“‘Porgy’ Meets Katrina, and Life’s Not So Easy” Response

Ralph Blumenthal’s piece about the re-adapted version of Geroge Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess,” is both informative and engaging. Blumenthal opens his review with a strong lede, quoting lyrics from probably the most recognizable song from the musical, “Summertime.” He then extensively describes the musical’s history and its past racial controversy. It was interesting to hear how Gershwin’s work has been updated into a much more modern production, with “jazz-heavy soul and gospel orchestrations, choreography and imagery.”

As well as extensively describing this new twist on a classic, Blumenthal goes into a lot of depth about the history of the musical and how, during the civil rights movement, “‘Porgy and Bess’ was often derided as racially demeaning.” However, this piece contends that this new and improved version is able to “transcend stereotypes,” and instead represents “a snapshot of American history.” While Blumenthal’s kicker leaves a less than notable impression, his review of this Austin, Texas adaptation of a Gershwin classic is clever and well-done. With his use of historical context and stylistic descriptions, he definitely succeeds in building up the musical’s interest and appeal.