Opera Carolina to stage 'Porgy & Bess'

From an Opera Carolina press release that just popped into our inbox:

Opera Carolina, the leading professional opera company in the region, will bring George Gershwin's blockbuster American opera, Porgy & Bess, to Charlotte for four performances on May 14-16, 2010. The performances are part of the 75th Anniversary Tour, celebrating the 1935 premiere of Porgy & Bess. Single tickets will go on sale to the general public Tuesday, November 2, at 10:00 am.

Prices for single tickets start at $16.00 and may be purchased online at www.operacarolina.org or by calling the North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center at 704-372-1000.

Widely recognized as the greatest American Opera, Porgy & Bess, by George and Ira Gerswhin, returns to Charlotte after a sell-out performance five years ago. Set in Catfish Row, a Charleston Ghetto, Porgy & Bess is a passionate tale of life during the 1920s. It's a timeless love story between Porgy, a cripple, and Bess, a good but haunted woman. The star-crossed couple finds happiness that ultimately turns to tragedy as Bess is led astray by ghosts from her past - the drug-dealing Sportin' Life and her abusive boyfriend, Crown.

"This is a riveting and timeless story told through a jazz and blues-influenced score," said General Director James Meena. "The drama is captivating and the show-stopping music has entertained audiences for decades. We're fortunate to be able to share this special 75th Anniversary performance with the Charlotte region."

The opera features some of George Gerswhin's best known tunes, including "Summertime," "Ain't Necessarily So," "I Got Plenty O' Nuttin," and "Bess, You Is My Woman Now."