Tony Award winner "The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess" comes to the Ordway March 25-30
For Immediate Release:
Media Contacts:
Anne Q. Ulseth: 612.272.0588 | aulseth@ordway.org
Danielle Cristal: 651.282.3113 | dcristal@ordway.org
Ticket Office: 651.224.4222 | ordway.org
Groups: 651.282.3111
The Gershwins Porgy and Bess is A TRIUMPH!
San Francisco Chronicle
A Sumptuous Musical Treat!
This Porgy emerges as a moving, tribute to the genius of the original!
Bay Area News Group
#1 MUSICAL OF THE YEAR
A dont-miss theater event.
TIME Magazine
A GORGEOUS VERSION OF THE GERSHWIN MASTERPIECE!
- Associated Press
Tony Award® Winner The Gershwins Porgy and Bess
March 25-30, 2014
at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
SAINT PAUL, MINN. (FEB. 19, 2014) The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts announced today that The Gershwins Porgy and Bess, winner of the 2012 Tony Award® for Best Musical Revival, will perform March 25-30, 2014 at the Ordway.
Based on DuBose Heyward's novel Porgy and the play of the same name, which he co-wrote with his wife Dorothy Heyward, the Broadway revival of The Gershwins Porgy and Bess is a stunning and stirring new staging with a magnificent 23-piece orchestra, including such legendary songs as Summertime, It Aint Necessarily So, and I Got Plenty of Nothing.
This Tony Award®-winning Broadway revival was created specifically for new musical theater audiences. The creative team, selected by the Gershwin and Heyward Estates, are among the best in the business and theyve succeeded on all counts! said James A. Rocco, vice president of programming for the Ordway. This is a powerful story told with trailblazing music, worth seeing again and again.
The cast features Nathaniel Stampley as Porgy, Alicia Hall Moran as Bess, Alvin Crawford as Crown, Kingsley Leggs as Sporting Life, Sumayya Ali as Clara, Denisha Ballew as Serena, Danielle Lee Greaves as Mariah and David Hughey as Jake.
The cast also includes Dan Barnhill, Vanjah Boikai, Adrianna M. Cleveland, Roosevelt André Credit, Dwelvan David, Nkrumah Gatling, Tamar Greene, Nicole Adell Johnson, James Earl Jones II, Quentin Oliver Lee, Cheryse McLeod Lewis, Sarita Rachelle Lilly, Kent Overshown, Chauncey Packer, Lindsay Roberts, Fred Rose and Soara-Joye Ross.
The Gershwins Porgy and Bess by George Gershwin; Dubose and Dorothy Heyward; and Ira Gershwin features one of Broadways most accomplished creative teams led by Tony Award®-winning director Diane Paulus (Pippin, Hair); Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks (Topdog/Underdog); and two-time Obie Award-winning composer Diedre L. Murray (Running Man). The creative team also includes set designer Riccardo Hernandez; costume designer Esosa; lighting designer Christopher Akerlind; sound designer Acme Sound Partners; wig, hair and makeup designers, J.Jared Janas and Rob Greene; music supervisor Constantine Kitsopoulos, orchestrators William David Brohn and Christopher Jahnke, and music director/conductor Dale Rieling.
The creative team also includes award-winning choreographer Ronald K. Brown, who will visit Saint Paul on February 25. The Ordway will host a reception and conversation with The Gershwins Porgy and Bess choreographer. He will discuss his artistic process and his role in re-envisioning the award-winning production, as well as his connections with the Twin Cities.
The classic story is set in Charlestons fabled Catfish Row, where the beautiful Bess struggles to break free from her scandalous past, and the only one who can rescue her is the courageous Porgy. Threatened by her formidable former lover Crown, and the seductive enticements of the colorful troublemaker Sporting Life, Porgy and Bess relationship evolves into a deep romance that triumphs as one of theaters most exhilarating love stories.
