Porgy and Bess a triumph of life

MUSICAL: PORGY AND BESS
Savoy Theatre

I TOOK a cynical friend to see Porgy and Bess and we both left the theatre with tears streaming down our cheeks.
The passion pain and, yes, the triumph of human beings in this poor black fishing community is food for the soul.
George and his brother Ira Gershwin took a careful period of time in order to present it as a four-hour opera. Gareth Valentine has worked a magician’s miracle in transforming it into a two-and-a-half hour musical.
Trevor Nunn’s powerful direction harnesses the powerhouse of energy of the black Gulla of Catfish Row South Carolina.
From the unforgettable evocative opening of Summer Time to the tragic end to the Porgy and Bess story, these people’s lives command your attention and command your respect.
Porgy is a cripple who sits around peddling bits and pieces scratching a living. Bess, in the eyes of her religious female neighbours, is a harlot dominated by Crown a muscular bully-boy.
While Sporting Life supplies cocaine and liquor, Crown murders one of the neighbours.
Bess falls in love with Porgy. Her course is shifted again when Sporting Life seduces her back on to dope and the unreal prospect of wealth and luxury in faraway New York.
It all sounds like the bones of a romantic novelet. But only a heart of stone would not be moved. Of course it is enriched with wonderful melody “Bess you’s my woman now, there is a boat leaving soon for New York.”
And then there is a rousing version of It aint Necessarily So.
Sammy Davis would be green with envy.
They are all backed by a splendid company which excites and enthrals.
Music and theatre blended into a strong concoction for an unforgettable evening.
Until Mar 31

click here to book tickets or call CNJ booking line: 0870 040 0070