July 13-28, 2002

Book & Lyrics by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II
Based on the novel by EDNA FERBER

Directed by DAVID GALLIGAN
Choreographer: LEE MARTINO
Musical Director: STEPHEN GOTHOLD

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Honorary Producer:

The "grandaddy" of modern musicals, this Oscar Hammerstein II and Jerome Kern lyrical masterpiece features such classics as "Can't Help Lovin' That Man," "Make Believe,' "Bill," and of course, the immortal "Old Man River." Starring Dale Kristien (Phantom of the Opera), Sean McDermott and Anne Runolfsson.

LA Times by Kathleen Foley
'Show Boat' Takes a Fascinating Look Back.
Thanks to director David Galligan's streamlined pacing, this unedited version of Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II's musical, is never doddering. Dale Kristien and Sean McDermott, as sweet young thing Magnolia Hawkes and rakehell gambler Gaylord Ravenal respectively, display awesome vocal range in such duets as "Make Believe" and "You Are Love." ...this is well-rendered and worthy effort, a rare opportunity to see an American classic in its original form.
COMPLETE REVIEW

Press-Telegram by Shirle Gottlieb
"After all these years, `Showboat' still a classic ride Musical Theatre West cast and crew provide a fresh voyage for time-honored vessel."
COMPLETE REVIEW

Backstage West by Les Spindle
"Director David Galligan, an accomplished cast and design team, and choreographer Lee Martino provide a melodic, toe-tapping lark of an entertainment. Renowned actor/singer Dale Kristien as budding showboat performer Magnolia is in superb voice, especially in the climactic 'After the Ball.'"
COMPLETE REVIEW

Grunion Gazette by Anne Marie Oley
MTW has crowned a full season with a stunning success. "Show Boat" is considered the great American musical of the 20th Century, the one that started it all in 1927, with Jerome KernÕs music and Oscar Hammerstein IIÕs lyrics and book. This was the first full-fledged story musical, with a plot and characters instead of a series of disconnected skits. I saw the most recent Broadway revival, and this one made just as strong an impression.
COMPLETE REVIEW