Cincinnati Opera will present the Gershwins' great American opera Porgy and Bess on the Music Hall stage. Filled with familiar tunes, the opera is an inspiring story of perseverance through adversity and the triumph of love over all obstacles. The cast is led by Measha Brueggergosman, who makes her role debut as Bess. Internationally-renowned bass-baritone Jonathan Lemalu joins her as Porgy, with Gordon Hawkins as Crown and Steven Cole as Sporting Life. David Charles Abell conducts them in a realistic production from Houston Grand Opera. Tickets and more info: 513-241-2742 or cincinnatiopera.org.