Porgy and Bess Revival

Peabo Bryson, the Grammy-winning R&B vocalist known for Disney hits 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'A Whole New World,' has died at the age of 75. His career spanned more than five decades across R&B, pop, and musical theater.

These performers may have received other awards and accolades, but a Tony Award is shockingly not on their résumé.

Piedmont Opera has appointed Joseph Mechavich as General Director, a move that aligns with the company's upcoming 50th anniversary. Mechavich's leadership is expected to enhance the opera's commitment to high-quality productions and community engagement.

Piedmont Opera has named Joseph Mechavich as its new General Director as the company approaches its 50th anniversary. The conductor and artistic leader previously served as Interim Artistic Director, overseeing key productions and partnerships.

It wasn’t until later on in theatre history that revivals began including shows that weren’t initially well received or financially successful in their initial engagements. As musical theatre continued to evolve, and more shows entered the canon, a consensus began to grow about shows being worthy of additional exploration even if they hadn’t been hits the first time around. What about musicals that had been ahead of their time, musicals that had fallen prey to circumstances, early works by writers who became successful later on, and of course, shows that found an audience after closing via their cast recordings?

When I read that the Met, in the program notes for James Robinson’s production of PORGY AND BESS, called it “a supremely American operatic masterpiece” I couldn’t help but think of Stephen Sondheim’s answer (perhaps apocryphal) when he was asked whether SWEENEY TODD was an opera or a musical: “If it’s done in a theatre, it’s a musical; if it’s in an opera house, it’s an opera.”

Houston Grand Opera (HGO) will launch its 2025–26 season with The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, beginning October 24 at the Wortham Theater Center. The production is directed by Francesca Zambello.

Porgy and Bess is a famous 'folk opera' created by George Gershwin, with a libretto by DuBose Heyward and lyrics by DuBose and Ira Gershwin. The work chronicles the life of a Black community on Catfish Row in Charleston and is known for its fusion of operatic elements with American folk music, jazz, and blues. The story focuses on the love between Porgy, a disabled beggar, and Bess, a woman seeking a better life.

Houston Grand Opera will host 50 Years of the Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess in Houston: Art, Culture, and American Identity on September 16, 2025, in partnership with Holocaust Museum Houston.

Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Peabo Bryson will celebrate his life and 50-year musical legacy on the Golden Touch Tour through 2026, culminating with the release of his new album, Grace.

Houston Grand Opera is now offering single tickets to all performances of the Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.

Today’s subject Francesca Zambello is currently living her theatre life as the Artistic Director of Washington National Opera (WNO). She has been in the position since 2012. Her production of Porgy and Bess begins performances this evening in the Opera House at Kennedy Center where it will play through May 31st.

Be a part of history by attending the Florida premiere of this joyous work presented by Opera Orlando on May 16 thru 18 at the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater at Dr. Phillips Center. 

The crowning event in Seattle Opera’s 2023/24 season is the star-studded 60th Anniversary Concert and Gala, a festive jubilee featuring a selection of gems from the operatic repertoire performed by some of the company’s best and most beloved singers.

Observations In Time appeared in January 1969, containing a number of Ohio Players originals including “Here Today And Gone Tomorrow,” which David Bowie would make part of his Diamond Dogs tour and release it on 1974's David Live. Covers include Allen Toussaint's “Mother-In-Law,” the band's take on “Over The Rainbow.'

​​​​​​​The Drama League 2023 Gala titled “Embrace The Season” is an event amplifying the Broadway, off-Broadway, and off-off-Broadway shows gracing the stages in New York City each season.

Just last night, the Drama League celebrated Embrace The Season: A Drama League Celebration, the venerated gala event amplifying the extraordinary productions gracing stages in New York City each season. BroadwayWorld was there for the special night and you can check out photos from the red carpet arrivals here.

Get ready for a night of incredible performances at The Drama League 'Embrace The Season' Gala. Join Leslie Odom Jr., Arielle Jacobs, and other talented artists as they take the stage for an unforgettable evening. Don't miss out on this star-studded event!

As part of the new partnership, the company will be presenting new recordings of classic and contemporary operas from current and future seasons alongside special remastered releases from its rich back catalogue, which spans decades and includes history-making productions such as Treemonisha (1975) and Porgy and Bess (1976).

Annaleigh Ashford, Lindsay Mendez, Norm Lewis, Danny Burstein, and more will be performing at The Drama League's 'Embrace The Season' Gala.

The 2023 Tony nominees are already winners... literally. For some, this marks their first nomination, but others have already won Tony Awards in seasons past. We took a look at which nominees have won at least a Tony or two (or seven!) - amongst them, they've gathered a total 79 awards!

Follow us throughout the day, as we'll bring you Tony nominee reactions, exclusive reports, surprises, behind the scenes coverage and oh, so much more!

The Manhattan Association of Cabarets (MAC) has made its initial announcement of the upcoming 37th Annual MAC Awards. The awards presentation and show will take place on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at 7:30 pm, at Peter Norton Symphony Space at 2537 Broadway at 95th Street in New York City. 

Barrington Stage Company has announced casting for the first two shows of its 2022 season: the 1978 Tony Award-winning Best Musical Ain’t Misbehavin’: The Fats Waller Musical Show, and the world premiere play, Andy Warhol in Iran by Brent Askari (BSC’s American Underground) which opens the St. Germain Stage from June 2-25.

The Neil Diamond Musical: A Beautiful Noise, announced that tickets for the production’s world premiere at Boston’s Emerson Colonial Theatre are now on sale. Find out how to get official tickets for the best prices.