Show Boat Returns to Port
When the musical Show Boat first appeared in 1927, it quickly became a favorite of musical theater fans. In some ways it set the standard for many subsequent Broadway productions, in terms of its style and the kinds of numbers that it puts onstage. In the intervening time, we have seen a sea change on Broadway, in large part starting in the late 50s and early 60s. We found shows like West Side Story that address bigger issues of ethnic conflict and such. Show Boat was never a musical that talked about the big problems of the world. It was a more nostalgic look, even for people at the time it first appeared. This disconnect has made it harder to have this musical touch people. It is a pleasant show with beautiful music. But it’s not hard-hitting the way modern audiences might be looking for. You’ll enjoy it, because they do a good job with the production though, great singers and actors.
