Porgy and Bess
Opened September 23, 2019
Metropolitan Opera: New York, NY
BY GEORGE GERSHWIN, DUBOSE AND DOROTHY HEYWARD, AND IRA GERSHWIN
One of America’s favorite operas returns to the Met for the first time in nearly 30 years. James Robinson’s stylish production transports audiences to Catfish Row on the Charleston waterfront, vibrant with the music, dancing, emotion, and heartbreak of its inhabitants. “If you’re going to stage Gershwin’s opera, this is how,” raved the Guardian when the new production premiered in London in 2018. David Robertson conducts a dynamic cast, featuring the sympathetic duo of Eric Owens and Angel Blue in the title roles and an all-star ensemble that includes Golda Schultz, Latonia Moore, Denyce Graves, Frederick Ballentine, Alfred Walker, and Ryan Speedo Green.
Choreography: Camille A. Brown
Associate Choreographer: Mayte Natalio
Assistant Choreographer: Maleek Washington
PRESS
”. . .the daring and intricacy of her vision came through”.
- The New York Times
“As far as presentation goes, this production is probably everything a Met audience could ask for. It’s lively, colorful, literal, and features some strong choreography by Camille A. Brown throughout many choral numbers”.
-OperaWire
“Another remarkable feature of this production was the choreography of Camille A. Brown. In her Met debut, Ms. Brown's dances grew organically from what was happening onstage, and never looked forced or contrived. This is the most original and interesting choreography to be seen on the Met stage in a very long time”.
-BroadwayWorld
“Camille A. Brown’s choreography was again an outstanding feature, turning the visual representation of Harlem Renaissance painting into movement.”
-New York Classical Review
“Camille A. Brown’s eye-catching dancers again animated the crowd scenes, making for a grand opera even grander than Gershwin himself imagined, which is saying something.” -New York Classical Review
