Porgy and Bess

Opera

Writers: George Gershwin DuBose Heyward Ira Gershwin

Overview

Show Information

Based On Book By
Based on the Play/Book/Film
Porgy 1927 play
Category
Opera
Number of Acts
3
First Produced
1935
Genres
Drama
Settings
Period, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
Catfish Row, Charleston, South Carolina, 1930s
Cast Size
large
Orchestra Size
Large
Dancing
Optional
Ideal for
College/University, Diverse Cast, Large Cast, Professional Opera, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Female, Star Vehicle Male
Casting Notes
Mostly male cast
Includes adult, young adult, child, early teen, late teen, mature adult, elderly characters

Synopsis

Porgy and Bess tells the story of the unshakeable love between Porgy, a crippled beggar, and Bess, a beautiful woman haunted by the demons of her past. The tight-knit African-American community of Catfish Row is shocked when Crown, Bess’ brutal, violent lover, murders Robbins during a craps game. Left with no one amongst people who look down on her, Bess is taken in by the kind Porgy. As their love grows, Bess seems finally free from her past as the two look to spend a long, happy life together. When Crown returns, Porgy and Bess’ relationship is put in peril, as Crown seeks to exert his control over her once more. Porgy and Bess was the final stage work of composer George Gershwin. A combination of opera, jazz, folk, and spirituals, this legendary and heartfelt opera is largely regarded as one of the finest American musical works of the 20th century.

Lead Characters


Porgy and Bess guide sections