Porgy and Bess Show Poster

Porgy and Bess News & Features

Porgy and Bess tells the story of Porgy, who lives in the slums of Charleston, South Carolina, and his attempts to rescue Bess from the clutches of Crown, her pimp, and Sporting Life, a drug dealer. The musical features the classics "Summertime," "Bess, You Is My Woman Now," "I Got Plenty of Nothing," and "It Ain't Necessarily So."
 

This show is closed.

Performances ended on Sep. 23, 2012.

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About Porgy and Bess

What is the Story of Porgy and Bess?
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.

Hello Gorgeous! Exclusive Photo of Barbra Streisand's Backstage Visit at Porgy and Bess
Hot Shot
Hello Gorgeous! Exclusive Photo of Barbra Streisand's Backstage Visit at Porgy and Bess
She Loves You, Elmo! Porgy and Bess Star Audra McDonald to Appear on Sesame Street in New Segment
News
She Loves You, Elmo! Porgy and Bess Star Audra McDonald to Appear on Sesame Street in New Segment
Porgy and Bess Star Joshua Henry Remembers Hitting on Hot Girls and Playing in a Cover Band
School Days
Porgy and Bess Star Joshua Henry Remembers Hitting on Hot Girls and Playing in a Cover Band
Porgy and Bess Departs
Final Bow
Porgy and Bess Departs
Tony Winner Audra McDonald Returns to Full Performance Schedule in Porgy and Bess
News
Tony Winner Audra McDonald Returns to Full Performance Schedule in Porgy and Bess
Spike Lee Hopes to Direct a Big Screen Musical Adaptation of Porgy and Bess
News
Spike Lee Hopes to Direct a Big Screen Musical Adaptation of Porgy and Bess
Porgy Star Audra McDonald on Winning Tony Number Five, Befriending Her Idols and Finding (and Losing!) Her Voice
Show People
Porgy Star Audra McDonald on Winning Tony Number Five, Befriending Her Idols and Finding (and Losing!) Her Voice
Audra McDonald on 'Manly Man' Fiance Will Swenson and Sending Her Puppy to Be Trained By Monks
News
Audra McDonald on 'Manly Man' Fiance Will Swenson and Sending Her Puppy to Be Trained By Monks
Porgy and Bess' Audra McDonald Fulfills Her New Year's Resolution on The Chew
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Porgy and Bess' Audra McDonald Fulfills Her New Year's Resolution on The Chew
Tony-Winning Revival of Porgy and Bess, Starring Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis, to Close Earlier Than Expected
News
Tony-Winning Revival of Porgy and Bess, Starring Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis, to Close Earlier Than Expected
Weekend Poll Top Three: Songs from Grease and Spring Awakening Rank as Fans’ Top Summer Jams
News
Weekend Poll Top Three: Songs from Grease and Spring Awakening Rank as Fans’ Top Summer Jams
Porgy and Bess Star Audra McDonald Talks Tony Awards and Vocal Rest on Good Day New York
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Porgy and Bess Star Audra McDonald Talks Tony Awards and Vocal Rest on Good Day New York
Tony Winner Audra McDonald Returns to Broadway’s Porgy and Bess
News
Tony Winner Audra McDonald Returns to Broadway’s Porgy and Bess
Tony Hot Shot! Audra McDonald Shares Her Big Night with Fiancé Will Swenson and Their 'Wee Posse of Three'
Hot Shot
Tony Hot Shot! Audra McDonald Shares Her Big Night with Fiancé Will Swenson and Their 'Wee Posse of Three'
Watch Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis Perform 'Summertime' and More from Porgy and Bess at the 2012 Tonys
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Watch Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis Perform 'Summertime' and More from Porgy and Bess at the 2012 Tonys
Five-Time Winner Audra McDonald of Porgy and Bess Pays Loving Tribute to Daughter Zoe at 2012 Tonys
News
Five-Time Winner Audra McDonald of Porgy and Bess Pays Loving Tribute to Daughter Zoe at 2012 Tonys
Porgy and Bess Tony Nominee David Alan Grier Talks Awards Season on Good Day New York
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Porgy and Bess Tony Nominee David Alan Grier Talks Awards Season on Good Day New York
Get Porgy and Bess Nominee Phillip Boykin's Priceless Tony Reaction
Tony Nominee Secrets
Get Porgy and Bess Nominee Phillip Boykin's Priceless Tony Reaction
Porgy and Bess' David Alan Grier on Pimps, Vodka Enemas and the Power of YouTube
Q&A
Porgy and Bess' David Alan Grier on Pimps, Vodka Enemas and the Power of YouTube
Porgy and Bess' Norm Lewis Brings His Signature Smile to the Wall at Sardi’s
Photo Op
