Porgy and Bess
Synopsis
In the early 1900s, the fictional Catfish Row section of Charleston, South Carolina serves as home to a black fishing community. Crippled beggar Porgy, who travels about in a goat-drawn cart, loves the drug-addicted Bess, who lives with stevedore Crown, the local bully.
Top Cast
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Willard White
Porgy
Cynthia Haymon
Bess
Gregg Baker
Crown
Cynthia Clarey
Serena
Marietta Simpson
Maria
Damon Evans
Sportin' Life
Paula Ingram
Clara / Annie (singing voice)
Gordon Hawkins
Jake
D. Alonzo Washington
Robbins
Mervin Wallace
Peter
Barrington Coleman
Mingo
William B. Johnson
Frazier
Camella Johnson
Strawberry Woman
Colenton Freeman
Nelson / Crabman
Yolanda Grant
Annie
Maureen Brathwaite
Lily
Curtis Watson
Jim
Autris Paige
Undertaker
Release History & Theatrical Window
October 6, 1993
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Trevor Nunn
- Screenplay & Story
- DuBose Heyward, Dorothy Heyward, Ira Gershwin, Trevor Nunn, Yves Baigneres
- Original Score
- George Gershwin, London Philharmonic Orchestra
- Original Title
- Porgy and Bess
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 3h 4m
- Production Studios
- BBC
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Trevor Nunn
DuBose Heyward, Dorothy Heyward, Ira Gershwin, Trevor Nunn, Yves Baigneres
George Gershwin, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Chris Townsend
St. John O'Rorke
Greg Smith, Stephanie Marks, Richard Price, Dennis Marks
Department Leadership Roster
Trevor Nunn
Director
DuBose Heyward
Writer
Dorothy Heyward
Writer
George Gershwin
Original Music Composer
Chris Townsend
Director of Photography
Greg Smith
Producer
Stephanie Marks
Producer
St. John O'Rorke
Editor
Sue Blane
Costume Design
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Porgy and Bess.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Porgy and Bess
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Porgy and Bess about?
In the early 1900s, the fictional Catfish Row section of Charleston, South Carolina serves as home to a black fishing community. Crippled beggar Porgy, who travels about in a goat-drawn cart, loves the drug-addicted Bess, who lives with stevedore Crown, the local bully.
Who directed Porgy and Bess?
Porgy and Bess was directed by Trevor Nunn.
Who stars in Porgy and Bess?
The principal cast of Porgy and Bess includes Willard White, Cynthia Haymon, Gregg Baker, Cynthia Clarey, Marietta Simpson.
When was Porgy and Bess released and how long is it?
Porgy and Bess was released in 1993 with a total runtime of 3h 4m.
Who composed the musical score for Porgy and Bess?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Porgy and Bess was composed by George Gershwin, London Philharmonic Orchestra.
Is Porgy and Bess based on a book or true story?
Porgy and Bess is adapted from the following source material: Book: "Ira Gershwin", Book: "DuBose Heyward".