Organization

Des Moines Metro Opera

Singer

Baritone

Blake Denson

Jake

Bass-baritone

Kevin Deas

Porgy

Soprano

Michelle Johnson

Bess

Norman Garrett

Crown

Leah Hawkins

Serena

Simon Estes

Frazier

Tenor

Jermaine Smith

Sportin' Life

Stage director

Tazewell Thompson

Conductor

Michael Ellis Ingram

Lighting designer

Robert Wierzel

Set designer

R  Keith Brumley

Jacqueline Echols

Clara

Contralto

Sabrina Elayne Carten

Maria

Errin Brooks

Robbins

David Morgans

Mingo

Patrick Blackwell

Undertaker

Costume designer

Harry Nadal

Brandon Bell

English

Porgy and Bess

Indianola

United States

Blank Performing Arts Center

Public

Approved

Hailed as the first American opera, The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess has garnered critical acclaim and inspired passionate reactions since its premiere. Featuring some of the most beautiful and beloved songs ever written, Porgy and Bess shines a light on a chapter from our past as culturally challenging as its songs and characters are universally cherished. Our production will be offered in collaboration with and in honor of Iowa’s own international opera star Simon Estes on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of his historic Metropolitan Opera debut. He will serve as Producing Advisor and sing the role of Lawyer Frazier for this long-anticipated Iowa premiere.

Performance credits (Cast & Crew )

Cast

Crew