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The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess Reviews
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| 16 |
One of the Most Important Shows of the Season Review by: Carol, Jan 4, 2012 |
The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess is the classic American opera. No finer casting for Bess could be made than Audra McDonald, who electrifies any production with her Julliard-trained voice. Norm Lewis as Porgy does a stand-out job as crippled Porgy, a feat sustained throughout the 2-hour performance, which zips by. The music is memorable and familiar, and Bryonha Marie Parkham performance as Serena matches McDonald's in range. Equally effective ... read more is NaTasha Yvette Williams, although she does not have the power of McDonald and Williams. David Alan Grier's training at Yale Drama School comes to the fore in his convincing roles as Sporting Life, a hustling drug dealer intent upon getting Bess hooked on cocaine and spiriting her away from Catfish Row to New York City.
The conflicts inherent in abuse of women, drugs, provincial values vs. urbane temptations form the basis of the play. In total it is a magical night at the theatre in a rare revival of a play that is not to be missed. The choreographer Ronald K. Brown makes a very creditable Broadway debut that adds to the atmosphere and story line enhanced by the costuming by Esosa. No detail is missed in this production. |
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must see!
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Spouse/Partner
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| 17 |
Very Good Show Review by: Jim-NJ, Jan 4, 2012 |
| It's hard to fail with Porgy and Bess. It is certainly one of the very best musicals ever written. Audra McDonald and Norman Lewis turn in great performance. The show is not over-powering and may lack a sense of a detailed story. It is still more than worth seeing for the display of talent and famous songs. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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Alone
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| 18 |
A great production of an old chestnut Review by: siouxsiedc, Jan 4, 2012 |
| This show is a bargain with the discount tickets - rarely does a Broadway show have such wonderful singers as Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis in the same show, and David Alan Grier was a wonderful surprise as well as Sportin' Life. In fact, there wasn't a weak link in the entire cast, and the dancing was much better than I expected. The set was spare but, with the projections, did a very good job of conveying how the Catfish Row ... read more population lives at the mercy of the sea. Interestingly, Bess comes across almost as a victim of domestic abuse, which certainly helps explain some of her bad decisions in the play. But be aware that the show is in dialect, which is a lot harder to stomach now than it was when the show was written (which may be why it hasn't been revived in recent years). Still, it compares very favorably with "Showboat," another chestnut that has been revived recently (and that has fewer memorable songs). |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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| 19 |
I love you Porgy, and Bess!!!! Review by: Leawoodcats, Jan 1, 2012 |
| Absolutely magnificent!! The most stunning singing voices that I have heard on Broadway in many years. Run, don't walk, to see this fabulous show! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Business Assoc.
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| 20 |
Amazing! Must see! Review by: Keira, Dec 28, 2011 |
| This show is not one I would normally see but I am so glad I did! Audra and Norm give a PHENOMENAL performance as does the entire cast. I feel that this show is a genuine piece of theatre and all theatre fans should see it! Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. |
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must see!
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Family
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Romantic Date, Seniors, Tourists
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| 21 |
Great Show - Must See!! Review by: TSC, Dec 24, 2011 |
| This is a must see! A group of us went to see it and REALLY enjoyed it. The acting is great, the singing is great, the ensemble of the cast is great. Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis are surely going to be in the running for many awards! MUST SEE! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Large Group
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| * Review is an opinion of a BroadwayBox user and not that of BroadwayBox.com and BroadwayBox, Inc. |
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