'SHOWBOAT'

For our production this year, the Society is staging 'Showboat' first performed by the Society in 1962 and again in 1984.  This is a colourful vibrant show with a big cast, good music and features the well known songs 'Ol Man River' and 'Can't Help Lovin Dat Man'. Two of the main characters are Joe, a stevedore and his wife Queenie, who's own story also runs throughout. Set in America of the 1880's aboard the riverboat 'Cotton Blossom', one of the many travelling shows of the time and reflects the prejudices of a predominantly white environment. 

The riverboat is under the command of Cap'n Andy and his wife Parthy Ann.  In Natchez they encounter a prejudiced sherriff who discovers the leading lady, Julie is of mixed race and will not allow her to perform while the show is in his town.  To save the show, Magnolia, the Captain's daughter, steps in along with her love, the gambler Gaylord Ravenal. who himself is no stranger to the sherriff over his gambling debts.  They decide to leave the 'Cotton Blossom' to go and live in Chicago where they are happy for a few years until Gaylord's winning streak runs out and his debts cause him  to leave his wife and daughter Kim.    

Meanwhile, two of the old showboat song-and-dance pair, Frank and Ellie have become successful on the vauderville circuit. After meeting with Magnolia, they realise her desparate situation and secure her a job as a singer at the Trocadero, replacing Julie La Verne, who used to be a Show Boat star. 

Many years later, both Magnolia and Kim are radio stars when Cap'n Andy organises a reunion of the old team aboard the 'Cotton Blossom', where the now reformed Gaylord and Magnolia are reunited.  Both Frank and Ellie stop off to greet their old friends en route to Hollywood.