Porgy and Bess Revival 1952

Opened: October 9, 1952

Porgy and Bess - 1952 - West End History , Info & More

Based on the play Porgy by Dorothy and DuBose Heyward

Get Porgy and Bess Email Alerts

Be the first to get ticket offers, news, photos & more.

Saint Aubyn, Stanley Wayne Mathis & More to Lead PERSONALITY: THE LLOYD PRICE MUSICAL Chicago Premiere
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 9, 2023

Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical has announced the cast for the show’s Chicago premiere. See who is starring, and how to purchase tickets!

Award Winning Actor Richard Thomas To Host YANY 70th Anniversary Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 17, 2022

Young Audiences New York has announced that Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actor, Richard Thomas, will once again take the stage to emcee this year's 70th Anniversary Gala at Guastavino's (409 East 59th Street, NYC) , on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at 6:00 pm.

Breaking: Roundabout Postpones CAROLINE, OR CHANGE & More Until Spring 2021; TROUBLE IN MIND Added to Line-Up
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 26, 2020

Roundabout Theatre Company just announced that the current theatrical season will resume in Spring 2021, and has added the Broadway debut of Alice Childress's Trouble in Mind, directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, to its roster of upcoming shows. Childress was a Founding Member of the American Negro Theatre and the first African-American woman to be produced professionally in New York (Gold Through The Trees in 1952); Randolph-Wright is a celebrated director and writer whose play Blue had an acclaimed run at Roundabout in 2001. Trouble in Mind will premiere on Broadway at the American Airlines Theatre in Winter 2021/22.

BWW Exclusive: The 101 Greatest Musical Theatre Characters (1940-2020)
by Peter Nason - Apr 30, 2020

BWW Reviewer Peter Nason chooses the best musical theatre characters from 1940-2020; see if your favorites are on our list of the best characters from Broadway musicals.

The 101 Greatest Showtunes from 1920-2020
by Peter Nason - Mar 19, 2020

How do we make a list of the 101 greatest show tunes from the past 100 years? Well, we did the near-impossible task.  Check out our full list here! 

The Center For The Arts At George Mason University Announces The 2019/2020 Season Of 'Great Performances At Mason'
by Stephi Wild - Apr 4, 2019

The Center for the Arts at George Mason University announced today the 2019/2020 season of Great Performances at Mason, its annual series featuring leading national and international artists in the disciplines of classical music, opera, jazz, ballet, modern dance, theater, and global music and dance. The Center also announced the return of the Family Series, offering its second season of affordable programming for young audiences.

Lyric's RING Cycle Continues With SIEGFRIED
by Stephi Wild - Oct 19, 2018

Join the fearless young Siegfried on his adventure-filled journey to manhood (and discovery of love) over the course of this playful, musically magnificent opera. This is the third part of Richard Wagner's epic four-part Ring of the Nibelung cycle, of which each opera is a feast on its own. No prior Ring experience is necessary.

The Music Of Henry Mancini Comes to The Soraya This Month
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 26, 2018

An American icon comes home.  During the early years of his career, American composer, conductor and arranger Henry Mancini and his family lived not far from where California State University, Northridge campus now stands.  On Saturday, October 13 at 8pm, Mancini's music comes home to Northridge as The Soraya presents Moon River and the Music of Henry Mancini.  Starring Monica Mancini with special guest three-time Tony nominated Joshua Henry, Moon River and the Music of Henry Mancini features Gregg Field as Music Director and Chris Walden conducting the New West Symphony.  

Misty Copeland to Open 2018 Dance Magazine Awards
by Julie Musbach - Sep 4, 2018

Misty Copeland will open the 61st annual Dance Magazine Awards. The evening will honor Ronald K. Brown, Lourdes Lopez(presented by Darren Walker), Crystal Pite, and Michael Trusnovec (presented by Patrick Corbin). A special Leadership Award will be presented to Nigel Redden. Since 1954 the Dance Magazine Awards have recognized outstanding men and women whose contributions have left a lasting impact on dance. This year's Awards will take place on Monday December 3, 2018 at The Ailey Citigroup Theater at 7:30pm.

