Show Boat has been a much-loved musical since it first opened on Broadway at the Ziegfeld Theater on December 27, 1927. A critical as well as popular success, the show ran for 572 performances over a year and a half. Hal Prince successfully revived it in 1994.
The material was also well received twice in movie versions from MGM. Irene Dunne starred in the 1936 version; in 1951, Kathryn Grayson, Ava Gardner and Howard Keel played the lead roles, in glorious Technicolor.
Based on the Edna Ferber novel, Show Boat tackled social issues, and employed songs that amplified the feelings expressed, and in doing so, moved along the action. The showtunes featured have become beloved classics, among them: “Only Make Believe,” “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man,” “Life Upon The Wicked Stage,” and of course, “Old Man River.” The story takes place during the turn of the century, from 1890-1927. The Cotton Blossom is a floating theater which sails the Mississippi, giving performances in towns along the river. Her stars are the talented Julie (Sarah Hanlon) and her husband, Frank (Daniel Scott Walton), whom she loves with all her heart. Julie is like a big sister to Magnolia (Bonnie Fraser), who’s grown up on the boat. Terrible news for Julie comes when a local sheriff declares that it’s illegal for a “colored” woman and a white man to perform together. Frank has thought of a clever way to be able to declare that he has Negro blood. But it’s not enough, and Julie and Frank must leave the Cotton Blossom. Magnolia is heartbroken to lose her best friend. But soon, a river gambler named Gaylord Ravenal takes Frank’s part onstage, and Magnolia plays Julie’s role. They fall in love, but love doesn’t conquer all.
This current production of Show Boat features several very good performances and an outstanding one. Sarah Hanlon lets us see the heart and soul of Julie, the performer whose life on the riverboat is destroyed by prejudice. She has a beautiful voice, is a graceful dancer, and her lovely face conveys every rich emotion. I’m very much looking forward to her next production. The message of tolerance Show Boat espouses seems especially relevant in our turbulent world. How wonderful it would be if bigotry and intolerances were only a distant memory, and Show Boat could just be enjoyed as one of the great musicals of the American theater.
