Playbill from George Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess," 1936

George Gershwin

Ephemera

Playbill from American folk opera "Porgy and Bess" composed by George Gershwin. Philadelphia, 1936. Measures 6 x 9 inches. 4 pages. Includes full production credits, cast list, scene synopsis and list of musical numbers. From the post-Broadway tour stop at the Forrest Theatre in Philadelphia. The play featured a cast of classically trained African-American singers, a risk on Broadway where it was initially unpopular. It would remain relatively obscure until a 1976 production in Houston received rave reviews and helped make this opera one of the best known and most frequently performed since. The story follows Porgy, a disabled black beggar living in the slums of Charleston where he tries to rescue his beloved Bess from an abusive lover. Known for composing classics like "Rhapsody in Blue," George Gershwin deviated from category with "Porgy and Bess," a commercial failure for decades until time redeemed it. Faint middle crease where playbill was folded. Very good condition.

Item #18129

Price: $225.00