Porgy and Bess' Norm Lewis Brings His Signature Smile to the Wall at Sardi’s
Porgy and Bess Tony Nominee Phillip Boykin Can’t Live Without Backstage Treats, Gags and Dressing Roommates
My Space
Porgy and Bess Tony Nominee Phillip Boykin Can’t Live Without Backstage Treats, Gags and Dressing Roommates
Secrets of the Tony Nominees! What is Porgy and Bess Star Norm Lewis' Favorite Show of All Time?
Tony Nominee Secrets
Secrets of the Tony Nominees! What is Porgy and Bess Star Norm Lewis' Favorite Show of All Time?
Tony Nominee Norm Lewis on Audra, Les Miz and How Controversy Brought the Porgy and Bess Company Together
Q&A
Tony Nominee Norm Lewis on Audra, Les Miz and How Controversy Brought the Porgy and Bess Company Together
Tony Flashback! Porgy Nominee Norm Lewis Recalls Taking the Stage in Tommy and Lillias White Belting 'Brotherhood of Man'
Tony Flashback
Tony Flashback! Porgy Nominee Norm Lewis Recalls Taking the Stage in Tommy and Lillias White Belting 'Brotherhood of Man'
Secrets of the Tony Nominees! What Advice Did Chita Rivera Give Porgy and Bess Star David Alan Grier?
Tony Nominee Secrets
Secrets of the Tony Nominees! What Advice Did Chita Rivera Give Porgy and Bess Star David Alan Grier?
Perez Hilton & More Visit the Tony-Nominated Stars of Porgy and Bess
Photo Op
Perez Hilton & More Visit the Tony-Nominated Stars of Porgy and Bess
Porgy and Bess Star Norm Lewis Had to Rewind Tony Announcement to Believe His Nom
2012 Tony Reactions
Porgy and Bess Star Norm Lewis Had to Rewind Tony Announcement to Believe His Nom
Porgy and Bess Star Audra McDonald Gushes Over Fellow Nominees Steve Kazee, Jan Maxwell & Judith Light
2012 Tony Reactions
Porgy and Bess Star Audra McDonald Gushes Over Fellow Nominees Steve Kazee, Jan Maxwell & Judith Light
David Alan Grier Feels the Sweet Vindication of Porgy and Bess' 10 Tony Nods
2012 Tony Reactions
David Alan Grier Feels the Sweet Vindication of Porgy and Bess' 10 Tony Nods
Aretha Franklin Hopes Porgy and Bess Star Audra McDonald Will Headline Biopic
News
Aretha Franklin Hopes Porgy and Bess Star Audra McDonald Will Headline Biopic
Porgy and Bess’ Lisa Nicole Wilkerson on Her Journey from Track Star to Dancing Diva
Gotta Dance
Porgy and Bess’ Lisa Nicole Wilkerson on Her Journey from Track Star to Dancing Diva
Jim Carrey Visits His In Living Color Co-Star David Alan Grier & the Cast of Porgy and Bess
Photo Op
Jim Carrey Visits His In Living Color Co-Star David Alan Grier & the Cast of Porgy and Bess
Porgy and Bess Star David Alan Grier Stops By VH1’s Morning Buzz to Talk In Living Color Reunion
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Porgy and Bess Star David Alan Grier Stops By VH1’s Morning Buzz to Talk In Living Color Reunion
Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin Goes Backstage to Meet the Stars of Porgy and Bess
Photo Op
Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin Goes Backstage to Meet the Stars of Porgy and Bess
Porgy and Bess' Nikki Renée Daniels Releases Solo Album Home
News
Porgy and Bess' Nikki Renée Daniels Releases Solo Album Home
NaTasha Yvette Williams Leads an Uncensored Backstage Tour at Porgy and Bess
Behind the Scenes
NaTasha Yvette Williams Leads an Uncensored Backstage Tour at Porgy and Bess
The Cast of Porgy and Bess Dons Hoodies to Honor Slain Teen Trayvon Martin
Hot Shot
The Cast of Porgy and Bess Dons Hoodies to Honor Slain Teen Trayvon Martin
Diane Paulus, Alan Menken and Rosie O’Donnell to Be Honored by The Drama League
News
Diane Paulus, Alan Menken and Rosie O’Donnell to Be Honored by The Drama League
 Porgy and Bess Launching National Tour in Fall 2013
News
Porgy and Bess Launching National Tour in Fall 2013
Porgy and Bess' Audra McDonald Duets with Stephen Colbert on The Colbert Report
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Porgy and Bess' Audra McDonald Duets with Stephen Colbert on The Colbert Report
Watch Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis Perform 'Summertime' and More from Porgy and Bess on The Rosie Show
Watch It
Watch Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis Perform 'Summertime' and More from Porgy and Bess on The Rosie Show
Porgy and Bess Star Audra McDonald Discusses Girl Crushes, Sex Tapes and Happy Dust on Side by Side by Susan Blackwell
Videos
Porgy and Bess Star Audra McDonald Discusses Girl Crushes, Sex Tapes and Happy Dust on Side by Side by Susan Blackwell
