The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess

I’m sorry; I just don’t get what people like about this show. I saw it two nights ago at The National Theatre in DC, and it was wretched. Really bad. Depressing, downer of a storyline, no catchy, singable tunes, no dancing worth the term, operatic singing makes it impossible to understand most of the lyrics; this show has nothing to recommend it. Honestly. Nothing. I’m sure people will pan me and my opinion, but I this is honestly the worst show I have ever seen and I’m mystified that people seem to think it’s good.

Audra MacDonald and Norm Lewis are so absolutely fanstatic, not to mention the rest of the cast. I cried during only one performance, and it just so happened to be an understudy (I was told during intermission. It’s a perk that the play has a great little story, albeit simple.
I am going to definitely follow Norm Lewis’ career going forward. I’ve recently watched the 25^th anniversary of Les Mis and Scandal, just for him. He’s so charismatic, really. I recommend both.
I put this right behind Wicked as the best musical (more of an Opera IMHO) I’ev ever seen for the «I got chills» factor. I definitely felt the emotions. I saw the effort the actors were putting into their performance — with their full heart, and without you saying «ok, stop it, that’s over the top now.» Really excellent performances all around.

I’m not generally a huge fan of musicals, but I did thoroughly enjoy Porgy and Bess. Everyone talks about Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis, and rightfully so, they are amazing… but the whole cast was actually about as good as it gets.
The story line was easy to follow, even though it seemed that 90% of the dialog is in song. We sat in the Mezzanine, about 5 rows back and the view was perfect.
Highly recommended!

The play was AWESOME just wish the place where it was held at had better seating but the acting made up for it:)

If you love musicals, this is a GO for you! There is singing from the beginning to the end. The acting is A-​list. These talented people have honed their craft of the arts by displaying amazing singing, dancing, and acting. Audra MacDonald and Norm Lewis really deserved their roles in this show. I would see it again!

Overlooking the usual small, cramped, theater seating, this is an excellent production. Audra McDonald is an exceptional performer. Norm Lewis did a phenomenal job playing his character. They took you through varied emotions, you cried, laughed, and grew angry right along with them. The set was sufficient for the time period of the play.
The only negative I have is that you lost some of the words in the singing.
I would recommend you go if you haven’t.

It just didn’t click, right from the start. The voices were muddy and inarticulate, and I found it hard — if not impossible — to get into even ONE of the songs! I didn’t connect with the story, the voices, or any of the characters. The only stand-​out was Norm Lewis, who has a great voice and undeniable stage presence. But put it this way, I *really* tried to like this musical (after all, I had surprised my boyfriend with tickets that cost $ 105 each), but we ended up walking out during intermission. Sadly.

The are so talented, but wow was it a depressing story. such powerful voices and dramatic acting. worth a trip to see, but not if you want a happy show

Audra MacDonald and Norm Lewis make the show. They are exceptional. I became a fan of Lewis after seeing him as Javert in the half-​ass revival of Les Miserables. Is it just me, or does Audra MacDonald look a lot like a younger version of Sheryl Lee Ralph?
I’m glad on went, and think it is a great show… but I was not blown away.

On my recent trip to NYC, this was one production I vowed to not miss. I am so glad I saw it. Having seen the operatic piece growing up, I was not sure how it would play out in theater. Make no mistake, this is no Rent or Wicked, but it is truly a musical for Broadway. It is not opera but the angelic and powerful voice of Audra MacDonald gave me goosebumps and Norm Lewis was stupendous in his acting as Porgy and his singing which has to match Ms. MacDonalds every night. It had been one of my wishes to see Audra MacDonald on stage and, in New York and I did it. She is by far one of the best performers and singers our theater stages have ever witnessed. The story is wonderful and a favorite treat is to see David Alan Grier (of In Living Color fame) bring the character of Sporting Life to, well, life! His masterful performance made people love him for the humor he brought to the part and hate him for the villain he plays — truly a gifted actor he is. I hope we see more of him very soon, too.
Don’t miss this beautiful performance, please. It is like no other musical out there right now.

I really enjoyed this performance. The talent was as good as it gets. Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis were shear perfection. Now I know some professional critics have said that Norm doesn’t have the caliber of voice for the score but this is a Musical Theatre adapatation/​interpretation and I found no problems with his signing. In fact whatever he supposedly doesn’t have in vocal caliber he has 10X as much heart and he puts it all into the role– I wouldn’t be surprised it he actually wins a Tony for this performance. Audra, Oh Audra– Shear perfection and she is the nicest person– I got her autograph and a photo with her at the stage door. I think this performance will call for a 7^th Tony nomination and definitely her first win as Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical. The ensemble is great and it everyone brings a very realistic and believable experience into the show. If your in NYC definitely go see this show. It’s well worth it.

I was fortunate to land an opening night ticket for this Broadway production of «Porgy and Bess.» The cast headed by Broadway veterans Audra McDonald as Bess, and Norm Lewis in the role of Porgy was superb. Haven’t never seen this classic American opera (turned Broadway show) performed on stage before, I must say that I was mesmerized. The minimalist stage setting against the soaring voices of McDonald and the other cast members swept me away like the hurricane off South Carolina’s shore in the show. Besides McDonald, I was particularly impressed with Phillip Boykin’s portrayal of Crown– the villain of Catfish Row and nemesis of the cripple Porgy in the show. Olé time classics like «Summertime,» It Ain’t Necessarily So” and «Bess, You Is My Woman Now,» brought thunderous applause from the audience.
This show is a tearjerker. And I like everyone else, left the theater in tears.
Without a doubt – a must see on Broadway!