Dreadful Penny Dreadful

"Dreadful Penny Dreadful" presents a broad interpretation of Brecht and Weill's "Moritat von Mackie Messer", chewing up all remnants of 'good taste', from the numerous impersonators of Rat Pack Vegas to Eastern Bloc TV and cheesy Jersey nightclubs. The film takes its audience on a journey through various stops, from the original atmosphere of Weimar Berlin to the rehearsals of America's Midwestern high school choirs, performances of Ivy League universities' a capella groups, and jazz improvisation sessions. The collision of these versions offers the audience a unique experience. The film showcases the audience's emotional responses and interactions, particularly how they perceive different cultural interpretations of music.

The film was shot in various locations. Weimar Berlin, Rat Pack Vegas, Eastern Bloc TV studios, and Jersey nightclubs were the main shooting locations in the film.