English
English
Porgy and Bess
Opening on Dec 02, 2025
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DURATION
3 hr 30 min with 1 interval
CLOSING DATE
Until January 24, 2026
AGE LIMIT
Suitable for 10+ yrs
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Why watch Porgy and Bess?
- This production brings together the fusion of opera, jazz and Broadway through the timeless score of Porgy and Bess, making this opera a rare theatrical-music blend.
- With script and music by George Gershwin and a libretto by DuBose Heyward and Dorothy Heyward, it includes songs like “Summertime” and “It Ain’t Necessarily So” that have become cultural landmarks.
- This staging at the Metropolitan Opera House features acclaimed director James Robinson, choreographer Camille A. Brown and a design team that brings renewed vitality to the piece.
- The story centres on the community of Catfish Row and explores themes of love, resilience and social struggle, offering rich emotional depth to the audience. Book your Porgy and Bess Broadway tickets.
Porgy and Bess premiered in 1935 and is widely considered a landmark in American musical theater and opera. The story, set in the early 20th-century South Carolina coastal community of Catfish Row, follows the disabled beggar Porgy and the woman Bess as they navigate hardship, love and external threats. This current New York production at the Metropolitan Opera House uses the full score, under the baton of conductor Kwamé Ryan, and features leading voices including Alfred Walker as Porgy and Brittany Renee as Bess. With costumes by Catherine Zuber, lighting by Donald Holder and projection by Luke Halls, the staging delivers immersive storytelling and high production values.
Storyline
Set in the early 1920s on Catfish Row, a Black seaside tenement in Charleston, South Carolina, the opera depicts Porgy, a disabled beggar who seeks a new life when Bess, a troubled woman with a turbulent past, enters his world. Their hopes for security and belonging are challenged by Crown, a violent ex-lover, and Sportin’ Life, a charismatic dealer offering easy escape. Tensions mount as storms, illness, and temptation test the community’s bonds and the couple’s loyalty.
Show timings
Show timings for Porgy and Bess may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Cast & crew
- Leading roles: Alfred Walker as Porgy, Brittany Renee as Bess, Ryan Speedo Green as Crown, Frederick Ballentine as Sportin’ Life, Vuvu Mpofu and Jazmine Saunders as Clara (on alternating dates), Latonia Moore and Leah Hawkins as Serena (on alternating dates), Denyce Graves and Tichina Vaughn as Maria (on alternating dates), Benjamin Taylor as Jake and Errin Duane Brooks as Mingo.
- Conductor: Kwamé Ryan
- Director: James Robinson
- Choreographer: Camille A. Brown
- Set designer: Michael Yeargan
- Costume designer: Catherine Zuber
- Lighting designer: Donald Holder
- Projection designer: Luke Halls
- Fight director: David Leong
- Chorus director: C. Graham Berwind III
- Chorus master: Tilman Michael
- Music: George Gershwin
- Lyrics: Ira Gershwin
- Libretto: DuBose Heyward and Dorothy Heyward
Note: Producers cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and holidays.
Age & content guide
- This show is suitable for ages 10 years and above.
- Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!
Metropolitan Opera House Read more
Home to the Metropolitan Opera since 1966, the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center is one of the world’s most iconic opera venues. Designed by Wallace K. Harrison, its grand façade of five arched windows and the glittering crystal chandeliers inside make it an architectural marvel. It’s the largest repertory opera house in the world. Over the decades, it has hosted acclaimed productions such as La Bohème, Aida, Carmen, and Turandot, continuing its legacy as a temple of world-class music theatre.
The Metropolitan Opera House seating chart will help you find the best seats in the theater.
Getting there
- Address: 30 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, United States
- Subway: The nearest station is 66th Street–Lincoln Center Station (1 train), just a 2-minute walk away. You can also take the A, B, C, or D lines to 59th Street–Columbus Circle, about 10 minutes on foot.
- Bus: Buses M5, M7, M10, M11, M66, and M104 all stop near Lincoln Center.
Facilities & accessibility
Available facilities: Restrooms, bar, gift shop, restaurant, café, water fountains, coat check, premium members’ lounge, elevator
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, accessible restrooms, hearing enhancement devices, captioning screens for select performances, companion seating, accessible parking
Additional information
- Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.
- Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.
- Outside food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show.
Tickets redemption
- You’ll get an instant email confirmation right after you book your tickets.
- Enjoy a hassle-free entrance to the venue by showing your mobile ticket and a valid photo ID – no printout necessary!
Cancellation & refunds
- Tickets cannot be refunded, amended, or rescheduled.
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Frequently asked questions about Porgy and Bess
What age is the opera appropriate for?
The opera does not have a strict age limit. However, it is most suitable for children aged 10 years and above.
Where is the opera playing in New York?
The opera is playing at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York.
What is Porgy and Bess about?
It tells the story of love and survival in a Black community in early 20th-century Charleston, centering on Porgy, a disabled beggar, and Bess, a woman struggling to escape her past.
How long does the opera run for?
The running time is 3 hours and 30 minutes with one intermission.
Who are the main stars of Porgy and Bess?
The main stars of the opera are Alfred Walker as Porgy, Brittany Renee as Bess, Ryan Speedo Green as Crown and Frederick Ballentine as Sportin’ Life.
What are the popular songs in the opera?
Expect timeless classics like “Summertime,” “It Ain’t Necessarily So,” and “I Got Plenty o’ Nuttin’.”
Is the opera performed in English?
and Bess is performed in English, with Met Titles (English, German and Spanish subtitles) displayed on seat-back screens.
What themes does the show explore?
The opera delves into love, faith, poverty, addiction, and community resilience, portraying the strength and spirit of marginalized people in 1920s America.
Who composed and wrote the opera?
George Gershwin composed the music, Ira Gershwin wrote the lyrics, and DuBose and Dorothy Heyward adapted the libretto from DuBose’s 1925 novel Porgy.
What musical styles are used in the score?
Gershwin fuses classical composition, blues, jazz, spirituals, and Gullah rhythms, creating one of the most distinctive soundscapes in the operatic canon.