August 14, 2009 3 PM at PETA

I wanted to watch this after reading a (lol) Baby Sitters Club book that mentioned “Mack the Knife”. I think Stacey or some other girl sang “Mack the Knife” at a talent show. Later on, I discovered Frank Sinatra. THEN I DISCOVERED THE AMAZINGNESS OF ALAN CUMMING. I knew the song was very popular and was part of ~some musical, but never really bothered to look it up until I saw the Tony performance of Alan Cumming and Cyndi Lauper. I loved it so much and was so disappointed to find out that they never recorded a cast recording.

In short, I wanted to watch The Threepenny Opera because of “The Ballad of the Pimp” and not “Mack the Knife.” And Alan Cumming.

This local production had a Filipino touch, thanks to the costumes, set design and props. It’s a quirky little musical/opera, and definitely not for everyone. I was aghast! when I saw that high school students (and I think grade school students too) were watching the show. Although they were supervised by their teachers, it’s not appropriate for them at all. Suggestive dances and lyrics etcetera. But that’s just my opinion. I think there was one part when they showed a nude painting and the kids were like laughing uncomfortably.

It was very difficult for me to appreciate the musical since I didn’t bother to read up on the summary of the story, and I felt like I was only looking forward to the “Mack the Knife” and “The Ballad of the Pimp” performance. But I have to say that the actors were really good in this. And again, I would like to say that I really love the PETA theater. It’s so cozy and intimate. Although the monobloc chairs are a bit lol-worthy.