30 Years Ago Today: Porgy and Bess

Here's the next in a series of blogs featuring the musicals that opened 30, 20 and 10 years ago.  Others in the series can be found under the "Back in Time" tab at the top of the page.  (Scroll to the bottom of that page.)

The Playbill

The Houston Grand Opera Cast Recording

(This revival is based on that Tony-winning revival.)

Show: Porgy and Bess

Theatre: Radio City Music Hall

Opening Night: April 7, 1983

Performances: 22 previews, 45 performances

Tonys: 2 nominations, including Best Actor Michael V. Smartt and Best Choreography George Faison  

Who's Who 30 Years Later: Director Jack O'Brien (As director: Damn Yankees, Getting Away With Murder, The Full Monty, The Invention of Love, Hairspray, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Coast of Eutopia, Catch Me If You Can, Dead Accounts, The Nance); Stars Larry Marshall (Sportin' Life - Big Deal, 3 Penny Opera, Play On!, The Full Monty, The Color Purple)  and George Merritt (Crown - Big River, Jekyll and Hyde) were part of a cast of over 90, including four alternates for each principal role.  One of the supporting actors was Larry Storch as the detective (Arsenic and Old Lace, Annie Get Your Gun, Sly Fox).  Mr. Merritt passed away in 2010.

Larry Storch

Larry Marshall (far right) in The Full Monty

George Merritt (right) in Jekyll and Hyde

NOTE: Credits reflect work by artists since the opening night being celebrated here.

Jeff

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