Porgy and Bess first premiered at the Colonial Theatre in Boston on September 30, 1935. Broadway performances followed featuring a cast of classically trained African-American singers a daring and visionary artistic choice at the time. This new adaptation of The Gershwins Porgy and Bess was specifically created for Broadway and features a revised book in a musical theater format and jazz-oriented musical arrangements.
Before presenting the world premiere production of The Gershwins Porgy and Bess during its 2011/12 season the American Repertory Theater at Harvard University first produced the groundbreaking immersive theater event Sleep No More in an empty school in Brookline, MA and developed Once the Musical in its club theater venue OBERON. Following its sold-out engagement at A.R.T., The Gershwins Porgy and Bess moved to the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway for a limited engagement with an official opening on January 12, 2012. After extending the show twice, The Gershwins Porgy and Bess closed on September 23, 2012 after 322 performances, making it the longest running production of Porgy and Bess to ever play Broadway. The 2012 Broadway Cast Recording of The Gershwins Porgy and Bess is now available on PS Classics.
The musical theater performance of The Gershwins Porgy and Bess is part of the Ordways ongoing initiative Taking Our Place Centerstage: The African Diaspora in Harmony. A pre-show presentation, Ordway Extra: Our Place Centerstage: The Contribution of African Americans on Broadway, will take place on Wednesday, March 26 at 6:30 p.m. Austene Van, Tonia Hughes and Cameron Wright will highlight some of the greatest African American Broadway artists from Eubie Blake to Ethel Waters, from Lena Horne to Jennifer Holliday, and dozens of others who made major contributions to American Performing Arts.
Taking Our Place Centerstage: The African Diaspora in Harmony was created to enhance specific Ordway programming from January-June 2014 to increase cross-cultural understanding and promote the awareness of the vibrant Afro-centric cultural heritage in the Twin Cities.
For tickets and more information, please visit www.ordway.org
For more information about the tour, please visit www.porgyandbessthemusical.com
For more information or to purchase the 2012 Broadway Cast Recording, visit http://www.psclassics.com/
ABOUT THE ORDWAY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
The Ordway is widely recognized as one of the nations leading nonprofit performing arts centers and Saint Pauls most elegant and inviting performance space. The Ordways Music Theater and soon-to-be completed Concert Hall attract diverse audiences with an array of productions showcasing the finest in American musical theater, world music, dance and vocal performance. Education and community engagement are integral to the Ordways mission, with major initiatives including the annual Flint Hills International Childrens Festival and Ordway Education programs that serve more than 50,000 students annually. The Ordway also sponsors the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, a professionally guided academic and artistic environment that trains aspiring pre-professional performing artists. Together with The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Opera and The Schubert Club, the Ordway is a member of the Arts Partnership and serves as the principal venue for their performances.
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QUICK REFERENCE
Production: The Gershwins Porgy and Bess
Date: March 25-30
Time: 7:30 p.m., with 2:00 p.m. matinee shows on Mar. 29-30
Theater Venue Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
& Location: 345 Washington Street
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102
Tickets: ordway.org
Ticket Office: 651.224.4222
Groups: 651.282.3111
Price: $36.00-105.00, subject to change
Pre-Show: Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 7:00 p.m.
Ronald K. Brown Reception
Wednesday, Mar. 26 at 6:30 p.m.