TROUBLE IN MIND Transfers to London Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Sep 14, 2017

Print Room at the Coronet welcomes the London transfer of Alice Childress' Trouble in Mind.

Cast Complete for London Transfer of TROUBLE IN MIND
by BWW News Desk - Aug 10, 2017

Today, Print Room at the Coronet announced the full cast for the London transfer of Alice Childress' Trouble in Mind.

Photo Flash: THE RAINMAKER, An American Classic, Opens at Gloucester Stage
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 10, 2017

Gloucester Stage Company continues its 38th season of professional theater on Cape Ann with N. Richard Nash's moving American classic The Rainmaker from July 14 through August 5 at 267 East Main Street, Gloucester, MA. Set in the time of a paralyzing drought in Depression-era America, The Rainmaker tells the story of a pivotal hot summer day in the life of spinsterish Lizzie Curry, whose father and two brothers are worried as much about her marriage prospects as they are about their dying cattle. Enter Starbuck, the consummate con man, who promises to solve all their problems, for a fee. Directed by Gloucester Stage Artistic Director Robert Walsh, The Rainmaker cast features Brian Homer as Starbuck; Jessica Bates as Lizzie Curry; David DeBeck as H.C. Curry, the patriarch of the Curry family; Joe Short and Sean McCoy as the Curry brothers; Dave Rich as File and longtime Gordon College Professor of Theater Arts Norm Jones as Sheriff Thomas. N. Richard Nash's most celebrated play, The Rainmaker, appeared in all three mediums; on Broadway in 1954, as a motion picture starring Katharine Hepburn in 1956, and as a television production in 1982. A musical version of The Rainmaker, entitled 110 Degrees in the Shade, debuted on Broadway in 1963.

Pittsburgh Symphony's PNC Pops Season to Close with 'ELLA & LOUIS'
by BWW News Desk - Jun 1, 2017

It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing —the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and guest conductor Lawrence Loh celebrate the music of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong during the final weekend of the 2016-2017 PNC Pops season on June 16-18 at Heinz Hall.

Cyndi Lauper & More Featured on Willie Nelson's Gershwin Tribute Album, Out Today
by BWW News Desk - Feb 26, 2016

Legacy Recordings has just released SUMMERTIME: WILLIE NELSON SINGS GERSHWIN, available today, February 26, 2016.

Cyndi Lauper & More Featured on Willie Nelson's Gershwin Tribute Album; Out 2/26
by Caryn Robbins - Jan 15, 2016

Legacy Recordings today announced forthcoming release of Summertime: Willie Nelson Sings Gershwin on Friday, February 26, 2016.

'IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS' to Explore Great African American Singers with the NY Phil, 10/14-15
by BWW News Desk - Oct 14, 2015

Eric Owens will begin his tenure as The Mary and James G. Wallach Artist-in-Residence by curating, hosting, and performing in In Their Footsteps: Great African American Singers and Their Legacy, conducted by Thomas Wilkins in his Philharmonic debut.

'IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS' to Explore Great African American Singers with the NY Phil, 10/14-15
by BWW News Desk - Sep 1, 2015

Eric Owens will begin his tenure as The Mary and James G. Wallach Artist-in-Residence by curating, hosting, and performing in In Their Footsteps: Great African American Singers and Their Legacy, conducted by Thomas Wilkins in his Philharmonic debut.

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Sets Centennial Season
by Tyler Peterson - Mar 12, 2015

Music Director Marin Alsop and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) announce the Orchestra's celebratory Centennial 2015-2016 season, its ninth season under the direction of Maestra Alsop. Through appearances by the world's most renowned artists, premieres of several new works, Baltimore homecomings from local artists or artists who got their start on the BSO stage, exciting signature projects and strengthening of longstanding community partnerships, the BSO marks this important milestone in grand fashion.

Baltimore Symphony Announces 100th Anniversary Season - Lang Lang, Yo-Yo Ma, André Watts, Joshua Bell & More!
by Christina Mancuso - Mar 12, 2015

Music Director Marin Alsop and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) announce the Orchestra's celebratory Centennial 2015-2016 season, its ninth season under the direction of Maestra Alsop. Through appearances by the world's most renowned artists, premieres of several new works, Baltimore homecomings from local artists or artists who got their start on the BSO stage, exciting signature projects and strengthening of longstanding community partnerships, the BSO marks this important milestone in grand fashion.

