The GERSHWINS' PORGY & BESS
Set in the 1930s in Catfish Row, a Black community in Charleston, South Carolina, PORGY AND BESS tells the story of Porgy, a kind but disabled beggar, and Bess, a woman trying to escape her violent lover Crown and the seductive pull of drugs offered by Sportin’ Life. After Crown kills a man and disappears, Bess finds refuge with Porgy, and the two fall in love. But when Crown returns and Sportin’ Life tempts Bess with a new life in New York, she struggles
between her past and a chance at redemption. Porgy kills Crown to protect her, but after being jailed, he returns to find Bess gone. Refusing to give up, Porgy sets out to find her, driven by love and hope.
Featuring well known songs such as “Summertime,” “I Got Plenty of Nothin’,” and “It Ain’t Necessarily So,” this rarely produced Gershwin gem holds a unique and important place in American cultural and musical history. Join us as it is presented on the Ritz stage for the very first time.
This event is part of 2026 Philly Theatre Week! A limited number of Pay-What-You-Can tickets are available for the following performances:
Friday, May 1, 8PM
Saturday, May 2, 8PM
Sunday, May 3, 2PM