ORDWAY EXTRA: Our Place Centerstage: The Contribution of African Americans on Broadway
Post-show: Wednesday, Mar. 26, immediately following the performance
Talk back with members of the company
Novel By: DuBose Heyward
Music By: George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
Play Written By: DuBose and Dorothy Heyward
Director: Diane Paulus
Choreographer: Ronald K. Brown
Book Adapted By: Suzan-Lori Parks
Musical Score
Adapted By: Diedre L. Murray
Scenic Design: Riccardo Hernandez
Costume Designer: ESosa
Lighting Design: Christopher Akerlind
Sound Design: Acme Sound Partners
Wig/Hair/Makeup
Design: J. Jared Janas and Rob Greene
Music Supervisor: Constantine Kitsopoulos
Orchestrators: William David Brohn and Christopher Jahnke
Music Director
& Conductor: Dale Rieling
Music Coordinator: John Miller
Associate Director: Nancy Harrington
Production
Stage Manager: John M. Atherlay
Technical Supervision: Hudson Theatrical Associates
Cast: Nathaniel Stampley, Alicia Hall Moran, Sumayya Ali, Denisha Ballew, Dan Barnhill, Danielle Lee Greaves, David Hughey, Fred Rose, Alvin Crawford, Kingsley Leggs
Vanjah Boikai, Adrianna M. Cleveland, Roosevelt André Credit, Cicily Daniels, Dwelvan David, Nkrumah Gatling, Tamar Greene, Nicole Adell Johnson, James Earl Jones II, Quentin Oliver Lee, Cheryse McLeod Lewis, Sarita Rachelle Lilly, Kent Overshown, Chauncey Packer, Lindsay Roberts, Soara-Joye Ross
Media Contacts: Anne Q. Ulseth: 612.272.0588 | aulseth@ordway.org
Danielle Cristal: 651.282.3113 | dcristal@ordway.org
Cast bios follow next page.
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The Gershwins Porgy and Bess Cast Bios:
NATHANIEL STAMPLEY (Porgy). West End: The Lion King (Disney UK Ltd.). Broadway: The Gershwins Porgy and Bess, The Color Purple, The Lion King. Fiorello!, Lost in the Stars, NY City Centers Encores!; Abyssinia, North Shore Music Theatre; Pacific Overtures, Chicago Shakespeare Theater; Strike Up the Band, Auditorium Theatres Ovations!; Violet, Big River, Apple Tree Theatre; The Skylight Opera Theaters Girl Crazy, The King and I; Link Up with the Orchestra of St. Lukes at Carnegie Hall; Musical Introduction Series at 92Y.
ALICIA HALL MORAN (Bess) is thrilled to portray Bess in The Gershwins Porgy and Bess after performing in the Company of the workshop, the A.R.T. premiere, and finally as the Bess alternate and understudy in Broadways Tony-winning production. Morans musical background includes critically-acclaimed concerts and collaborations in Dance, Jazz, Classical Music and Fine Arts. A California native, Moran lives in New York with husband and frequent collaborator, pianist Jason Moran, and their sons. aliciahallmoran.com
ALVIN CRAWFORD (Crown). Broadway: The Lion King, Candide, Miss Saigon, The Buddy Holly Story. Off-Broadway/Regional: Pirates Of Penzance, Big River, A Raisin In The Sun, (Phylicia Rashad Dir.) Famous Orpheus, Martin Guerre, Street Scene. Film/ TV: And So It Goes (2014 release), It Runs In The Family, Clarence, Pray For Me, South Pacific. Alvin is a graduate of The Juilliard School.
KINGSLEY LEGGS (Sporting Life). Broadway: Sister Act, The Color Purple, Miss Saigon. Touring: Sister Act, Ragtime, Miss Saigon, It Aint Nothing but the Blues. Regional: NCT, 5th Avenue, Goodman Theatre, Denver Center Theatre, Seattle Rep, Fords Theatre, Baltimore Centerstage, Geffen Playhouse, Laguna Payhouse, Milwaukee Skylight, Alliance Theatre, Marriotts Lincolnshire, The MUNY, St. Louis Black Rep. TV: City of Angels, One Life to Live, Law and Order SVU.
SUMAYYA ALI (Clara, u/s Bess). Broadway/ New York: The Gershwins Porgy and Bess, Ragtime!, Lost in the Stars. Favorite Regional: Master Class, Ragtime! (Kennedy Center), Oklahoma! (Portland Center Stage). TV/Film: Red Hook Summer, Something Whispered; Boston District winner of Metropolitan Opera Competition, Spelman College, BA, New England Conservatory, MM. Performance dedicated to my lovely teacher Mr. Bonds. www.sumayya.com
DENISHA BALLEW (Serena). Artist Highlights include: Eliza in Babers River of Time (Kennedy Center premiere), 1st Lady in Mozarts Magic Flute (Nashville Opera), Bess in Porgy and Bess (Knoxville Symphony Orchestra) and Mozarts Don Giovanni (AIMS Festival Orchestra in Graz, Austria).
