Jazz, musicals to blend in UCI show

“The Threepenny Opera,” a classic masterwork of jazz and one of the earliest versions of the modern musical, debuts tonight at the Claire Trevor School of the Arts at UC Irvine.

Composed in 1928, the production brought “Mack the Knife” and other beloved songs to the world’s repertoire.

In the production, characters struggle with joblessness, homelessness, love and revenge, which drama professor and production director Keith Fowler said make it perfect for today’s audiences.

This is UC Irvine’s third revival of the Tony Award-winning show, and features performers from the dance, drama and music departments.

The production runs through Nov. 21; tickets are $12 to $25.

For more information, call (949) 824-2787 or visit ticketmaster.com.

— Candice Baker