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The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess Revival 2012 - Articles Page 4

Opened: January 12, 2012
Closing: September 23, 2012

The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess - 2012 Broadway History , Info & More

Richard Rodgers Theatre (Broadway)
226 W. 46th St. New York, NY 10036

THE GERSHWINS' PORGY AND BESS is the classic American tale is set in the 1930s in Catfish Row, a neighborhood in Charleston, South Carolina. Bess, beautiful and troubled, turns to Porgy, the crippled beggar, in search of safety after her possessive lover Crown commits murder. As Porgy and Bess's love grows, their future is threatened by Crown and the conniving Sporting Life. This heartbreaking love story boasts some of the most famous and beloved works from the Great American Songbook, including: "Summertime," "Bess, You Is My Woman," "It Ain't Necessarily So" and "I Loves You, Porgy."


The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess - 2012 - Broadway Cast

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The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess - 2012 - Broadway Articles Page 4

Review Roundup: The Gershwin's PORGY & BESS on Broadway - All the Reviews!
by Robert Diamond - January 13, 2012


The Gershwins' PORGY AND BESS opened tonight, Thursday, January 12th, 2012 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre starring Audra McDonald as Bess, Norm Lewis as Porgy and David Alan Grier as Sporting Life. Let's see what the critics had to say!

TV: PORGY & BESS on Broadway - Complete & Thrilling Show Preview!
by Robert Diamond - January 11, 2012


'Wow' is all that we could say after watching this thrilling show preview for The Gershwins' PORGY AND BESS on Broadway! Check out the footage below of Audra McDonald, Norm Lewis, David Alan Grier & company lighting up the stage in this new production which opens on Thursday, January 12!

TV: First Look at PORGY & BESS on Broadway - Montage!
by Robert Diamond - January 11, 2012


We'll have a complete BWW TV preview up later, but we couldn't resist bringing you a sneak peek at a production montage for The Gershwins' PORGY AND BESS on Broadway! The show opens on Thursday, January 12th, 2012 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre starring Audra McDonald as Bess, Norm Lewis as Porgy and David Alan Grier as Sporting Life.

Photo Flash: First Look at PORGY & BESS on Broadway!
by Jessica Lewis - January 10, 2012


The Gershwins' PORGY AND BESS opens on Thursday, January 12th, 2012 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre starring Audra McDonald as Bess, Norm Lewis as Porgy and David Alan Grier as Sporting Life. Production shots have just been released and below we bring you a first look!

STAGE TUBE: Audra McDonald on Becoming Bess
by Nicole Rosky - December 20, 2011


The Gershwins' PORGY AND BESS opens on Thursday, January 12th, 2012 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 West 46th Street, between 8th Avenue and Broadway). Tickets are now on sale at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 877-250-2929. In the video below, leading lady Audra McDonald chats about what it's like to take on the iconic character.

PORGY & BESS Begins Previews Tonight on Broadway
by BWW News Desk - December 17, 2011


The Gershwins' PORGY AND BESS begins previews tonight and opens on Thursday, January 12th, 2012 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 West 46th Street, between 8th Avenue and Broadway). Tickets are now on sale at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 877-250-2929.

TV: Meet the Cast and Creative Team of PORGY & BESS!
by Broadway Beat - December 11, 2011


The Gershwins' PORGY AND BESS comes to Broadway in a stirring new staging, featuring such legendary songs as 'Summertime,' 'It Ain't Necessarily So,' and 'I Got Plenty Of Nothing,' plus a remarkable cast led by four-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald (Ragtime, 'Private Practice'), Drama Desk nominee Norm Lewis (Les Misérables, Sondheim on Sondheim) and two-time Tony nominee David Alan Grier (Race, 'In Living Color').

Photo Coverage: In Rehearsal with PORGY & BESS
by Walter McBride - December 7, 2011


The Gershwins' PORGY AND BESS comes to Broadway in a stirring new staging, featuring such legendary songs as 'Summertime,' 'It Ain't Necessarily So,' and 'I Got Plenty Of Nothing,' plus a remarkable cast led by four-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald (Ragtime, 'Private Practice'), Drama Desk nominee Norm Lewis (Les Misérables, Sondheim on Sondheim) and two-time Tony nominee David Alan Grier (Race, 'In Living Color').

Photo Coverage: PORGY AND BESS Meets the Press!
by Walter McBride - December 7, 2011


The Gershwins' PORGY AND BESS comes to Broadway in a stirring new staging, featuring such legendary songs as 'Summertime,' 'It Ain't Necessarily So,' and 'I Got Plenty Of Nothing,' plus a remarkable cast led by four-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald (Ragtime, 'Private Practice'), Drama Desk nominee Norm Lewis (Les Misérables, Sondheim on Sondheim) and two-time Tony nominee David Alan Grier (Race, 'In Living Color'). Yesterday, the company met the press and treated the crowd to a performance preview. BroadwayWorld was there and brings you full photo coverage of the festivities below!

