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The great lords and powerful public officials of early 18th century England are represented as highwaymen and thieves in this deliciously satirical ballad opera. In addition to its burlesque of the contemporary vogue for Italian operatic styles, John Gay's 1728 masterpiece ridicules... Read Full Overview

'Whore and rogue they call husband and wife:
All professions be-rogue one another'

The tale of Peachum, thief-taker and informer, conspiring to send the dashing and promiscuous highwayman Macheath to the gallows, became the theatrical sensation of the eighteenth century.In THE BEGGAR'S OPERA, John Gay turned conventions of Italian opera riotously upside-down,... Read Full Overview

Mr. and Mrs. Peachum are horrified when they learn of their daughter Polly's secret marriage to the rebellious and notorious highwayman, Macheath. However, their fear is soon mitigated when they decide to kill him for his money. When Macheath is in the tavern, surrounded by... Read Full Overview

A receiver of stolen goods informs on his chief supplier, setting in motion an increasingly absurd turn of events. This satirical 1728 play was to become the prototype for Threepenny Opera.

The Beggar's Opera introduced to theater the ballad-opera and an immortal cast of characters. The Peachums, employers of a company of pickpockets, shoplifters, and thieves, raised their daughter Polly for finer things, but she has done a dreadful deed. She has married for love... Read Full Overview

The Beggar's Opera is a satirical play written by John Gay in 1728. The story is set in the criminal underworld of London and follows the character of Macheath, a notorious highwayman, as he navigates his way through love affairs, betrayals, and run-ins with the law. The play... Read Full Overview

The tale of Peachum, thief-taker and informer, conspiring to send the dashing and promiscuous highwayman Macheath to the gallows, became the theatrical sensation of the eighteenth century. In "Beggar's Opera", John Gay turned conventions of Italian opera riotously upside-down,... Read Full Overview

The Beggar's Opera is a satirical play written by John Gay in 1728. The play is set in London and follows the story of a group of beggars, thieves and prostitutes who form a criminal gang and engage in various illegal activities. The main character, Macheath, is a notorious highwayman... Read Full Overview

The beggar's opera. Written by Mr. Gay. To which is prefixed the overture in score. And the musick to each song. This book, "The beggar's opera", by John Gay, is a replication of a book originally published before 1765. It has been restored by human beings, page by page, so that... Read Full Overview

"The Beggar's Opera" from John Gay. English poet and dramatist (1685-1732).

The Beggar's Opera is a satirical play written by John Gay and first performed in 1728. The play tells the story of a group of criminals and their interactions with the upper classes of society, particularly their love affairs and financial dealings. The play is notable for its... Read Full Overview