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. Even if it weren't
an important musical theater masterpiece (which it is), "Showboat" would be
worth seeing for the sheer beauty of Jerome Kern's music and of Oscar Hammerstein's
lovely lyrics. Even if it didn't have a strong, substantial plot (which it
does), "Showboat" is an absolute must-see because of the extraordinary talent
that Musical Theatre West has assembled for its production. Although it was
written 75 years ago, the timeless words and haunting melodies of "Showboat"
have become national treasures. Have "Only Make Believe I Love You" delivered
by the incredible voice of Sean McDermott (who stars as Ravenal, the romantic
river gambler), and "Can't Help Lovin' That Man" interpreted by Dale Kristien
(who portrays Magnolia, the young beauty who falls head-over-heels for him),
and these classic ballads explode from the stage as fresh as new. Then put
McDermott and Kristien together in superlative, soaring duets ("You Are Love"
and "Why Do I Love You") and the audience is in the palms of their hands.
Anne Runolfsson also captivated the opening night audience with her powerful
portrayal of Julie, the tragic star of the show boat who is forced to flee
the state because she has "black blood" in her veins. Her plaintive rendition
of "Bill" will rip your heart out. But the longest, loudest applause was received
by Dan Tullis Jr., whose magnificent delivery of the immortal "Ol' Man River"
brought the house down. Portraying Joe (a brow-beaten black dock hand), Tullis
commands the audience with his powerful bass voice and strong stage presence.
Also excellent are Melanie Nicholson and Chad Borden, who supply high-energy
comic relief in their supporting roles of a constantly bickering couple. As
Ellie and Frank, they dance, sing, joke and quarrel their way through five
decades of change. In fact, "Showboat" covers 50 years of American history:
from the 1880s segregated South (when all the characters are young and full
of dreams), through Chicago, New York, and back again to the Mississippi levee
in 1927. Along the way, the realities of life (both tragic and joyful) make
everyone older and wiser. All the pageantry of this revered musical comes
together under the direction of David Galligan, with Lee Martino as choreographer
and Stephen Gothold directing a full-size orchestra from the Carpenter Center
pit. Old-time character actor Billy Beadle adds color and comedy to the plot
as Captain Andy, who is Magnolia's father, as well as owner of the "Cotton
Blossom" show boat, and Sandy Yates Hall plays his domineering wife, Parthy.
Brenda Silas Moore portrays Queenie, Joe's hardworking impatient spouse. In
fact, one of the audience's light-hearted favorites is "Ah Still Suits Me,"
a comic duet between Queenie and Joe. Also to be commended are the flamboyant
turn-of-the-century costumes assembled by Thomas G. Marquez and the outstanding,
high-spirited dance ensemble led by dance captain Thomas Garcia. There was
a little sound and light difficulty on opening night, but with a production
of such high quality, MTW is certain to have both working without a hitch
in future performances.
