‘Threepenny Opera’ Back as Part of UA Gallaway Theatre’s 50th Anniversary Celebration

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama department of theatre and dance presents “The Threepenny Opera,” the first musical of the 2006-2007 50th anniversary season of the Gallaway Theatre, Nov. 7-12.

Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12.

“The Threepenny Opera” features a stellar cast that combines many talents from the department of theatre and dance and the School of Music.

“‘The Threepenny Opera’ is a pivotal work in the history of musical comedy,” said Dr. Ed Williams, director of the production and chair of the department of theatre and dance. “Based on ‘The Begger’s Opera,’ which is arguably history’s first musical comedy, ‘The Threepenny Opera’ set a standard that has influenced much of the musical theatre we see today.”

Originally produced in the Gallaway Theatre in 1971, this production is part of the celebration of the Gallaway’s 50th anniversary, revisiting classics of the theatre’s past, including the upcoming productions of “Romeo and Juliet,” “Blithe Spirit” and the recent production of “Our Town.”

Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for UA faculty and staff and seniors, and $8 for students. Group rates are available for parties of 10 or more. Tickets can be purchased at the box office in Rowand-Johnson Hall between noon – 5 p.m. or by calling 205/348-3400.

The College of Arts and Sciences and the department of theatre and dance invite alumni to attend the Saturday, Nov. 11 performance where they can enjoy a private reception in the Johnson Room and mixing and mingling with the current student actors and artists.

The department of theatre and dance is housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, the University’s largest division and the largest public liberal arts college in the state. Students from the College have won numerous national awards including Rhodes Scholarships, Goldwater Scholarships and memberships on the “USA Today” Academic All American Team.