All aboard the Cotton Blossom, as The Production Company presents one of the most influential musicals of the twentieth century, Oscar Hammerstein II and Jerome Kern’s masterpiece, Show Boat at Art Centre Melbourne for a limited season from 16 August.
An out right hit following its premiere in 1927, Show Boat marked a turning point in the development of the Broadway musical. With themes of racial prejudice and tragic love, it follows the lives of actors, stagehands and dock workers on the Cotton Blossom, a Mississippi river show boat.
The story traces the lives of a family of show boat performers over three decades, focusing particularly on the story of Magnolia (Alinta Chidzey), the daughter of the show boat captain and her love for the gambler Gaylord Ravenal (Gareth Keegan) and the tragic decline in the fortunes of the beautiful Julie (Christina O’Neil).
Directed by Helpmann Award winner, Roger Hodgman (Grey Gardens, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), Musical Director Kellie Dickerson (Wicked, Grey Gardens), Choreography by Dana Jolly (Grey Gardens, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), and Design Team of Christina Smith (Set) and Isaac Lummis (Costumes) with lighting by Matt Scott.
Famous for its soaring melodies and classic songs, the exquisite score include Make Believe, Bill, Life Upon the Wicked Stage, Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man and the wonderfully haunting Ol’ Man River. An audience favourite, Show Boat has been revived on Broadway and the West End winning the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical and The Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival.
Show Boat
State Theatre – Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne
Season: 16 – 24 August 2014
Bookings: 1300 182 183 or online at: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au
For more information, visit: www.theproductioncompany.com.au for details.
Image: Christina O’Neil, Gareth Keegan and Alinta Chidzey – photo courtesy of The Production Company