DANIELLE LEE GREAVES (Mariah). Broadway: A Streetcar Named Desire, Rent, Hairspray, Sunset Boulevard, Show Boat. New York: The Importance of Being Earnest, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Purlie. National Tours: The Lion King, Rent. Film: Growing Up (and Other Lies). Television: Smash, The Big C, Rescue Me, Damages, Whoopi, 100 Centre Street. Other: Broadway Inspirational Voices.
DAVID HUGHEY (Jake). Broadway: Sporting Life/Jake (u/s) The Gershwins Porgy And Bess. Regional: Bernardo West Side Story, Rapunzels Prince Into The Woods, Harry Easter Street Scene, Father Children Of Eden. Opera: Figaro Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Schaunard La Boheme, Morales Carmen. This performance is dedicated to my amazing parents, Calvin and Linda, for their undying love and support! www.davidhughey.com
DAN BARNHILL (Detective). Broadway: The Gershwins Porgy & Bess. Off-Broadway: The Joy of Going Somewhere Definite, dir. William H. Macy (Atlantic Theater Company), Graceland (LCT3). Other: Benten Kozo (The Flea), As You Like It (The Drilling Company), Emerging Artists Theater Co., NYC Fringe, DC Fringe. Toured Europe as the guitarist in a punk band.
VANJAH BOIKAI (Swing, u/s Jake) studied opera at Ohio State. Touring debut; Regional: Barn Theater, Weathervane Playhouse, Opera Columbus. He sings with Condola Rashads band Condola and the Stoop Kids. He is thrilled to join this family and tell this classic story. Thanks to family, friends. For Mom and Dad Musu, Leroy Boikai.
ADRIANNA M. CLEVELAND (Woman of Catfish Row, u/s Clara). Native of Pittsburgh, B. M. in voice from Baldwin -Wallace College. Trained by world famous Heldentenor Dr. Timothy Mussard and his wonderful wife, Annie Mussard. Currently a member of the Nouveau Noir Vocal Ensemble directed by Maestro David Jennings-Smith. Thankful for my family and my teachers for inspiring me.
ROOSEVELT ANDRÉ CREDIT (Fisherman). Bway: Show Boat (and national tour), The Gershwins Porgy and Bess. Off Bway: Marie Christine, The Prince and the Pauper. Regional: The Gershwins Porgy and Bess (A.R.T.), Ragtime, I Am Harvey Milk, For the People, (Majestic Theater, Gettysburg), The White House Cantata. Great to be back! Hugs for all!
CICILY DANIELS (Woman of Catfish Row, u/s Mariah). Broadway: Disneys The Little Mermaid (Ursula u/s, Alana), All Shook Up (Sylvia u/s), Rent (Joanne u/s). National Tour: Caroline or Change (Washing Machine), TV & Film: Boardwalk Empire (Jazz Dancer), Ugly Betty (Zelda), Across the Universe. Yale University, B.A. Theater.
DWELVAN DAVID (The Crab Man, u/s Crown). First 1st National Tour. NY: Standby (NYMF 2013) Regional: Aint Misbehavin, The Wiz, Caroline, or Change, Ragtime, Big River, Cats, Show Boat, The Nativity, Hot Mikado. Nominations: BTAA, Louie, Joseph Jefferson. BFA Millikin University. AEA Proud. Shalom Yall! visit www.DwelvanDavid.com
NKRUMAH GATLING (Ensemble, u/s Jake). is thrilled to be joining the cast of The Gershwins Porgy and Bess! Broadway: Hair. National Tours: Hair, Miss Saigon. Regional: Band Geeks (Goodspeed), Miss Saigon, Dreamgirls, Wonderful Life (TUTS). Many thanks and lots of love to Mom and my family!
