When I tell people that they should see Porgy and Bess, they smile politely. And then ask me what other plays I recommend!
Poor Porgy and Bess! Because it is labeled an American classic, the musical suffers from the same stigma as works of classic fiction such as Moby Dick.
You know that as an educated person you should have read (seen) it, but you don’t want to read (see) it because it is hard and sad.
I can’t speak to the appeal of Moby Dick, because I haven’t read it! (Shame on HH!) But Porgy and Bess is worth seeing because it is good entertainment.
No, it is not Jersey Boys.
Yes, it is lush and poignant and Gershwin. That’s why it is a masterpiece.
(Did I mention that the current NYC production features the incomparable Audra McDonald too?)
See it!
Photo credit: Michael J. Lutch
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