Written by John Gay in 1728, The Beggar's Opera is widely considered to be the first musical comedy, and one that preempted by about 300 years the current vogue for “jukebox“ productions, which create a plot to fit around hit songs. Gay took some of the best-known tunes of his day, both classical and popular, and worked them into a savagely satirical tale set amongst London's thieves, pimps and...
