"Porgy and Bess"
Coming to Cutler Majestic Theatre

George and Ira Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess” is coming to the newly refurbished Cutler Majestic Theater at Emerson College from October 28 - November 2. Interestingly, the show premiered in Boston in 1935 just around the corner at the Colonial Theatre.

Originally based on the DuBose Heyward novel, “Porgy and Bess” tells the classic story of the crippled Porgy and the residents of Charleston’s famed Catfish Row. Recognized as a masterpiece, the musical entwines pride, prejudice and pathos with a passionate score

While the novel became a successful play called “Porgy” (written by Heyward and his wife, Dorothy), the Gershwins had previously been in contact with Hey wood about turning the story into a musical. However, prior commitments kept that from happening.

When the Theatre Guild showed interest in working with Heyward to fashion the play into a Jerome Kern musical comedy starring Al Jolson, Heyward immediately contacted George Gershwin and pretty much said, “now or never.” Work commenced at once.

Originally billed as a “folk opera,” the Boston premiere was met with much acclaim. However, when the show moved on to Broadway, New York audiences were not as keen and “Porgy and Bess” closed after only 124 performances. It wasn't until the show was revived in 1942 that it captured the title of “masterpiece” and went on to be embraced enthusiastically by the international theater community.

“Porgy and Bess” is produced by Living Arts, Inc., presented by Emerson College and sponsored by Broadway in Boston. Tickets are available at the Cutler Majestic Theatre, 219 Tremont Street in Boston, or by calling 800-233-3123.

-- OnStage Boston

9/18/03