., until Saturday, May 22nd. For tickets and performance schedule please click here visit or call the box office at 416-299-5557.