The Gershwins’ modern American masterpiece has its first Met performances in almost three decades, starring bass-baritone Eric Owens and soprano Angel Blue in the title roles. Director James Robinson’s stylish production transports audiences to Catfish Row, a setting vibrant with the music, dancing, emotion, and heartbreak of its inhabitants.

Infused with the timeless melodies of the much-loved classics “Summertime,” “It Ain’t Necessarily So,” “Bess, You Is My Woman Now,” “I Got Plenty o’ Nuttin,” and “My Man’s Gone Now,” the new co-production with English National Opera and Dutch National Opera was hailed as a triumph at its premiere in London earlier this year.

ACT I
Catfish Row, a tenement neighborhood of Charleston, in the 1920s. Clara sings a lullaby to her baby. Porgy arrives and is about to join a craps game when Crown and Bess appear. Crown loses, starts a fight, and kills Robbins. The community shuns Bess. Only Porgy offers her protection. The next day, Serena leads the mourners at Robbins’s funeral. Later, everyone is preparing to leave for a picnic. Porgy and Bess reflect on their happiness.

On Kittiwah Island, Sportin’ Life describes his own cynical view of religion. The steamboat whistle announces that it’s time to leave. Bess hurries along until Crown calls out to her. She explains that she has a new life with Porgy, but he forces her to stay with him.

ACT II
Bess has been ill since returning from Kittiwah Island. Serena leads the others in prayer, and Bess is healed. Porgy tells her that she doesn’t have to go with Crown. A hurricane approaches. Crown appears. Clara sees Jake’s boat has overturned and rushes out to save him, followed by Crown. Once the storm has passed, the community grieves for those who have been lost. Crown enters under the cover of darkness, and Porgy confronts and kills him.

The next day, detectives arrive and take Porgy to identify Crown’s body. Sportin’ Life forces some dope on Bess, and she can’t help but follow him to New York. Porgy returns, and resolves to follow her.

The 2024 Met Opera Summer Encores are generously sponsored by Chris Fladlien and Bea Hanks.

The Gershwins’ “Porgy and Bess” from the Metropolitan Opera will be shown at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre on Saturday, Aug. 17 at 12:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 general admission, or $13 for Film Festival members. Tickets are available in advance at the Sedona International Film Festival office or by calling 928-282-1177. Both the theatre and film festival office are located at 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, in West Sedona.