Organization

Admin

Stage director

Stage director (+4)

Francesca Zambello

Conductor

Kwamé Ryan

Choreographer

Stage director (+3)

Eric Sean Fogel

Set designer

Peter J Davison

Costume designer

Paul Tazewell

Lighting designer

Lighting designer (+2)

Mark McCullough

Bass-baritone (+3)

Michael Sumuel

Porgy

Baritone (+3)

Reginald Smith Jr

Soprano (+1)

Brittany Renee

Bess

Alyson Cambridge

Mezzo-soprano (+4)

Denyce Graves

Maria

Tenor (+3)

Chauncey Packer

Sportin' Life

Baritone (+1)

Norman Garrett

Crown

Bass (+3)

Kenneth Kellogg

Vuvu Mpofu

Clara

Benjamin Taylor

Jake

Amber Monroe

Serena

Orchestra

The Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Washington National Opera (The Kennedy Center)

It’s “summertime, and the livin’ is easy” in Catfish Row, a working-class fishing town in South Carolina. When a murder shakes the community and tempts Bess to return to her drug-filled past, Porgy becomes her unlikely refuge. As a hurricane descends and Bess’ violent old flame returns, she’ll find herself torn between Porgy’s steadfast love and the demons that tempt her.

Artistic Director Francesca Zambello’s adaptation of Gershwin’s landmark “folk opera” returns after playing to critical acclaim across renowned opera stages. Often considered the first great American opera, Porgy and Bess melds jazz, gospel, and folk styles. A new generation of talented singers assembles to take on Gershwin’s beloved music, from the gentle duet “Bess, You Is My Woman Now” to the instantly recognizable “Summertime” lullaby.

Themes of community resilience, acceptance, and redemption weave through this poignant story, ultimately asking if even the most unwavering love can drive out darkness.

Porgy and bess

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