"Show Boat"
Sails Into North Shore
September 23 - October 12

One of America's most critically acclaimed musicals, "Show Boat" will be presented at North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly from September 23 - October 12.

With book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and music by Jerome Kern, "Show Boat" is based on a best-selling 1926 novel by Edna Ferber about life on the Mississippi River. The story, which spans almost 50 years, starts in the 1890's and follows the lives and loves of the troupe that works aboard the Cotton Blossom, one of the many American riverboats that featured traveling shows.

However, while The Cotton Blossom is where dashing men and beautiful women go to be entertained, forget their troubles and fall in love, the characters also deal with a darker undercurrent of  gambling, racial tension and heartache. The memorable score includes such standards as “Only Make Believe,” “Ol' Man River” and “Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man.”
 
Barry Ivan, NSMT’s Artistic Director and Executive Producer, commented,  “'Show Boat' is one of the most influential musicals of the 20th century and is an opportunity for audiences to see an American masterpiece unfold in front of them. It contains the best that musical theater has to offer – a great story, moving lyrics, timeless score, and topics that are still relevant in today’s society.”
 
"Show Boat" stars several actors familiar to NSMT audiences including Ron Bohmer as Gaylord Ravenal, Philip Lamar Boykin as Joe, Terry Burrell as Julie, Jim Walton as Frank and Teri Dale Hansen as Magnolia.  The company also features Edwin Cahill as Steve, Melinda Cowan as Ellie, James Coyle as Windy, Audrie Neenan as Parthy Ann, Gordon Stanley as Cap’n Andy, and Sharon Wilkins as Queenie.
 
Additional Free Audience Enrichment events:

Meet the Theatre:
A post-show audience discussion with the artists
September 30 following the 7:30 p.m. performance
October 11 following the 2 p.m. performance

Spotlight on History
A free pre-show discussion focusing on historical issues related to the performance (co-presented by the Wenham Museum)
October 5

Out at the North Shore
An evening for the Gay and Lesbian Community with a post-show reception
October 9. 
 
For information and tickets, call 978-232-7200, stop by the box office on Dunham Road in Beverly or visit www.nsmt.org.

-- OnStage Boston