Show Boat

Musical

Writers: Oscar Hammerstein II Jerome Kern

Overview

Show Information

Music
Based on the Play/Book/Film
Based on the novel "Show Boat" by Edna Ferber
Category
Musical
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
1927
Genres
Drama, Historical/Biographical
Settings
Multiple Settings, Spectacle, Period
Time & Place
1880 - 1927, A boat on the Mississippi and Chicago, Illinois
Cast Size
large
Orchestra Size
Large
Dancing
Some Dance
Ideal for
College/University, Community Theatre, Diverse Cast, Large Cast, Professional Theatre, Professional Opera, Regional Theatre
Casting Notes
Mostly male cast
Includes adult, young adult, mature adult, late teen, child, elderly characters

Synopsis

Spanning from the 1880s to the 1920s, Show Boat is an American epic that tells the story of three generations of performers travelling from the Mississippi River to Chicago, and ultimately, Broadway. Join Cap’n Andy and the family of performers on board the Cotton Blossom show boat as they navigate love, heartbreak, ambition, racism, and integration. With beloved songs like “Ol’ Man River” and “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man”, Show Boat is an American classic that is sure to captivate the hearts of audiences of any age.

This guide reflects the Harold Prince 1994 version of Show Boat. Both the original script and the Harold Prince revised script are available for licensing through Concord Theatricals.

Lead Characters


Show Boat guide sections