Principal Casting Announced for L.A. Opera’s Porgy and Bess

Principal casting has been announced for the L.A. Opera production of Porgy and Bess, by George and Ira Gershwin and DuBose and Dorothy Heyward, scheduled to run May 4-20. The production will be directed by Francesca Zambello, who will helm the upcoming Broadway musical The Little Mermaid.

On May 4, 8, 11, 15, 17, and 19, the company will be headed by Kevin Short (Porgy), Morenike Fadayomi (Bess), Lester Lynch (Crown), Jermaine Smith (Sportin’ Life), and Laquita Mitchell (Clara). On May 5, 10, 13, 16, 18, and 20, the company will be headed by Alfred Walker (Porgy), Indira Mahajan (Bess), Terry Cook (Crown), Victor Ryan Robinson (Sportin’ Life), and Alyson Cambridge (Clara).

The opera will be conducted by John DeMain; the production team also includes Denni Sayers (choreography), Peter J. Davison (sets), Paul Tazewell (costumes), and Mark McCullough (lighting).