Audra McDonald, Norm Lewis, David Alan Grier & Co. Will Record Two-Disc Porgy and Bess Cast Album
News
Audra McDonald, Norm Lewis, David Alan Grier & Co. Will Record Two-Disc Porgy and Bess Cast Album
Modern Family Star Jesse Tyler Ferguson Visits Porgy and Bess
Photo Op
Modern Family Star Jesse Tyler Ferguson Visits Porgy and Bess
See David Alan Grier and the Cast of Porgy and Bess Head to Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
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See David Alan Grier and the Cast of Porgy and Bess Head to Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
Smash Producer Steven Spielberg Takes In the Hit Revival of Porgy and Bess
Photo Op
Smash Producer Steven Spielberg Takes In the Hit Revival of Porgy and Bess
Porgy and Bess Stars Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis on Pizza, Sex Symbols and Les Miz Chic
Ask a Star Video
Porgy and Bess Stars Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis on Pizza, Sex Symbols and Les Miz Chic
David Alan Grier Chats With Jimmy Fallon
TV Appearance
David Alan Grier Chats With Jimmy Fallon
Vanessa Williams and James Spader Head Backstage at Porgy and Bess
Photo Op
Vanessa Williams and James Spader Head Backstage at Porgy and Bess
Porgy and Bess, Starring Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis, Extends Broadway Run
News
Porgy and Bess, Starring Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis, Extends Broadway Run
Workouts and Wings: A Day in the Life of Porgy and Bess Star Joshua Henry
Photo Feature
Workouts and Wings: A Day in the Life of Porgy and Bess Star Joshua Henry
Porgy and Bess Star Joshua Henry Debuts Solo Show at The Triad
News
Porgy and Bess Star Joshua Henry Debuts Solo Show at The Triad
David Alan Grier Chats with Jimmy Kimmel
TV Appearance
David Alan Grier Chats with Jimmy Kimmel
Nikki Renée Daniels on the Pressure and Excitement of Singing 'Summertime' in Porgy and Bess
First Person
Nikki Renée Daniels on the Pressure and Excitement of Singing 'Summertime' in Porgy and Bess
Watch a Moving Performance by Porgy and Bess Stars Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis on The View
Watch It
Watch a Moving Performance by Porgy and Bess Stars Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis on The View
Feel the Passion and Drama in a Squigs Sketch of Porgy and Bess
Broadway Ink
Feel the Passion and Drama in a Squigs Sketch of Porgy and Bess
Joan Rivers Trades Fashion for Gershwin at Porgy and Bess
Hot Shot
Joan Rivers Trades Fashion for Gershwin at Porgy and Bess
Rosie O'Donnell, Chelsea Clinton and Bobby Cannavale Swing By Broadway's Porgy and Bess
Photo Op
Rosie O'Donnell, Chelsea Clinton and Bobby Cannavale Swing By Broadway's Porgy and Bess
B'way Loves You, Porgy! Join the Opening Night Bash for Porgy and Bess, Starring Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis
Videos
B'way Loves You, Porgy! Join the Opening Night Bash for Porgy and Bess, Starring Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis
Audra McDonald, Norm Lewis, David Alan Grier & More Share the Love at the Opening of Porgy and Bess
Photo Op
Audra McDonald, Norm Lewis, David Alan Grier & More Share the Love at the Opening of Porgy and Bess
Did Our Word of Mouth Panelists Fall in Love with Porgy and Bess?
Word of Mouth Review
Did Our Word of Mouth Panelists Fall in Love with Porgy and Bess?
Porgy and Bess' Phillip Boykin on Finding Inspiration From Audra, Suzan-Lori and Mom
Fresh Face
Porgy and Bess' Phillip Boykin on Finding Inspiration From Audra, Suzan-Lori and Mom
Take a First Look at Catfish Row in Porgy and Bess Video Footage
Videos
Take a First Look at Catfish Row in Porgy and Bess Video Footage
Porgy and Bess, Starring Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis, Opens on Broadway
Curtain Up
Porgy and Bess, Starring Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis, Opens on Broadway
A First Look at Broadway's Porgy and Bess, Starring Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis
First Look
A First Look at Broadway's Porgy and Bess, Starring Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis
Weekend Poll Top Three: Fans Rank Porgy and Bess Star Audra McDonald’s Top Roles
News
Weekend Poll Top Three: Fans Rank Porgy and Bess Star Audra McDonald’s Top Roles
Porgy and Bess Stars Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis Are Taking Your Questions!
Ask a Star
