The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess NYC Reviews and Tickets

89%

(105 Ratings)

Positive

94%

Mixed

Negative

Members say

Great acting, Great singing, Absorbing, Entertaining, Masterful

About the Show

A re-staging of the original opera, with a new book adapted by Susan Lori Parks, this production starring Audra McDonald, was nominated for 10 Tony Awards.

Set in the 1930s in an African-American Charleston neighborhood known as Catfish Row, Porgy and Bess centers on the tragic love story of the cripple beggar Porgy and beautiful Bess, who longs to turn away from her former life as a prostitute and cocaine addict. After a murder, Bess’ abusive partner Crown flees, leaving her at the mercy of a disapproving community and tempted by the seductive drug dealer Sporting Life. Bess strikes up an unlikely relationship with Porgy and gradually finds acceptance on Catfish Row—until a hurricane and the return of Crown change everyone’s lives forever.

Show-Score Member Reviews (105)

Absorbing, Entertaining, Great acting, Masterful, Riveting

See it if If only to see the amazing Audra McDonald, as brilliant as always. The entire cast was masterful.

Don't see it if Seriously, you should see it.

Great singing, Great acting, Powerful

See it if you like classic musicals. The performances in this show were incredible.

Don't see it if you don't like Gershwin music or classic musicals.

Ambitious, Absorbing, Intelligent, Profound, Riveting

See it if You want to enjoy a classic opera reset as a musical. It's powerfully dramatic, with intense performances.

Don't see it if You can't handle a musical that is far from light fare.

Romantic, Great staging, Great singing, Great acting, Entertaining

See it if You like Norm Lewis. He’s a great singer and entertainer. Everyone knows the story so that’s not much to say other than there’s great music.

Don't see it if Are easily depressed. Don’t like the story.

Great choreography, Thought-provoking, Great singing, Absorbing

See it if Finally able to hear Gershwin classics in context. Summertime et al. An American classic. Innovative in its day. Did not feel like 3.5 hours

Don't see it if you don't like opera. It is long with one intermission. Read more

Ambitious, Absorbing, Great singing, Great writing, Intelligent

See it if you like opera, Audra, and Gershwin...an absolute classic

Don't see it if you don't enjoy opera or you are looking for something modern

Absorbing, Exquisite, Great acting, Gorgeous!

See it if you want to hear exquisite vocals

Don't see it if you need something new

Ambitious, Great singing, Masterful, Must see, Profound

See it if you have enough plutonium to generate the requisite 1.21 gigawatts to get your DeLorean back to 2011. (PS It'd be totally worth it.)

Don't see it if you're reading this after Sept 23, 2012. Buy a ticket to Hamilton and tell your neighbor how excited you are to see a show where P&B played.

The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess NYC Reviews and Tickets

About the Show

Show-Score Member Reviews (105)

Trailer

Creative team