April 15-16 at E.J. Thomas
The Gershwins' American Masterpice Comes To E.J. Thomas Hall With Full Orchestra And Cast Of Hundreds
The Akron Symphony Orchestra (ASO) will present a semi-staged production of the Gershwins’ classic opera Porgy and Bess on Friday, April 15 and Saturday, April 16 at The University of Akron's E.J. Thomas Hall at 8 p.m.. Originally scheduled for one performance on Saturday, the ASO recently added a second performance on Friday as a "preview" to meet the overwhelming demand for tickets, establishing a new milestone in the 60-year history of the Symphony’s Classics Series.
The opera will star Alvy Powell and Marquita Lister in the respective title roles; both of whom have become internationally recognized as two of the very best performers for the demanding leads. Both Powell and Lister were featured in the Emmy-nominated Live at Lincoln Center broadcast of the New York City Opera production of Porgy and Bess as seen on PBS in 2002.
The balance of the cast is a blend of professionals and amateurs, with most cast locally by auditions held in Akron last year. Principal cast includes: Lester Lynch as "Crown," Angela Renee Simpson as "Serena," Emmanuel LeGrair as "Sportin’ Life," Brian Keith Johnson as "Jake," Candice Hoyes as "Clara," and Carla J. Davis as "Maria." The 40-member on-stage chorus will combine with the Akron Symphony’s Gospel Choir and Leslie Parker Barnes’ YEPAW 365 (seated in the balcony of E.J. Thomas Hall) to create a combined chorus of over 200 voices, a power unlike anything heard in recent years in the opera house or in any of the touring productions. In all, the total complement of the production will feature approximately 350 performers, musicians, and stage crew.
The Akron Symphony’s performances of Porgy and Bess are made possible by a grant from The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
Tickets for both Friday and Saturday are on sale now from $15-$40. To order or for more information, call the Akron Symphony office at 330.535.8131 or online.