Porgy and Bess Stars Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis Are Taking Your Questions!
Weekend Poll: What Is Your Favorite Audra McDonald Performance?
Weekend Poll
Weekend Poll: What Is Your Favorite Audra McDonald Performance?
Phylicia Rashad Visits Her Raisin in the Sun Co-Star Audra McDonald at Porgy and Bess
Photo Op
Phylicia Rashad Visits Her Raisin in the Sun Co-Star Audra McDonald at Porgy and Bess
Congratulations! Broadway’s Audra McDonald and Will Swenson Get Engaged
News
Congratulations! Broadway’s Audra McDonald and Will Swenson Get Engaged
And the Livin’ Is Easy!  Welcome Porgy and Bess to Broadway With Five Showstopping Versions of 'Summertime'
Watch It
And the Livin’ Is Easy! Welcome Porgy and Bess to Broadway With Five Showstopping Versions of 'Summertime'
Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis Return to Broadway as Previews Begin for Porgy and Bess
Curtain Up
Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis Return to Broadway as Previews Begin for Porgy and Bess
Broadway Holiday Flashback! Watch Audra McDonald and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir 'Deck the Halls'
Holiday Flashback
Broadway Holiday Flashback! Watch Audra McDonald and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir 'Deck the Halls'
Watch Audra McDonald, Norm Lewis and David Alan Grier Bring Passion to Porgy and Bess
Videos
Watch Audra McDonald, Norm Lewis and David Alan Grier Bring Passion to Porgy and Bess
Audra McDonald, Norm Lewis, David Alan Grier & Co. Preview Porgy and Bess
Photo Op
Audra McDonald, Norm Lewis, David Alan Grier & Co. Preview Porgy and Bess
Joshua Henry & More Complete the Cast of Porgy and Bess
News
Joshua Henry & More Complete the Cast of Porgy and Bess
Tickets Now Available to See Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis in Porgy and Bess
Now On Sale
Tickets Now Available to See Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis in Porgy and Bess
Porgy and Bess Begins on Broadway
First Performance
Porgy and Bess Begins on Broadway
Exclusive Photos! Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis Celebrate Porgy and Bess' Pre-Broadway Opening
Photo Op
Exclusive Photos! Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis Celebrate Porgy and Bess' Pre-Broadway Opening
Audra McDonald, Norm Lewis & David Alan Grier Speak Out About Porgy and Bess
Watch It
Audra McDonald, Norm Lewis & David Alan Grier Speak Out About Porgy and Bess
A Dramatic First Look at Norm Lewis & Audra McDonald in Porgy and Bess
First Look
A Dramatic First Look at Norm Lewis & Audra McDonald in Porgy and Bess
Stephen Sondheim Writes a Blistering Response to Revisions in Porgy and Bess
News
Stephen Sondheim Writes a Blistering Response to Revisions in Porgy and Bess
Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis Preview the Pre-Broadway Production of Porgy and Bess
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Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis Preview the Pre-Broadway Production of Porgy and Bess
Before Porgy and Bess' Broadway Bow, Audra McDonald Sets Concert Dates
News
Before Porgy and Bess' Broadway Bow, Audra McDonald Sets Concert Dates
Audra McDonald Talks Performing at New York's First Gay Wedding and Previews Porgy and Bess on The View
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Audra McDonald Talks Performing at New York's First Gay Wedding and Previews Porgy and Bess on The View
Audra McDonald, Norm Lewis & More Headed to Broadway in Porgy and Bess
News
Audra McDonald, Norm Lewis & More Headed to Broadway in Porgy and Bess
Tony Nominee Joshua Henry Talks Porgy and Bess and 'Amazing' Co-Star Audra McDonald
News
Tony Nominee Joshua Henry Talks Porgy and Bess and 'Amazing' Co-Star Audra McDonald
Joshua Henry Joins A.R.T.'s Porgy and Bess, Starring Audra McDonald & Norm Lewis
News
Joshua Henry Joins A.R.T.'s Porgy and Bess, Starring Audra McDonald & Norm Lewis
Norm Lewis and David Alan Grier to Join Audra McDonald in Boston Porgy and Bess
News
Norm Lewis and David Alan Grier to Join Audra McDonald in Boston Porgy and Bess
Four-Time Tony Winner Audra McDonald Eyes Return to Broadway in Porgy and Bess
News
Four-Time Tony Winner Audra McDonald Eyes Return to Broadway in Porgy and Bess
Suzan-Lori Parks and Diane Paulus to Reimagine Gershwin Classic Porgy & Bess
News
Suzan-Lori Parks and Diane Paulus to Reimagine Gershwin Classic Porgy & Bess
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