TAMAR GREENE (Fisherman). is debuting in his first national tour. MM: Eastman. Regional: Viva Verdi (Buffalo Opera Unlimited), RENT (Blackfriars), The Wiz (OFC), Trial By Jury (Rochester Lyric Opera), Little Shop of Horrors (RAPA). Much love to my family, friends, and soulmate Jen.
NICOLE ADELL JOHNSON (Woman of Catfish Row, Dance Captain). Baltimore native. Credits: The Lion King (Broadway, national tour), Companies: Lula Washington, Creative Outlet Dance Theater. Him and Us (film), Tannhauser (L.A. Opera). AEA Member. Thank you God, family and friends for your endless love and support.
JAMES EARL JONES II (Robbins, u/s Porgy). Regional: Chicago Shakespeare Theater, First Folio, Writers Theatre, Marriott Theater, Lookingglass, Court Theatre, Lyric Opera Chicago, SF Opera, Theater at the Center, Drury Lane Oakbrook, Northlight, Ravinia, Broadway in Chicago. Love & thanks to his family, friends, Sam/Stewart Talent & Telsey. For Semaje.
QUENTIN OLIVER LEE (Swing; u/s Porgy, Crown) is proud and excited that this is his first professional credit. He sends love to his family, friends & all supporters of local performing arts. More info about Quentin at: www.quentinolee.wix.com/quentinsings.
CHERYSE MCLEOD LEWIS (Swing, u/s Bess) is thrilled to join this 1st national tour! Opera Highlights: Carmen (Carmen), Il barbiere di Siviglia (Rosina), Hansel and Gretel (Hansel). Concert Highlights: Gettysburg Festival, Orchestra Seattle, Greensboro Symphony. Debut Solo CD: Spirituals. www. CheryseMusic.com
SARITA RACHELLE LILLY (The Strawberry Woman). Broadway: The Gershwins Porgy and Bess (Swing). Regional: The Gershwins Porgy and Bess (A.R.T.). Opera: Dead Man Walking (Sister Rose) (New England Premiere - BOC); The Merry Wives of Windsor (Mrs. Ford); International: Suor Angelica (Suor Angelica - Urbania, Italy). Much love to Eagles 4.
KENT OVERSHOWN (Mingo, the Undertaker, u/s Porgy). Tour: Memphis (Wailin Joe, u/s Bobby, Delray, Gator). Regional: Casa Mañana, MUNY, Westchester Broadway Theatre. Endless thanks to friends and family without whose love and support I wouldnt be here. Thanks to Telsey and Co and the phenomenal team at Harden-Curtis. Dad, this is for you! Go Blue!
CHAUNCEY PACKER (Honey Man, u/s Sporting Life) is excited to perform in his first Broadway tour. Chauncey has performed operatic roles in Porgy & Bess, La Boheme and others in the US and abroad. Special thanks to family and friends.
LINDSAY ROBERTS (Swing, u/s Clara). National Tours: Memphis (1st National, Felicia u/s). Off-Broadway/Regional: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Lost in the Stars (City Center Encores), Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Ragtime (Sarah), Festival of The Lion King (Nala). B.M. University of Maryland. All glory to God! www.lindsayroberts.com
FRED ROSE (Policeman, u/s Detective). Fred has appeared on Broadway in Cyrano de Bergerac (w/ Kevin Kline), Company (dir. John Doyle), Cabaret, (Studio 54) and Phantom, as well as in the pit orchestras (cello) of The Boy from Oz and Phantom. He is proud to be a part of this incredible production!
SOARA-JOYE ROSS (Woman of Catfish Row, u/s Serena, u/s Bess). From Dance of the Vampires and Les Miserables on Broadway, Jerry Springer: The Opera at Carnegie Hall, to Elton Johns Aida, this award-winning actress has performed roles throughout the USA and abroad. Grateful for my family, friends, agency & The Almighty! www.Soara- JoyeRoss.com
