Opera

Porgy and Bess

Step into the soulful world of Porgy and Bess, Gershwin’s landmark of opera-meets-jazz, with Alfred Walker and Brittany Renee leading an all-star cast in NYC’s Metropolitan Opera House.

With music by George Gershwin and libretto by Ira Gershwin & DuBose Heyward, Porgy and Bess offers a rare chance to see an American operatic masterpiece blending opera, jazz and Broadway-style storytelling.

Featuring bass-baritone Alfred Walker as Porgy and soprano Brittany Renee as Bess, the production comes from a top-tier creative team with director James Robinson and choreographer Camille A. Brown.

Expect powerful themes of love, community, struggle and survival set in South Carolina’s Catfish Row, and iconic songs like “Summertime” and “It Ain’t Necessarily So” woven into the fabric of the story.

Staged at the Metropolitan Opera House for a limited run, this version of Porgy and Bess has been praised for its vivid staging and rich musicality. Book your Porgy and Bess Broadway tickets now!

The story

Set in the early 20th century in a tight-knit African-American community on Catfish Row in Charleston, South Carolina, Porgy and Bess follows Porgy, a disabled beggar who steps in to protect Bess from Crown and the slick drug-dealer Sportin’ Life. As Bess wrestles with her past and Porgy tries to save her, the community holds fast around them, yet their hopes and fears hang in the balance. Will their love withstand the forces pulling them apart? What will become of Catfish Row if the tide shifts again?

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Show details

Categories: Opera, Classic, Critics’ choice, Stars on stage

Audience: Suitable for 10+

Theater name: Metropolitan Opera House

Find the best seats in the house with the Metropolitan Opera House seating chart

Theater facilities: Restrooms, bar, gift shop, restaurant, café, water fountains, coat check, premium members’ lounge, elevator

Theater accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, accessible restrooms, hearing enhancement devices, captioning screens for select performances, companion seating, accessible parking

Dress code: Smart casual

Cast and crew

Leading roles: Alfred Walker as Porgy, Brittany Renee as Bess, Ryan Speedo Green as Crown, Frederick Ballentine as Sportin’ Life, Vuvu Mpofu and Jazmine Saunders as Clara (on alternating dates), Latonia Moore and Leah Hawkins as Serena (on alternating dates), Denyce Graves and Tichina Vaughn as Maria (on alternating dates), Benjamin Taylor as Jake and Errin Duane Brooks as Mingo.

Conductor: Kwamé Ryan

Director: James Robinson

Choreographer: Camille A. Brown

Set designer: Michael Yeargan

Costume designer: Catherine Zuber

Lighting designer: Donald Holder

Projection designer: Luke Halls

Fight director: David Leong

Chorus director: C. Graham Berwind III

Chorus master: Tilman Michael

Music: George Gershwin

Lyrics: Ira Gershwin

Libretto: DuBose Heyward and Dorothy Heyward

Additional info

This show is suitable for ages 10 years and above.

Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!

Keep in mind, the theater is air-conditioned throughout the year and can get a bit chilly. Bring a light jacket just in case!

Frequently asked questions about Porgy and Bess

Q: How much do the Porgy and Bess Broadway tickets cost?

A: Prices may vary depending on your choice of seats and performance dates.

Q: Where is Porgy and Bess playing in New York?

A: The show is playing at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York.

Q: How long does the performance run?

A: The performance lasts about 3 hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission.

Q: What’s the story about?

A: Set in the African-American community of Catfish Row in early 20th-century Charleston, Porgy and Bess tells the story of Porgy, a disabled beggar, and his love for the troubled Bess, exploring themes of hope, faith, and survival.

Q: Is the show suitable for children?

A: There’s no strict age limit, but it’s generally recommended for ages 10 years and above.

Q: Who composed Porgy and Bess?

A: The opera was composed by George Gershwin, with lyrics by Ira Gershwin and a libretto by DuBose and Dorothy Heyward.

Q: What are the most famous songs in the opera?

A: The opera features timeless songs like “Summertime,” “I Got Plenty o’ Nuttin’,” “Bess, You Is My Woman Now,” and “It Ain’t Necessarily So.”

Q: What language is the opera performed in?

A: The opera is sung in English, staying true to its original form since its 1935 premiere.

Q: Are there surtitles available during the performance?

A: Yes, English, German, and Spanish surtitles are displayed on individual seat screens to help audiences follow the lyrics and dialogue clearly.

You will receive your tickets along with your email confirmation shortly. You need to print the same and display it at the ticket counter.

Theater Address

Metropolitan Opera House, 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, USA

Getting There

By Subway

Get off at 66 St - Lincoln Center Subway Station using lines 1 or 2. The Metropolitan Opera House is just a 5-minute walk from here.

By Bus

Get off at Broadway/W 64 St using buses M5 or M7 or at Broadway/W 63 St using bus M104. The theatre is located across the street to the left. Alternatively, get off at Amsterdam Av/W 62 St using bus M11. The theatre is located on the right.

Validity

The ticket is valid only for the exact date and time you have opted for.