TV: First Look at PORGY AND BESS - Performance Preview!
by Jessica Lewis - December 6, 2011


The Gershwins' PORGY AND BESS comes to Broadway in a stirring new staging, featuring such legendary songs as "Summertime," "It Ain't Necessarily So," and "I Got Plenty Of Nothing," plus a remarkable cast led by four-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald (Ragtime, "Private Practice"), Drama Desk nominee Norm Lewis (Les Miserables, Sondheim on Sondheim) and two-time Tony nominee David Alan Grier (Race, "In Living Color"). Today, the company met the press and treated the crowd to a performance preview. BroadwayWorld was there and brings you a first look at the performances below!

Full Cast Announced for PORGY & BESS on Broadway; Previews Begin December 17
by Robert Diamond - December 1, 2011


The producers of The Gershwins' PORGY AND BESS have just announced the complete cast of the show, which begin previews on Saturday, December 17th, 2011 and opens on Thursday, January 12th, 2012 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 West 46th Street, between 8th Avenue and Broadway). Tickets are now on sale at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 877-250-2929.

STAGE TUBE: Audra McDonald, Diane Paulus, et al. on PORGY & BESS Revisions
by Sally Henry Fuller - November 28, 2011


In the video below, members of the cast and creative team of Broadway-bound PORGY AND BESS discuss with PBS the changes made by director Diane Paulus and book-writer Suzan-Lori Parks. They address the history of the opera and that though some people have always viewed this show as racist, Audra McDonald (Bess) adamently shares why that is exaclty what the show is not. Both Diane Paulus and Suzan-Lori Parks talk about the controversy that has surrounded this revamped musical. They reveal why this is an acceptable version of the show, even for purists and die-hard Gershwin fans. Click below to chck it out!

PORGY & BESS to Drop 'New Final Scene' on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - November 14, 2011


Back in August, a controversy arose from a New York Yimes article that explained director Diane Paulus' new vision for the ART production, and soon to be Broadway transfer, of THE GERSHWINS' PORGY AND BESS. Specifically in reponse to Paulus' new 'final scene,' which gave the musical a more upbeat ending, theatre legend Stephen Sondheim wrote a memorable letter to the NYT about his thuoghts on the re-interpretation.

Photo Flash: New Marquee for PORGY & BESS
by Peter James Zielinski - October 21, 2011


THE GERSHWINS' PORGY AND BESS, which played a record-breaking, sold out engagement at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, will play a 26-week limited run at the Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 West 46th Street, between 8th Avenue and Broadway). The new marquee is now up at the theatre - check it out below!

Photo Flash: First Look at PORGY AND BESS Broadway Artwork!
by Nicole Rosky - October 11, 2011


It was announced last week that the Broadway-bound production of THE GERSHWINS' PORGY AND BESS, which played a record-breaking, sold out engagement at the American Repertory Theater, will play a 26-week limited run at the Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 West 46th Street, between 8th Avenue and Broadway). Check out the just-released artwork for the Broadway run below!

STAGE TUBE: New Footage from Broadway-Bound PORGY AND BESS
by Robert Diamond - October 9, 2011


It was announced last week that the Broadway-bound production of THE GERSHWINS' PORGY AND BESS, which played a record-breaking, sold out engagement at the American Repertory Theater, will play a 26-week limited run at the Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 West 46th Street, between 8th Avenue and Broadway). Here's a glimpse at some more production footage from the A.R.T. run!

PORGY AND BESS Revival to Play 26-Week Limited Run; 1/12- 6/24
by Nicole Rosky - October 6, 2011


The Broadway-bound production of THE GERSHWINS' PORGY AND BESS, which played a record-breaking, sold out engagement at the American Repertory Theater, will play a 26-week limited run at the Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 West 46th Street, between 8th Avenue and Broadway).

GYPSY OF THE MONTH: J.D. Webster of 'The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess'
by Adrienne Onofri - October 7, 2011


J.D.'s varied career has encompassed Broadway, opera, concert work and 17 Encores! shows.

Mayor Menino and City of Boston Declare September 30 THE GERSHWINS' PORGY AND BESS Day
by Kelsey Denette - September 30, 2011


In honor of the 76th anniversary of the world premiere, Mayor Thomas M. Menino proclaimed today, Friday, September 30, 2011, as 'The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess' Day in the City of Boston.

