Recorded on July 24, 1966 at Webster Hall, this cast recording of Show Boat preserves the sounds of a special, limited-engagement revival at Lincoln Center’s New York State Theatre. The critically acclaimed production boasted some of Broadway’s best talent, including Barbara Cook, Constance Towers, Stephen Douglass and David Wayne, under the music direction of Franz Allers.
1943 West End Revival
Presented at the Stoll Theatre in London, the first major London revival of Show Boat opened April 17, 1943. Presented by Prince Littler, the production played 265 performances, with Mark Daly as Andy, Gwyneth Lascelles as Magnolia, Bruce Carfax as Ravenal, Pat Taylor as Julie, Mr. Jetsam as Joe and Hester Paton Bronson as Parthy.
You Are Love
In this ravishing love song, Magnolia and Ravenal declare their devotion to one another. Though Show Boat was daring and experimental in many ways, the show also incorporated familiar elements of traditional operetta, and “You Are Love” – both lyrically and musically – is a prime example of a operetta staple: the soaring lover’s duet.
1962 Studio Cast Recording
This 1962 studio recording features John Raitt as Ravenal, Barbara Cook as Magnolia and Anita Darian as Julie. William Warfield, reprising his role from the MGM film, sings the part of Joe. Conducted by Frank Allers and featuring the Merrill Station Choir, the original 1962 release included fourteen songs from the score; subsequent reissues added bonus tracks from Helen Morgan, … Read More
1936 Motion Picture
Released by Universal Studios on May 14, 1936, the first musical motion picture adaptation of Show Boat was written by librettist Oscar Hammerstein II. The film featured Irene Dunne as Magnolia and Allan Jones as Gaylord Ravenal, and director James Whale insisted on casting certain members of the original Broadway cast, including Paul Robeson singing his signature song, “Ol’ Man … Read More
Life Upon the Wicked Stage
In this witty, sardonic comedy number, showgirl Ellie amusingly laments the lack of glamour in her show biz career. Ellie’s comical but clear-eyed assessment of the entertainment world foreshadows the difficulties Magnolia will later face as she pursues the life of a performer.
1959 Studio Cast Recording
Recorded in the summer of 1959 at the No.1 studio at Abbey Road in London, this studio recording of the Show Boat score featured Shirley Bassey performing two songs in the role of Julie LaVerne. Dora Bryan, Isabelle Lucas, Don McKay, Inia Te Wiata, Marlys Watters and Geoffrey Webb rounded out the cast. The album was originally issued in two … Read More
1932 Broadway Revival
Show Boat made its first return to Broadway shortly after its initial run. Opening May 19, 1932 at the Casino Theatre, the revival was directed by Oscar Hammerstein II and choreographed by Sammy Lee. The cast included Tess Gardella as Queenie, Dennis King as Gaylord Ravenal, Helen Morgan as Julie, Eva Puck as Ellie, Paul Robeson as Joe, Norma Terris … Read More
Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man
Julie and Queenie share their devotion to their respective loves, Steve and Joe. Though composed by Kern and Hammerstein, “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man” functions in Show Boat‘s narrative as a traditional tune that would be familiar to Black men and women in America. When Julie, who is biracial but “passing” as white, sings the song, Queenie voices surprise that … Read More
1951 Motion Picture
Released alongside the 1951 MGM Technicolor film, this soundtrack to Show Boat became available first in vinyl as a Long-Playing record with eight tracks, including “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man of Mine,” “Life Upon the Wicked Stage” and “Ol’ Man River.” The soundtrack features a colorful album cover with the film’s top-billed stars, Kathryn Grayson, Ava Gardner and Howard Keel. … Read More
1928 West End Premiere
With almost no break after the Broadway opening of Show Boat, the creative team skipped across the pond to begin production on the show’s West End premiere at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, a house to which Hammerstein would return throughout his career. Hammerstein took the opportunity to fine tune certain aspects of the libretto, making small adjustments to the … Read More
Ol’ Man River
Joe, a hardworking stevedore, acknowledges the slow, steady flow of the Mississippi River and notes its indifference to the hardships of life, particularly for Black Americans. Part anthem, part prayer and part commentary on the narrative of Show Boat, “Ol’ Man River” is the core of the musical and the show’s most famous song. “The melody of ‘Ol’ Man River’ … Read More