Village Theatre’s Production of Show Boat Begins
Tommorow night, May 13th at Francis J. Gaudette Theatre, Show Boat opens. An amazingly major undertaking by Village Theatre of a musical that has not been seen in our area for over twenty years, Show Boat came from the novel of the same name, written by Edna Ferber in 1926. It has been done in many different versions on stage and adapted for film beginning with silent film, 1929, and a major MGM Technicolor film version in 1951.
The plot developed from Edna’s interest and research into the floating theatres of the day and the story spans a period of 47 years. It begins aboard the show boat Cotton Blossom as it arrives at the river dock in Natchez, Mississippi and deals with romance, tragedy and how lives are affected over the years by personal issues and attitudes of the day. With all the wonderful songs you will recognize and enjoy, it is not a light comedy.
Edna Ferber, being Jewish and a woman author, dealt with discrimination herself and brings us face to face with racial prejudice issues in the plot.
Gaylord, a riverboat gambler & Magnolia, a starry-eyed 18 year old and daughter of Cap'n Andy. Do you think there is going to be trouble?
Joe, a worker on the boat, who Magnolia seeks advice from, sings Ol' Man River as it appears Magnolia won't listen to his counsel.
Magnolia tells Julie that she's in love with Gaylord!
So how does Julie, a white woman know how to sing "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man"? If you don't know, come and find out. Even if you do, come to Show Boat, you won't be disapointed.
I have always been amazed at the Village Theatre productions. I can’t wait to see how they deal with a 6,000 pound riverboat.
- Show Boat runs May 13 – July 3
- 3003 Front St. N. Issaquah, WA 98027
- 392-2202 or www.villagetheatre.org
See Village Theatre Blog AND New young professional group CURTAIN CALL
Production Photo from Show Boat at Village Theatre in Issaquah
Photos by Jay Koh