Jess Goldstein, Douglas W. Schmidt & More to Receive 2015 TDF/Irene Sharaff Awards
by Tyler Peterson - Mar 3, 2015

Tony Award-winning costume designer, JESS GOLDSTEIN (currently represented on Broadway with Jersey Boys and On the Town), and scenic designer DOUGLAS W. SCHMIDT are among the 2015 TDF/Irene Sharaff Awards recipients. The awards will be presented at a ceremony on Friday, May 1, at 6:30pm, at the Hudson Theatre (145 West 44th Street). Mr. Goldstein was selected to receive the 2015 TDF/Irene Sharaff Lifetime Achievement Award for costume design and Mr. Schmidt will receive the Robert L.B. Tobin Award for Sustained Excellence in Theatrical Design.

NJSO Accompanies Screening of SINGIN' IN THE RAIN Live This Weekend
by BWW News Desk - Feb 7, 2015

The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra presents Singin' in the Rain with live orchestral accompaniment this weekend, February 7 and 8 in Newark and New Brunswick, respectively. Conductor Constantine Kitsopoulos returns to lead the NJSO in the full film score as the movie screens above the stage.

NJSO to Accompany Screening of SINGIN' IN THE RAIN Live, 2/7-8
by BWW News Desk - Jan 5, 2015

The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra presents Singin' in the Rain with live orchestral accompaniment on February 7 and 8 in Newark and New Brunswick, respectively. Conductor Constantine Kitsopoulos returns to lead the NJSO in the full film score as the movie screens above the stage.

Norm Lewis, Alli Mauzey, Christoper Fitzgerald & More Join Cast of New York Philharmonic's SHOW BOAT; Will be Filmed for Live From Lincoln Center!
by Tyler Peterson - Sep 24, 2014

The New York Philharmonic has announced several additions to the cast of the semi-staged production of Kern & Hammerstein's Show Boat, November 5-8, 2014: Tony-nominated actor Christopher Fitzgerald (who will portray Frank); Tony-nominated actor Norm Lewis, who appeared on Broadway as Porgy in The Gershwins' Porgy & Bess (Joe); Broadway performer Alli Mauzey (Ellie); Broadway and television performer Edward Watts (Steve); Emmy- nominated comedic stage and screen actor Fred Willard (Cap'n Andy); and Broadway performer NaTasha Yvette Williams (Queenie).

Photo Flash: Southampton African American Museum Presents 'Raise Your Voice'
by Sally Henry Fuller - Sep 13, 2014

Southampton African American Museum will present 'Raise Your Voice', the 9th Annual African-American Film Festival for four days October 2 to 5. The celebration of the artistry of African-American filmmakers, actors, personalities, musicians and performers will feature a powerful line-up of critically acclaimed, thought- provoking feature films, documentaries, shorts, jazz and spoken word.

THE BOOK OF MORMON, CINDERELLA and More Make Up Broadway in Miami's 2014-15 Season
by Diana Heisroth - Mar 10, 2014

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County is proud to announce its ninth season of showcasing Broadway's greatest hits in the Ziff Ballet Opera House with a five-show subscription package that is power-packed with musical blockbusters. The Broadway in Miami 2014-2015 season presented by Bank of America includes The Book of Mormon. From the creators of South Park and winner of nine Tony® Awards, The Book of Mormon will play a limited two-week engagement (December 2 - 14, 2014).

