1946 Broadway Revival

Rodgers & HammersteinShow Boat

After its stellar 1943 production in London, Show Boat returned to Broadway for its second revival. Staged by Hassard Short and choreographed by Helen Tamiris, with “book directed by” Oscar Hammerstein II, the production opened on January 5, 1946 at the Ziegfeld Theatre, where it played 418 performances. The opening night cast featured Carol Bruce as Julie, Jan Clayton as … Read More

Why Do I Love You?

Rodgers & HammersteinShow Boat

Despite some challenges in their relationship – primarily, Ravenal’s compulsion to gamble on card games – Magnolia and Ravenal express their continued love for one another.

1966 Lincoln Center Revival

Rodgers & HammersteinShow Boat

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

Rodgers & HammersteinShow Boat

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

Rodgers & HammersteinShow Boat

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

Rodgers & HammersteinShow Boat

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

Rodgers & HammersteinShow Boat

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

Rodgers & HammersteinShow Boat

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

Rodgers & HammersteinShow Boat

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

Rodgers & HammersteinShow Boat

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