Today in 1942, the first revival of Porgy and Bess opened at the Majestic Theatre, where it ran for 286 performances. First performed in 1935, with music by George Gershwin, libretto by DuBose Heyward, and lyrics by Ira Gershwin and DuBose Heyward, it was based on DuBose Heyward's novel Porgy and subsequent play of the same title, which he co-wrote with his wife Dorothy Heyward. All three works deal with African-American life in the fictitious Catfish Row in Charleston, South Carolina, in the early 1920s. Originally conceived by George Gershwin as an 'American folk opera', Porgy and Bess premiered in New York in the fall of 1935 and featured an entire cast of classically trained African-American singers-a daring artistic choice at the time.
Festival General Director Nigel Redden announces the program for the 40th annual Spoleto Festival USA, taking place May 27 through June 12, 2016 in Charleston, South Carolina.
Happy Birthday, Ira Gershwin! A lyricist, Gershwin collaborated with his younger brother, composer George Gershwin, to create some of the most memorable songs of the 20th century. With George he wrote more than a dozen Broadway shows, featuring songs such as 'I Got Rhythm', 'Embraceable You', 'The Man I Love' and 'Someone to Watch Over Me'. He was also responsible, along with DuBose Heyward, for the libretto to George's opera Porgy and Bess. The success the brothers had with their collaborative works has often overshadowed the creative role that Ira played. However, his mastery of songwriting continued after the early death of George. He wrote additional hit songs with composers Jerome Kern ('Long Ago (and Far Away)'), Kurt Weill and Harold Arlen.
Today in 1943, Porgy and Bess opened at the 44th Street Theatre, where it ran for 24 performances. First performed in 1935, with music by George Gershwin, libretto by DuBose Heyward, and lyrics by Ira Gershwin and DuBose Heyward, it was based on DuBose Heyward's novel Porgy and subsequent play of the same title, which he co-wrote with his wife Dorothy Heyward. All three works deal with African-American life in the fictitious Catfish Row in Charleston, South Carolina, in the early 1920s. Originally conceived by George Gershwin as an 'American folk opera', Porgy and Bess premiered in New York in the fall of 1935 and featured an entire cast of classically trained African-American singers-a daring artistic choice at the time.
Boston's 115-year-old Colonial Theatre, where so many notable (and not so notable) Broadway-bound productions worked out their kinks and licked their wounds, will be closing in October for at least a year, its future not determined.
Live From Lincoln Center - the pioneering, award-winning performing arts series - continues its 40th anniversary season with another concert from Lincoln Center's American Songbook series, featuring Norm Lewis: Who Am I? (April 10 on PBS). Song selections include: 'Wouldn't It Be Loverly?' (Music by Frederick Loewe, lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner); 'I Got Plenty o' Nuttin' (Music by George Gershwin, lyrics by DuBose Heyward and Ira Gershwin); 'What's Going On' (Renaldo Benson, al Cleveland, and Marvin Gaye); and 'No One Is Alone' (Stephen Sondheim).
Live From Lincoln Center - the pioneering, award-winning performing arts series - continues its 40th anniversary season with two outstanding concerts form Lincoln Center's American Songbook series, featuringBilly Porter (April 3) and Norm Lewis (April 10). Six-time Tony Award-winning actress and singer Audra McDonald will host each broadcast. Details follow below.
In the second installment of the Columbus Symphony's American Roots Festival, guest bass-baritone Kevin Deas returns to perform some of George Gershwin's greatest music including extensive selections from his glorious opera Porgy and Bess, including “Summertime,” “It Ain't Necessarily So,” “Bess,” and “You Is My Woman Now.” Gershwin's brilliant and bluesy Piano Concerto and an orchestral suite by jazz legend Duke Ellington paying tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. completes the bill. Led by guest conductor John DeMain, the program will also feature guest pianist Xiayin Wang, soprano Jonita Lattimore, and the Columbus Symphony Chorus.
Today in 1942, the first revival of Porgy and Bess opened at the Majestic Theatre, where it ran for 286 performances. First performed in 1935, with music by George Gershwin, libretto by DuBose Heyward, and lyrics by Ira Gershwin and DuBose Heyward, it was based on DuBose Heyward's novel Porgy and subsequent play of the same title, which he co-wrote with his wife Dorothy Heyward. All three works deal with African-American life in the fictitious Catfish Row in Charleston, South Carolina, in the early 1920s. Originally conceived by George Gershwin as an 'American folk opera', Porgy and Bess premiered in New York in the fall of 1935 and featured an entire cast of classically trained African-American singers-a daring artistic choice at the time.
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Cinderella' and 'Lucy' hit town, 'Hansel And Gretel' play on the Mag Mile, a BC/EFA benefit at Sidetrack, 'Porgy' and Redmoon make splashes, two shows named 'Nativity' ready to open, and 'Rudolph' and Big Red return!
Happy Birthday, Ira Gershwin! A lyricist, Gershwin collaborated with his younger brother, composer George Gershwin, to create some of the most memorable songs of the 20th century. With George he wrote more than a dozen Broadway shows, featuring songs such as 'I Got Rhythm', 'Embraceable You', 'The Man I Love' and 'Someone to Watch Over Me'. He was also responsible, along with DuBose Heyward, for the libretto to George's opera Porgy and Bess. The success the brothers had with their collaborative works has often overshadowed the creative role that Ira played. However, his mastery of songwriting continued after the early death of George. He wrote additional hit songs with composers Jerome Kern ('Long Ago (and Far Away)'), Kurt Weill and Harold Arlen.
CHICAGO – Lyric Opera of Chicago presents The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess,conducted by Ward Stare in a revival of the acclaimed production from renowned director Francesca Zambello. It opens on Monday, November 17 with 13 performances through Saturday, December 20. Performance dates are Nov. 17, 19, Dec. 2, 5, 8, 13, 16, and 20 at 7:30pm; and Nov. 23, 26, 28, Dec. 11 and 18 at 2pm.
Lyric Opera of Chicago presents The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess,conducted by Ward Stare in a revival of the acclaimed production from renowned director Francesca Zambello. The production opened last night, Monday, November 17 with 13 performances through Saturday, December 20. Performance dates are Nov. 17, 19, Dec. 2, 5, 8, 13, 16, and 20 at 7:30pm; and Nov. 23, 26, 28, Dec. 11 and 18 at 2pm.
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. The 2014 BroadwayWorld Chicago Award nominations are announced, Lyric presents 'Porgy' and 'Carousel,' 'Camelot' opens, 'Ring Of Fire' and 'Annie' return, 'Annie' and 'Ani' hit screens, parodies of 'Guffman,' the Merman/Mormon thing, Rudolph and Tupperware, and a suburban 'Garden!'
Lyric Opera of Chicago presents the Gershwins' Porgy and Bess in a revival of the acclaimed production from renowned director Francesca Zambello, conducted by Ward Stare. It opens on Monday, November 17 with 13 performances through Saturday, December 20. Performance dates are Nov. 17, 19, Dec. 2, 5, 8, 13, 16, and 20 at 7:30pm; and Nov. 23, 26, 28, Dec.11 and 18 at 2pm.