Porgy and Bess FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the songs are in Porgy and Bess and what's the order?
Hear dat? Gawd's laughin' at you!...
Dem dat is in such a hurry to meet de judgement...
Yes boss, we swear to that...
Was Crown killed here, yes or no?...
I got to an' look, look at Crown's face...
Here, boy, look what I brought for you...
Why, hello, if dere ain't Serena...
Bess is gone. An' Serena take dis chile...
You better stay wid yo' frien', Porgy...
Lonely Boy
Summer Time
Seems like these bones don't give me nothin' but box-cars tonight...
A man's got a right to play...
A Woman Is a Sometime Thing
Here come de honey man...
Hello, Peter...
They Pass by Singing
Crap Game Fugue
That damn whiskey jus' as weak as water...
Box-cars again...
Yo' mammy's gone and yo' daddy's happy...
Give me a pinch of happy dust, Sportin' Life...
Huh, seven!...
Oh, little stars...
Oh, stop them! Don' let them fight!...
Can't anybody make Crown stop?...
Jesus, he's killed him...
Gone, Gone, Gone!
Overflow
Um! A saucer burying set-up, I see...
You're a damn liar...
My Man's Gone Now
How de saucer stan' now my sister...
Leavin' fo' de Promis' Lan'
It Takes a Long Pull to Get There
Mus' be you mens forgot about de picnic...
I Got Plenty o' Nuttin'
Woman to Lady
Dey's a Bukra comin'...
'Lo Bess, goin' to picnic?...
Bess, You Is My Woman Now
Oh, I Can't Sit Down
What's de matter wid you, sister?...
It Ain't Necessarily So
Dance [i]
Here there! Hold yo' holt. I'se a comin'...
Crown, I got something to tell you...
What You Want With Bess?
Lemme go, hear dat boat, it's goin' without me!...
Honey, dat's all de breakfast I got time for...
Well, if it ain't ole Peter!...
Time and Time Again
Strawberry Woman
Crab Man
Now de time, oh Gawd. Now de time...
I Loves You, Porgy
Why you been out on that wharf so long, Clara?...
Oh, de Lawd Shake de Heaven
Oh, dere's somebody knockin' at de do'...
You is a nice parcel of Christians...
Here, cut dat out! Stop it!...
Ha ha ha ha ha ha, dat's right, drown 'em out...
A Red Headed Woman
Jake's boat in de river upside down...
Oh, Doctor Jesus [ii]
Clara, Don't You Be Downhearted
You low-lived skunk, ain' you got no shame...
Wait for us at the corner, Al...
We swear to dat, Boss...
Of course, you're the goat man...
I can't look at Crown's face...
Oh Gawd! They goin' make him look on Crown's face...
There's a Boat That's Leavin' Soon for New York
Occupational Humoresque
Good mornin', sistuh! Good mornin', brudder!...
Sure to go to Heaven...
How are you dis mornin'?...
It's Porgy comin' home...
Jus' you wait till dat gal see me...
Here, hol' on, let me see dat chile...
Where's My Bess?
Where Bess gone?...
Where you goin', Porgy?...
I'm on My Way
Jasbo Brown
Roll dem bones...
If you hadn't been drinkin' you wouldn't talk to me that way...
He got better sense than to listen to that nonsense...
He sure loves his liquor...
That gal ain't need to worry 'bout no man marryin' her...
I shoots like that...
Frien' an' dice an' happy dust ain' meant to 'sociate
Nobody's gettin' away wid Crown's money...
That's easy, I thought as much...
Listen there, what I tells you...
I hates yo' struttin' style...
Good mornin' Mister Archdale...
Look out, dat's a buzzard!
Buzzard Song
I Ain't Got No Shame
Dance [ii]
Shame on all you sinners...
I can't stay, Crown, or de boat'll go without me...
Take yo' hands off me, I say...
Honey Man
You ain't got nuttin' to be afraid of...
Hurricane bell! Lawd chile, dere ain't goin' be no hurricane...
Oh, Hev'nly Father
Oh, de sun goin' rise in de wes'...
What productions of Porgy and Bess have there been?
Porgy and Bess has had 21 productions including Broadway which opened in 1935, Broadway which opened in 1935, Broadway which opened in 1942, Broadway which opened in 1942, Broadway which opened in 1943, Broadway which opened in 1943, Broadway which opened in 1944, Broadway which opened in 1944, West End which opened in 1952, Broadway which opened in 1953, Broadway which opened in 1953, Off-Broadway which opened in 1961, Off-Broadway which opened in 1964, Broadway which opened in 1976, Broadway which opened in 1976, Broadway which opened in 1983, Broadway which opened in 1983, Broadway which opened in 2000, West End which opened in 2006, Broadway which opened in 2012 and US Tour which opened in 2013.

Videos