Porgy and Bess *****

I have just got home after watching the World Tour Production of Porgy and Bess currently here in Adelaide. 6 performances only.

It was magnificent, Gerschwin's score is still as soaring, vital and honest as the day it was written and this production truly does it justice. The whole ensemble sang and acted brilliantly and kept the largish audience spellbound. The stylised unit setting took us from Catfish Row to Kittiwah Island without challenging our belief and the lighting was extraordinary. Costuming and all else supported the show beautifully. I cannot say enough about the cast, they rotate through the major roles to share the load and everyone in the cast can sing and act very well.

Living in Australia there is not much chance to see this show so if it's coming near you grab it. I have been priviledged to see the last Australian Tour of this opera by the Maori Theatre of New Zealand in the seventies as well as this one.

This is Gerschwins greatest work done justice by a passionate and talented cast. If you get a chance go and see it.

I saw Porgy and Bess this week at the Theatre Royal in Christchurch and had been looking forward to it. When booking I picked up a flyer which showed the Catfish Row as a series of wooden structures in the form of steps, balconies etc from which the artists performed. This was also shown in the programme. However, none of this materialised on stage, only a little scenery at the side of the stage and Catfish Row was in the form of a painted screen at the back of the stage. At $141NZ a ticket, this is disgraceful and nothing short of misrepresentation and false advertising. Corners were cut in not bringing the stage material, presumably because this show was only here for one night. A few years ago we saw Cats and it was explained how easy it is to transport and erect scenery. I will be thinking seriously before booking for any touring production again.

Porgy and Bess

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