KC's Lyric Opera to perform iconic 'Porgy and Bess' for first time

The classic American opera with an all-Black cast has never been staged by the company before.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Kansas City Lyric Opera is set to perform the Gershwins' classic American opera 'Porgy and Bess' for the first time in the company's history. The production, which opens on February 28 and runs through March 8, will feature soprano Michelle Bradley making her role debut as Bess. The Lyric Opera has never before presented this iconic work, which blends jazz, blues, and spiritual music with operatic forms.

Why it matters

The Gershwin estate requires that 'Porgy and Bess' be performed by an all-Black cast, making this production an important celebration of African American contributions to opera and music. The opera's powerful portrayal of a Charleston, South Carolina neighborhood called Catfish Row is particularly resonant during Black History Month.

The details

Soprano Michelle Bradley, who has performed at leading opera houses around the world, is making her debut with the Kansas City Lyric Opera as well as her first appearance in the role of Bess. The rest of the cast has extensive experience with 'Porgy and Bess,' while Bradley is the 'newbie.' The Lyric Opera itself has never before presented this iconic American opera, though it was scheduled to do so in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • The Kansas City Lyric Opera production of 'Porgy and Bess' will open on February 28, 2026, the final day of Black History Month.
  • The opera will have three performances, running through March 8, 2026.

The players

Michelle Bradley

A soprano who has performed at many of the world's leading opera houses, making her role debut as Bess in 'Porgy and Bess' with the Kansas City Lyric Opera.

Kansas City Lyric Opera

A regional opera company founded in 1958 that is presenting 'Porgy and Bess' for the first time in its history.

Eric Greene

The performer who will play the role of Porgy in the Kansas City Lyric Opera production.

Francesca Zambello

The director of the Kansas City Lyric Opera's production of 'Porgy and Bess.'

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What they’re saying

“It's part of our history. I think it's wonderful that they're doing it during Black History Month, and I think it's a great time to be seeing this opera, showing yet more of the contributions that African Americans have made in this country, in operatic music and in music in general.”

— Michelle Bradley, Soprano (The Kansas City Star)

“Now, with a lot of what's happening in the world, and in our politics if you will, we don't want to forget these treasures. Certain things are trying to be erased. We can't erase things from our culture. We need this. This is what got us here in the first place. This is a story that needs to be told. And it's a beautiful story.”

— Michelle Bradley, Soprano (The Kansas City Star)

What’s next

The Kansas City Lyric Opera's production of 'Porgy and Bess' will run for three performances from February 28 to March 8, 2026.

The takeaway

The Kansas City Lyric Opera's first-ever staging of the Gershwins' classic 'Porgy and Bess' is an important milestone, celebrating the opera's powerful portrayal of African American life and culture during Black History Month. The production, led by a cast of Black performers, highlights the enduring significance of this quintessential American work.