Comments on: Show Boat

By: Judy Karo

Judy Karo — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:38:35 +0000

This is one of my very favorite shows, and it did not live up to my expectations. I also was underwhelmed by this production, especially the lack of emotion when Magnolia and Ravenal reunite. Will Gartshore outdid himself. I thought this was the best performance I’ve seen him in, especially his singing. Most of the other singers were excellent also – Terry Burrell (Bill) VaShawn Mcllwain,(Ol Man River) to name 2.

By: Ed Kenney

Ed Kenney — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:49:32 +0000

I found showboat most entertaining and feel patrons will also be pleased while the critics always seem to find some fault with most anything. The leads all were well cast altho I felt Ncllwain was a little young looking for the role of Joe. His wonderful voice quickly took my thoughts away from any such notions. Stephanie Waters has a pure voice equal to many leading ladies on Broadway and Will Gartshore never disappoints. Kudos to Eric for taking a very long show and putting it into shape for America’s community theaters where unfortunately it has not been seen very often due to length and size. Ed Kenney

By: Richard J. Summers

Richard J. Summers — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:36:20 +0000

I found the whole show to be a complete and utter mess. After seeing Hal Prince’s production over a decade ago, I found myself uninterested by the performances and the storytelling being presented this past Friday. The casting was particularly weak. No offense to Ms. Burrell, who I thought did the best she could under the circumstances, but she is an African American woman playing the role of Julie. So when it is discovered that she has African American blood in her you have to question how stupid the members of the Showboat actually have to be to not realize that this was a woman of African America descent. VaShawn McIlwain is far too young for the role of Joe. Will Gartshore who has impressed in the past, is an entirely unimpressive Ravenel. I also found the chemistry between Mr. Gartshore and Stephanie Waters to be entirely lacking. All in all I was extremely underwhelmed by this production of Showboat.