UP ON THE MARQUEE: THE GERSHWINS' PORGY AND BESS
by Walter McBride - September 16, 2011


On August 31, American Repertory Theatre opened The Gershwins' PORGY AND BESS. Written by Ira Gershwin, George Gershwin, DuBose and Dorothy Heyward, the A.R.T. production features an adaptation by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks and Obie Award-winning composer Diedre L. Murray. It is directed by A.R.T. Artistic Director Diane Paulus, with choreography by Ronald K. Brown. The show began previews on August 17 and is planning a Broadway transfer this winter. The production is scheduled to begin previews at the Richard Rogers Theatre on December 17, 2011 in anticipation of a January 12, 2012 Broadway opening. The marquee is going up at the Richard Rogers, and BroadwayWorld brings you photos below!

STAGE TUBE: An In-Depth Look at PORGY AND BESS- Part 2!
by Nicole Rosky - September 15, 2011


American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) opened its 2011-12 season with The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, by George Gershwin, DuBose and Dorothy Heyward, and Ira Gershwin on August 31. The adaptation by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks and Obie Award-winning composer Diedre L. Murray, directed by A.R.T. Artistic Director Diane Paulus, with choreography by Ronald K. Brown, began previews on August 17. The production will begin previews at the Richard Rogers Theatre on December 17, 2011 in anticipation of a January 12, 2012 Broadway opening.

The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess History

Other Productions of The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess

1935   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
1942   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1943   Broadway
Broadway
1944   Broadway
Broadway
1952   West End London Revival
West End
1953   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1961   Off-Broadway City Center Revival
Off-Broadway
1964   Off-Broadway City Center Revival
Off-Broadway
1976   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1983   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
2000   Broadway New York City Opera Production
Broadway
2006   West End London Revival
West End
2012   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
2013   US Tour National Tour
US Tour

The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess - 2012 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
2012 BroadwayWorld Awards Best Leading Actress in a Musical Audra McDonald
2012 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actor in a Musical Norm Lewis
2012 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actress in a Musical Audra McDonald
2012 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical Phillip Boykin
2012 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Revival of a Musical 0
2012 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Sound Design in a Musical Acme Sound Partners
2012 Drama League Awards Distinguished Performance Award Audra McDonald
2012 Drama League Awards Distinguished Performance Award Norm Lewis
2012 Drama League Awards Distinguished Revival of a Musical 0
2012 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Actor in a Musical Norm Lewis
2012 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Actress in a Musical Audra McDonald
2012 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical Phillip Boykin
2012 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Revival of a Musical (Broadway or Off-Broadway) 0
2012 Theatre World Awards Outstanding Debut Performance Phillip Boykin
2012 Tony Awards Best Costume Design of a Musical ESosa
2012 Tony Awards Best Direction of a Musical Diane Paulus
2012 Tony Awards Best Lighting Design of a Musical Christopher Akerlind
2012 Tony Awards Best Orchestrations Christopher Jahnke
2012 Tony Awards Best Orchestrations William David Brohn
2012 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical Phillip Boykin
2012 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical David Alan Grier
2012 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical Norm Lewis
2012 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Audra McDonald
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Jeffrey Richards
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Jerry Frankel
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Rebecca Gold
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Howard Kagan
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Cheryl Wiesenfeld/Brunish Trinchero/Lucio Simons TBC
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Joseph & Matthew Deitch
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Mark S. Golub & David S. Golub
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Terry Schnuck
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Freitag Productions/Koenigsberg Filerman
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical The Leonore S. Gershwin 1987 Trust
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Universal Pictures Stage Productions
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Ken Mahoney
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Judith Resnick
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Tulchin/Bartner/ATG
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Paper Boy Productions
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Christopher Hart
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Alden Badway
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Broadway Across America
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Irene Gandy
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Will Trice
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical American Repertory Theater
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Will Trice
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Jeffrey Richards
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Jerry Frankel
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Rebecca Gold
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Howard Kagan
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Cheryl Wiesenfeld/Brunish Trinchero/Lucio Simons TBC
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Joseph & Matthew Deitch
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Mark S. Golub & David S. Golub
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Terry Schnuck
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Freitag Productions/Koenigsberg Filerman
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical The Leonore S. Gershwin 1987 Trust
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Universal Pictures Stage Productions
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Ken Mahoney
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Judith Resnick
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Tulchin/Bartner/ATG
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Paper Boy Productions
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Christopher Hart
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Alden Badway
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Broadway Across America
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Irene Gandy
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical American Repertory Theater
2012 Tony Awards Best Revival of a Musical Jeffrey Richards
2012 Tony Awards Best Sound Design of a Musical Acme Sound Partners

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