Porgy and Bess, Starring Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis, to Play Broadway’s Richard Rodgers Theater

American Repertory Theatre’s production of The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess will transfer to Broadway, beginning performances at the Richard Rodgers Theater on December 17, with an opening set for January 12.

This new production, directed by Diane Paulus, will play A.R.T. August 17-October 2, with a press opening set for August 31. Pulitzer Prize winner Suzan-Lori Parks and Obie Award-winning composer Diedre Murray are collaborating on a revised version the show, which has a score by George and Ira Gerhswin and an original libretto by DuBose and Dorothy Heyward.

The piece focuses on the denizens of the fictitious Catfish Row and in particular, a disabled beggar’s attempts to rescue a woman from her violent lover. Among the most famous songs to come from the piece are “Summertime” and “It Ain’t Necessarily So.”

The previously reported Audra McDonald as Bess, Norm Lewis as Porgy and David Alan Grier as Sportin’ Life will be reprising their A.R.T. roles for the Broadway production. Additional casting will be announced.

The creative team will include choreographer Ronald K. Brown, set designer Riccardo Hernandez, costume designer Emilio Sosa, lighting designer Christopher Akerlind, and sound by Acme Sound Partners.

For tickets and more information on the production at A.R.T., click here.

For more info about the Broadway run, click here.