Thurs. Best Bets: 9/10

8pm: Theater

The 1928 Kurt Weill/Bertolt Brecht classic “The Threepenny Opera,” a blistering comment on the moral decadence eroding European society, will be presented in a semi-staged production by Reprise! Broadway’s Best in Concert. Directed by Glenn Casale, it will star Jonelle Allen, Theodore Bikel, Patrick Cassidy, Carrie Hamilton, Marilynn Lovell, Marguerite MacIntyre, George McDaniel and Ken Page.

* “The Threepenny Opera,” UCLA, Freud Playhouse (parking lot 3). Tuesdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays-Sundays, 2 p.m. Through Sept. 20. $45-$50. (310) 825-2101, (213) 365-3500.

8pm: Television

There’s something about the MTV Video Music Awards, as the event’s host, Ben Stiller, might say. Whether at Pauley Pavilion, Radio City Music Hall or the Universal Amphitheatre (site of this year’s ceremony), the show has sprung surprises (remember the return of Pee-wee Herman?), inspired backstage brawls and attracted the biggest names in popular music. Madonna and Garbage head the list of nominees at the 15th annual staging, which will be telecast on tape delay in the West and live elsewhere. Performers include Hole, a Monica-Brandy duet, the Beastie Boys and Master P.

* The MTV Video Music Awards, from the Universal Amphitheatre, delayed telecast on MTV at 8 p.m.

8pm: Theater

Christopher Plummer reprises his multi-award-winning solo performance in “Barrymore,” William Luce’s drama set in 1942, as the legendary actor recalls the highs and lows of his illustrious career and troubled life.

* “Barrymore,” Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave. Tuesday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 2 p.m. Ends Sept. 27. $15-$52.50. (213) 628-2772.