by Charli Penn-Watkins
This week “The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess” opened on Broadway. An opera written by George and Ira Gershwin and based on written works by DuBose and Dorothy Heyward, the play’s cast is filled with stage favorites, like Audra McDonald, Norm Lewis, and David Alan Grier. The harrowing love story is set in Charleston’s Catfish Row, and follows the life of a crippled black man named Porgy who falls for the beautiful but troubled Bess, who’s running from a scandalous past and dangerous boyfriend Crown.
In between two acts choked full of outstanding musical numbers and fabulous era-worthy costumes created by Project Runway standout Esosa, you’ll find yourself entranced by the epic highs and lows of this unlikely couple’s love story ““ as it unfolds with both beauty and pain expertly relayed by the overwhelmingly talented cast.
If you’re not familiar with the storyline, without giving too much away I’ll say this, as you set glued to your seat, eyes on the stage, you’ll learn three very important lessons about love. The first: Loves does have the power to heal your heart in places out hadn’t even realized it was broken — if you allow it to, of course. The second: People can change, but the reality is, those changes won’t always stick. Sometimes a person can be damaged in places so deep, even love can’t find its way there. Not being able to help them doesn’t make you a failure ““ as unfortunate as it is, sometimes, such is life. And finally, third: If you enter a relationship without thoroughly cleaning out your closets, those skeletons can, and often will, jump back out when you least expect them too. Deal with your issues first, love second. It will only make your foundation stronger.
If you’re near the New York City area, or can make it there any time soon, the show will move you and it’s well worth the ticket price, promise. Click here for ticket info now.
Charli Penn-Watkins is the blogger behind Man, Wife & Dog. A newlywed that’s blogging her way through all the ups and downs of marriage, Charli is also the relationships editor on Essence.com. Check her out on Twitter at @ManWifeDog.