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NEWS

West Virginia University at Parkersburg 300 Campus Drive Parkersburg WV 26104 Phone:  304-424-8203 | Fax:  304-424-8315

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NOTE:  This production is sold out as of 2/22/05; no tickets are available.

WVU Parkersburg Distinguished Performance Series presents "Porgy and Bess" Feb. 25.

CONTACT:  H.G. Young III, professor of music, 304-424-8248.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

George Gershwin's American masterpiece "Porgy and Bess" will be performed Friday, Feb. 25, at West Virginia University at Parkersburg as part of the college's Distinguished Performance Series.

The 8 p.m. fully-staged production with orchestra will be presented in the college's multi-purpose room.

Based on the DuBose Heyward novel set on Catfish Row in Charleston, S.C., the opera tells the moving story of a cripple Porgy who witnesses a murder during a dice game and later gives shelter to the murderer’s woman, the beautiful, haunted Bess.   The story entwines pride, prejudice, pathos and passion through a jazz and blues influenced score.

Originally billed as a “Folk Opera,” "PORGY AND BESS" introduced classic Gershwin songs like “Summertime,”,“I Got Plenty O’ Nuttin’,” and “It Ain’t Necessarily So,” as well as magnificent and enthralling choruses that stunned music and drama critics alike at its premiere in 1935.

The professional traveling company includes singers from some of the USA's leading opera companies. The production has been performed in more than 400 cities to worldwide acclaim on five continents.

Tickets for the Distinguished Performance Series are available in the college business office.  Adults tickets are $10/Students $5. WVU Parkersburg students may purchase special advance tickets for themselves and one guest for $2 each in the business office. All tickets at the door will be regular price.There are no reserved seats.

Funding for the program is made possible by the West Virginia Commission on the Arts and the college's Social Justice committee.  Additional ticket information is available by contacting the college's Business Office at 424-8223.

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