Opera--Performance

The Performing Arts Society of Acadiana (PASA) will present the international tour of George and Ira Gershwin's quintessential American opera, Porgy and Bess, at the Heymann Center for the Performing Arts.  Jazz phrasings find a home in opera in this breath-taking masterpiece that entwines pride, prejudice, pathos and passion, with a memorable score that includes "Summertime", "I Got Plenty o' Nuttin’" and "It Ain't Necessarily So".

PASA is also sponsoring outreach activities before the performances. An exciting lineup of lectures and art demonstrations are planned as PASA prepares for their presentation of Porgy and Bess at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 7 at the Heymann Performing Arts Center.  There will be a special student production on Monday, March 8th.


The activity schedule leading up to the Porgy and Bess performance is designed for opera fans, music and theater lovers and anyone interested in culture and stimulated by new ideas.

           Wednesday, March 3
Porgy and Bess: A love story against all odds
Lafayette Parish Library-south regional branch
6101 Johnston Street
Lafayette, La 70503
Time: 6:30 p.m.

George Gershwin’s great American opera Porgy and Bess was controversial from the start (in 1958 the movie set was destroyed by arson), but songs like “Summertime” and “It Ain’t Necessarily So” ensure its immortality. Join U.L.’s Dr Susan Nicassio as she explores the classic tale of love, crime, loss, and ultimately redemption, set in the Charleston tenement of Catfish Row.

           Saturday, March 6
PASA presents: "Porgy and Bess; from drama to destiny"
Teen Discussion
Progressive Baptist Church Community Center
125 Gallian Street
Lafayette,La 70501
Time: 1-3 pm
PASA will host a teen summit at Progressive Baptist Church Community Center. Area high school students are invited to participate as panelists in the teen discussion. The summit will focus on similar social challenges faced by the characters from Porgy and Bess and how it relates to teens today.This event will be moderated by local poet and actress Katrina Auzenne, and co-moderated by Lafayette City-Parish Councilman Kenneth Boudreaux. The event is free but space is limited. Interested participants can register by calling (337) 237-2787 ext. 206.

Tickets for Porgy and Bess range from $12-$60 with discounts available for groups of 10 or more and students with a valid ID. Tickets can be purchased through all TicketMaster outlets, by phone at 1(800)745-3000, or online at the PASA website.