If you’re looking for a classic
Broadway experience without all of the overused gimmicks of the modern musical, here’s just the show for you. The
national tour of the 2012 revival of The
Gershwins' Porgy and Bess makes its way to the Detroit Opera House this
week. In 2012, The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess won the Tony Award for Best Musical
Revival. The award winning revival is in Detroit this week playing daily through
Sunday evening March 9th, 2014.
The saga of Porgy and Bess is based on DuBose
Heyward’s novel “Porgy”, which was co-written by his wife, Dorothy. The
Gershwins' Porgy and Bess features well-known songs such as “It Ain’t
Necessarily So”, “I Got Plenty of Nothing” and especially the standard, “Summertime”.
Fans of punk band Sublime, will recognize the sample of “Summertime” on their
song “Doin Time.” Fantasia Barrino also sang the song multiple times on season
3 of American Idol.
Porgy and Bess takes place in the fictitious southern town of
Catfish Row, during the 1930’s. The story follows the abused, Bess, as she
attempts to break free from her less than perfect past. Disabled beggar, Porgy,
is the only person who can save Bess. The show is a ideal blend of drama, great
direction, and tight choreography. If you are looking for strict theater with no
gimmicks this show is just that. The stellar vocal performances throughout Porgy and Bess are even better than what can
be imagined. The 26 person cast is incredibly talented and the flawless execution of the acting, singing, and dancing is
something that needs to be witnessed.
This musical incarnation of
Porgy and Bess was adapted from the original opera version. The adapted version
makes the show more accessible for modern audiences with shorter attention spans. The show also features a 23 piece orchestra, which is quite large for traveling theatre. If you look at the monitors
attached to the front of the balcony, you can actually see the conductor’s
movements. The marvel of the acting in this show is so impressive, it's near Broadway caliber. This is one of those shows where you walk out of feeling cultured and as if you're taking in an experience passed down from generation to generation.
Here's some of the merchandise for sale!
The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess runs through Sunday, March 9!
-Tuesday - Saturday performances at 8pm
-Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2pm
Sunday evening performance at 7:30pm
Tickets range from $29-$87
Tickets for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess can be found and purchased at this link!