When George Gershwin heard her sing, he cast her in the major role of Serena in his new opera, Porgy and Bess.

NPR: The Sweet Sound of Ruby Elzy

Audra McDonald, the star of "The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess" gave an unvarnished emotional speech in receiving the award for Best Actress in a Musical.

WSJ: Broadway Goes Uptown for Tony Awards

Her revivals of both "Hair" and "The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess" have not only gone to Broadway but have won Tonys for best revival of a musical.

NPR: 'Pippin' Is Back, And Surrounded By Broadway Buzz

Three actors of "The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess" -- Audra McDonald, Norm Lewis and David Alan Grier -- earned nominations, though only McDonald (who also is on ABC's "Private Practice") grabbed an award for best performance by a leading actress in a play.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Ms. AUSTIN: We have a "Porgy and Bess Medley" and I decided in the medley that I would do most of the guy's parts because most of the women's songs in "Porgy and Bess" are about, Lord, don't leave me, oh, my life is horrible.

NPR: Patti Austin, Singing Gershwin's Praises

Not only did they add both English and Spanish lyrics to what had been an instrumental, but they also combined Viva Tirado with elements of both Frankie Valli's hit ballad, Can't Take My Eyes Off of You, and Summertime, the classic number from Gershwin's Porgy and Bess.

NPR: The Sounds of Panama's Mixed Musical Heritage

In her first encounters with Porgy, Bess clearly recognizes, and tries to hide from, the need in his eyes.

NEWYORKER: A Man And A Woman