Music Theater Heritage in Kansas City Announces Upcoming Production of Porgy and Bess

KANSAS CITY: PORGY AND BESS Set for Music Theater Heritage

The renowned Music Theater Heritage in Kansas City, Missouri, has announced the cast and creative team for its upcoming production of George Gershwin’s American Folk Opera, “Porgy and Bess”. Known worldwide as a masterpiece of the American musical theatre, “Porgy and Bess” will have performances running from June 6 through June 23, 2024.

Celebrating American Theater Classics

The production, directed by Rodney Lloyd Scott, a former Los Angeles Chapter NAACP Man of Valor recipient, is set to be one of the first regional performances of the acclaimed Broadway adaptation. In a statement, Scott has expressed his excitement at reintroducing the iconic American Theater Classic to audiences. He said, “I thank MTH for the opportunity to shine a light on the timeless play”.

The Cast and Creative Ensemble

The production features Kiarri Andrews as Porgy and Allison Jones as Bess. The duo is reunited after their applauded performances in MTH’s 2019 production of “Ragtime”. They are accompanied by an ensemble cast including Catera Combs, Matthew Harris, LaTeesha Jackson, Shane St. James, Lucas Lowry, Robert McNichols Jr., Brian Vaughn, Sheriece Veazey-McNally, Douglass Walker, Marc Wayne, and Aggie Williams.

Creative Team Behind the Scenes

The creative team, aside from Scott, includes music director Desmond Mason, scenic designer Jack Magaw, lighting designer Selena Gonzalez-Lopez, costume designer LaToya Rozof, sound designer Jon Robertson, choreographer Marc Wayne, production manager Brian Padavic, technical director Jacob Boshears, and stage manager Lacey Willis. The musical contribution, leaning into the southern jazz feel of the opera, includes Tod Barnard on percussion, Lawrence Jackson on trumpet, Zak Pischnotte on reeds, Nsikoh on bass, and Brian Vaughn on Trombone.

About Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess

“Porgy and Bess” is George Gershwin’s final work for the musical stage and regarded as one of the greatest achievements of the American Musical Theatre. It was first presented at the Alvin Theatre in New York in 1935 and has been staged globally since then, including at the Metropolitan Opera in 1984, 2019, and 2021. The adaptation was revived on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on January 12, 2012, and earned 10 Tony Award nominations.

Tickets and More Information

Tickets for “Porgy and Bess” at Music Theater Heritage start at $45. For more information, visit mthkc.com, or contact the box office at 816.221.6987.