PBS to Broadcast Metropolitan Opera’s ‘Porgy & Bess’ in July

By David Salazar

PBS is set to present “Porgy and Bess” on July 17, 2020, as part of its Great Performances at the Met series.

The telecast, which starts at 9 p.m., stars Eric Owens and Angel Blue in the title roles. Other cast members include Alfred Walker as Crown, Frederick Ballentine as Sportin’ Life, Latonia Moore as Serena, Golda Schultz as Clara, and Donovan Singletary as Jake. David Robertson conducts the opera, which is hosted by Audra McDonald.

Of the opening night performance of this production, OperaWire’s review noted, “On the whole, audiences will likely walk away thrilled at this new ‘Porgy and Bess,’ the result of smart casting and a solid conception of a classic work.”

The broadcast of “Porgy and Bess” will be followed by encore presentations of “Tosca” on August 2, 2020, and “Maria Stuarda” on Sept. 6, 2020. The Met was set to record “Tosca” and “Maria Stuarda” performances as part of the 2020 season; however, due to the spread of COVID-19, the company was forced to shut down those productions. These broadcasts will instead present previous renditions of those operas from past seasons. Sonya Yoncheva will headline “Tosca,” while Joyce DiDonato will star in “Maria Stuarda.”

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