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.
State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara, Rodney Gustafson, Artistic Director and Producer will present the Los Angeles Premiere of an original full-length ballet, "AN AMERICAN TANGO - VELOZ AND YOLANDA," based on the true life story of Frank and Yolanda Veloz, considered one of the greatest ballroom dance couples of all time.
Andrew Constantine, the BSO's popular former Associate Conductor, will lead the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) in a 2013-2014 Season Preview Concert tonight, September 11 at 8 p.m. at the Music Center at Strathmore.
The electrifying Susan Egan will perform her internationally acclaimed concert: The Belle Of Broadway at Le Centre Pierre-Peladeau in Montreal tonight, Sept. 7 at 8 p.m.
The Cowardly Scarecrow Theatre Company, INC presents the return of Musical of the Living Dead in its fourth season, at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. Musical of the Living Dead is directed with book and lyrics by Marc Lewallen and Brad Younts, with music by Mary Spray. Performances are Thursday, Oct. 10 through Saturday, Nov. 9. Thursdays at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 and 11 p.m. Opening/Press night is Thursday, Oct 10 at 8 p.m. All performances are recommended for ages 14 years and older. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at www.stage773.com, www.musicalofthelivingdead.com or by calling the Stage 773 box office at 773-327-5252. For more information, please visit www.musicalofthelivingdead.com.
Fall is quickly approaching, which means that Broadway will soon be blowing up with brand new productions. Soul Doctor and First Date already opened over the summer, but five upcoming musicals will also be eligible for Best Musical Tony nominations next year, including: Big Fish, A Night with Janis Joplin, After Midnight, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.
Get the scoop on all five incoming musicals below!
The New World Symphony, America's Orchestral Academy (NWS), opens its 2013-2014 season on October 5 and 6 with the world premiere of a video work by artist and filmmaker Tal Rosner. The video, which accompanies the Four Sea Interludes from Benjamin Britten's opera Peter Grimes, is co-commissioned by NWS, Los Angeles Philharmonic, The Philadelphia Orchestra and San Francisco Symphony. The New World Symphony performances, which will include a WALLCAST concert on October 5, are conducted by NWS Founder and Artistic Director Michael Tilson Thomas and feature Gershwin's Cuban Overture and Piano Concerto in F performed by renowned pianist Yuja Wang, as well as Stravinsky'sPulcinella Suite.
Musicals Tonight! the Obie-winning company dedicated to the revival of neglected musicals kicks off its 16th NY season with Cole Porter'sMexican Hayride (October 8 - 20) directed by Thomas Sabella-Mills, with music direction by James Stenborg.
Don't let this summer end without seeing 'America's Favorite Original Boy Band'! Olney Theatre Institute presents a limited return engagement of Forever Plaid today, August 24 through September 15 on Olney Theatre Center's Historic Stage.
Andrew Constantine, the BSO's popular former Associate Conductor, will lead the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) in a 2013-2014 Season Preview Concert on Friday, September 6 at 8 p.m. at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and Thursday, September 11 at 8 p.m. at the Music Center at Strathmore. The concert features repertoire from the new season, including compositions by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Gershwin and many more. Maestro Constantine will also serve as the evening's host, providing commentary about each work.
Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino has announced the 2014 season, in which, through the prism of a dozen plays, the Stratford Festival will explore the theme of Madness: Minds Pushed to the Edge.
Light Opera Works' 2013 season continues in October with GERSHWIN'S GREATEST HITS (October 4-13), then ANNIE GET YOUR GUN (December 21-31). To purchase tickets call (847) 920-5360 or order online atwww.LightOperaWorks.com
