Porgy and Bess

Yesterday we saw the national tour of George and Ira Gershwin's Porgy and Bess.  That was awesome!  Ever since it was released early in the century, there has been debate over whether the show is a musical or an opera.   Gershwin did sub title it as a folk opera, but the show is well accepted by musical theater venues as well as opera houses. 

I wen into the show not knowing much about the story.   It takes place in the deep south, where the Gullah communities face racism as they keep their traditions alive.  

Bess is a woman with a past of drinking and dope using.  She witnesses her man at the time, Crown, murder a man, so she hides in the community of Catfish row.  No one will take her in while Crown is laying low, except for Porgy, a man with a congenital limp.   They eventually get together and bring themselves happiness.  This unlikely couple goes through some trials that I can't go into here without completely spoiling the entire show.

The vocal work is excellent, more operatic in style.  This complements well with the more traditional Broadway style musical dancing.   It'll touch your heart.  Go see it!