Playbill for The Beggar’s Opera, Williamsburg, Virginia, ca. 1768. First known performance of The Beggar’s Opera in Williamsburg was June 3, 1768. Written by John Gay (1685–1732), The Beggar's Opera was one of the greatest theatrical successes of the 18thC. The play took a satirical look at politics & the Italian opera & used recognizable tunes with new lyrics for its 69 songs. Characters include pickpockets, thieves, highwaymen, scoundrels, & other “lesser sorts” of 18thC London society.