JD Webster News

Producers of The Gershwins' PORGY AND BESS, the 2012 Tony Award winner for Best Revival of a Musical, announced today that Audra McDonald has been ordered on a period of complete vocal rest by her doctor through the end of the month. As a result of performing with a respiratory infection last week, her vocal cords have become inflamed to a point where she cannot sing. She is scheduled to return to the production on Tuesday, July 3, 2012.

Last night, June 10, Audra McDonald took home her 5th Tony Award for for Best Lead Actress in a Musical for her role of 'Bess' in THE GERSWIN's PORGY AND BESS. Though we'd think she'd be used to the feeling of winning by now, McDonald spoke with BroadwayWorld just moments after her win only to reveal how it still feels 'out of body'. Click below to hear from the Broadway darling herself!

Audra McDonald is the recipient of this year's Tony Award for Best Lead Actress in a Musical for her role of 'Bess' in THE GERSWIN's PORGY AND BESS. The award marks McDonald's fifth Tony award win.

THE GERSHWIN'S PORGY AND BESS is this year's recipient of the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical.

View members of the cast at yesterday's Barnes & Noble cast recording performance and signing below!

PS Classics will release the New Broadway Cast Recording of THE GERSHWINS' PORGY AND BESS, currently available for pre-order, on May 22. Additionally they are offering a first listen of some of the tracks on their website. Click here to check them out! The full track list is as follows:

The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess is now on Broadway with a cast led by four-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald (Ragtime, 'Private Practice') as Bess, Drama Desk nominee Norm Lewis (Les Misérables, Sondheim on Sondheim) as Porgy and two-time Tony nominee David Alan Grier (Race, 'In Living Color') as Sporting Life. In the video below, the audience got a special surprise when the cast welcomed a couple onstage for a heartwarming marriage propsal. Click below to check it out!

The revised book of The Gershwin's Porgy and Bess has been the subject of much discussion since it's debut at A.R.T. last August, and according to Patrick Healy of the New York Times, there is still debate over its Tony eligibility. Last week, when the Tony administration committee made a decision regarding David Alan Grier's eligibility as a featured actor, they 'took no action' with the musical's updated book (by Suzan-Lori Parks and Diedre Murray), thus making it ineligible for a 'Best Book' Tony Award.

Nikki Renée Daniels, who is currently starring as Clara in The Gershwins' PORGY AND BESS, will release her debut solo recording today, March 27, 2012. Entitled 'Home,' the recording will be available on cdbaby.com and iTunes. The CD features an eclectic mix of gospel, pop and Broadway favorites. For more information and to hear song samples visit www.nikkireneedaniels.com.

A long-standing opening night tradition on the Great White Way, the fabled Gypsy Robe is bestowed upon a veteran Broadway chorus member for each opening production. In what has now become a theatrical ritual, originating on Broadway 60 years ago, the latest recipient was JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR cast member Mark Cassius.

Producers of The Gershwins' PORGY AND BESS have just announced plans for a national tour of the critically-acclaimed Broadway revival, set to launch in the Fall of 2013.

Producers of The Gershwins' PORGY AND BESS just announced that thanks to a generous donation from the families of George and Ira Gershwin, 2,250 high school students from New York City Public Schools will be coming to see the show on Wednesday matinees from March through May. The event kicked off yesterday, March 13, with a special event that involved both cast members and teachers and city officials. BroadwayWorld was there for the festivities, and we bring you full photo coverage below!

ps classics today announced that they will be presenting the New Broadway Cast Recording of THE GERSHWINS' PORGY AND BESS, to be released May 8. The recording will take place on March 12 and 13.

On Tuesday, February 21st, Givenik.com, the revolutionary way to go to Broadway, will partner with the critically acclaimed Broadway production of The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess for a special post-performance reception for audience and cast members at B. Smith's (320 West 46th Street) to support Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Purchase any ticket through Givenik.com to the Tuesday, February 21st performance and send your confirmation number to RSVP@givenik.com to be invited to a special post-show cast party at B. Smith's, supporting Broadway Cares! And be sure to remember BC/EFA when choosing who receives your 5% donation.

Tony Nominee and Drama Desk Award winner Joshua Henry (The Scottsboro Boys, American Idiot), who is currently starring as Jake in the production of The Gershwins' PORGY AND BESS, will give a solo concert performance at The Triad Theater (158 west 72nd Street) at 9:30pm on February 20, 2012.

The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess is now on Broadway with a cast led by four-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald (Ragtime, "Private Practice") as Bess, Drama Desk nominee Norm Lewis (Les Miserables, Sondheim on Sondheim) as Porgy and two-time Tony nominee David Alan Grier (Race, "In Living Color") as Sporting Life. The New York Times has just revealed that the production will extend its run through September 30, 2012, due to both critical and box office success. The production was originally scheduled to close on July 8, 2012. The news was released by producers, who have emailed groups sales reps informing them of the extension.

Tony Nominee and Drama Desk Award winner Joshua Henry (The Scottsboro Boys, American Idiot), who is currently starring as Jake in the production of The Gershwins' PORGY AND BESS, will give a solo concert performance at The Triad Theater (158 west 72nd Street) at 9:30pm on February 20, 2012.

On Tuesday, February 21st, Givenik.com, the revolutionary way to go to Broadway, will partner with the critically acclaimed Broadway production of The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess for a special post-performance reception for audience and cast members at B. Smith's (320 West 46th Street) to support Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Purchase any ticket through Givenik.com to the Tuesday, February 21st performance and send your confirmation number to RSVP@givenik.com to be invited to a special post-show cast party at B. Smith's, supporting Broadway Cares! And be sure to remember BC/EFA when choosing who receives your 5% donation.