American Operas

American Operas - San Francisco Opera - This magnificent DVD box set includes three of the most popular American operas in the repertoire: Porgy & Bess?, Show Boat and Moby Dick, with extensive bonus material for each production. MOBY DICK Herman Melville's epic tale of a fierce, obsessive whaling-boat captain who descends into madness and puts his crew in mortal danger "Achingly beautiful, magnificently sung and gorgeously staged... The audience responded with an eight-minute standing ovation" (Associated Press) •With Grammy Award-winning tenor Jay Hunter Morris, Stephen Costello and Morgan Smith •Bonus materials: Interviews with soloists and actors SHOW BOAT A true classic of American musical theatre, Showboat is an enduring love story set against the backdrop of racial prejudice in the Mississippi of the 1880s to 1920s. A monumental work of "choral grandeur and melodic richness" (The New York Times) •Featuring songbook classics such as "Ol' Man River" and "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man" in a stylish, exuberant production •With Heidi Stober, Michael Todd Simpson, Emmy winner Bill Irwin and Patricia Racette •Bonus materials: Interviews with soloists and actors PORGY & BESS? George Gershwin's all- American masterpiece seamlessly fuses classical idioms, jazz, blues and spirituals in a moving tale about a crippled beggar, the headstrong woman he loves, and the community that supports them both. "Triumphant! A first-class, sold-out Porgy and Bess." (San Francisco Examiner) •The first live recording of The Gershwins'®Porgy and Bess? on DVD! •Extensive bonus materials - Interviews with director Francesca Zambello, with conductor John DeMain and reflectiongs by general director David Gockley •With Eric Owens, Laquita Mitchell, Lester Lynch, Chauncey Packer, Karen Slack