WEBmikey: Porgy and Bess / Zach Scott Theater : 3 of 5

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Porgy and Bess / Zach Scott Theater : 3 of 5
2.16.2008 2:09 PM \| Link	Everyone is aware of this famous Gershwin work (sometimes called an "american opera"), mostly from the many jazz standards in the show (Summertime being the best known), but strangely, actually seeing Porgy and Bess is a rare opportunity. My pal Tom found out about this Zach Scott production (which only played two weekends at Austin Music Hall, even though it was funded with an NEA grant), so we took in a Sunday matinee. Overall, I had a great time and enjoyed the show, but let's get the bad stuff out of the way first! Austin Music Hall was never designed for this kind of show, and the lobby was completely overflowing with the will call line, stupidly intersected by the entrance line for ticket holders! The theater also has terrible sound, which made the drums (especially the cymbals) sound like crap. My only other dislike was the bizarre Stomp percussion rip-off number, inserted into Act 3 for no good reason - it was completely out of place and embarrassing. But now on to the good points! All of the singing, dancing, and acting performances were wonderful, and the actors were really able to pull me into the story. The sets were large and interesting - I especially liked the rooftops that everyone sat on after the dramatic hurricane scene. Gershwin's music is really amazing, combining everyday jazz singing with film scoring techniques, although the story is a little strange, especially because it just ends without any true resolution (though I'm not sure if that's the fault of Gershwin or the original book). Even considering my pet peeves, I really enjoyed the show and I'm glad I got to experience such an important musical work! Labels: arts


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