Jerome's Kern's iconic score for the musical "Show Boat" is timeless. During Saturday's performance by the Reagle Music Theatre cast, I let the familiar tunes and riffs wash over me like a gently lapping wave made by the wake of a Mississippi riverboat. This current production is a well conceived and beautifully executed interpretation of the classic tale of struggle against the tide of racism and oppression up and down the Mississippi in the closing decades of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. Some might argue that the stereotypical portrayals of blacks in this musical are not politically correct, but my opinion is that they are an accurate reflection of the ethos and attitudes that existed during the era in which the story is set.
From the opening moment, I knew that we were in good hands under the skillful direction of Rachel Bertone. As a director, she also thinks like a choreographer, and that was apparent in the first tableau - river hands struggling in slow motion to haul in a line along the river dock. That moment reflected both the poetry and beauty of the setting, and the arduous life lived by the characters in the play. It wonderfully set the tone for this entire production. A solid cast enhanced the telling of this story, using Kern's music and Oscar Hammerstein II's book and lyrics, based on the novel by Edna Ferber.
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| Ciaran Sheehan as Gaylord Ravenal Sarah Oakes Muirhead as Magnolia Hawks "Show Boat" Reagle Music Theatre Through July 16 Courtesy Reagle Music Theatre/©Herb Philpott |
Ciaran Sheehan returns to Reagle after last summer's triumph as Billy Bigelow in "Carousel." He is perfectly cast as Gaylord Ravenal, the charming river gambler who sweeps Magnolia (Sarah Oakes Muirhead) off of her feet. The two of them shine in their first duet, "Only Make Believe." As Captain Andy, Rick Sherburne sets just the right tone, and is matched by Susan Scannell Gilbert as his harridan of a wife, Parthy. Julie LaVerne (Dani Wrenn) is the star attraction aboard the Cotton Blossom, but she and her husband, Steve Baker (Chris Scott) are charged with miscegenation because Julie has Negro blood, and they are forced to leave the boat and the area, settling in Chicago.
An early musical highlight of the show is the scene in which Julie is joined by Magnolia and Queenie (Yewande O. Odetoyinbo) in singing the rousing "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man."
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Michel Bell as Joe
Yewande O. Odetoyinbo as Queenie
"Show Boat"
Reagle Music Theatre
Through July 16 Courtesy Reagle Music Theatre/©Herb Philpott |
Perhaps the most beloved and well known song from this show is "Ol' Man River," sung by Joe, portrayed here by the incomparable Michel Bell. He has played this role on Broadway, resulting in a Tony nomination. His vocal range is stunning, with a basso profundo that reverates like the 32 foot Diapason stop on a Wurlitzer Theater organ. His initial solo portion of this song is impressive in its own right, but was raised to another level of artistry when he was joined by the trio of stevedores, Kelton Washington, Taavon Gamble, and Davron S. Monroe. The contrast between Joe's deep bass notes and the trio's more lilting harmonies gave me chills. It was the highlight of the show for me.
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| Davron S. Monroe, Kelton Washington Michel Bell as Joe Taavon Gamble "Show Boat" Reagle Music Theatre Through July 16 Courtesy Reagle Music Theatre/©Herb Philpott |
Musical Direction is by Dan Rodriguez, Scenic Design by Michael A. Micucci, Costumes by Amy Clark and Florence Klotz for Goodspeed Musicals, Lighting by David Wilson.
The play runs through July 16th, so there are four remaining opportunities to see this show before it pulls up anchor: Thursday at 2:00, Friday and Saturday at 7:30, and Sunday at 2:00.
Reagle Music Theatre Website
Enjoy!
Al
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