The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess was first seen at the American Repertory Theater, where it began performances Aug. 17, 2011, in Cambridge, MA. The production, which starred McDonald in the role of Bess and Norm Lewis in the role of Porgy, arrived at Broadway's Richard Rodgers Theatre Dec. 17, 2011, and will officially open Jan. 12, 2012.

Here, McDonald chats with director Paulus about her first experience with the classic work, performing alongside Lewis and returning to the theatre—having spent four years on the television medical drama "Private Practice."

To read more about the interview, click here.

Porgy and Bess has music by George Gershwin, lyrics by his brother Ira and a book and additional lyrics by DuBose Heyward. It is based on the play Porgy, by DuBose and Dorothy Heyward.

McDonald is a four-time Tony Award winner for her performances in Carousel, Master Class, Ragtime and A Raisin in the Sun. She was also nominated for Marie Christine and 110 in the Shade. Her other Broadway credits include The Secret Garden, Something Wonderful and Henry IV. To watch all three parts of Playbill Video's "Director's Cut," look below: