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Showboat

STORY
The story begins in 1890, when Captain Andy Hawkes brings his family and his Show-Boat the “Cotton Blossom” to Natchez on the Mississippi. The leading lady and man fall foul of the South’s racial laws by having a mixed marriage, and have to flee from the “Cotton Blossom”. Gaylord Ravenal is taken on as the new leading man and Magnolia, Captain Andy's daughter, falls in love with him and marries him much against her mother’s wishes. But he is a gambler and deserts Magnolia having lost heavily at cards. Julie becomes the star of the show but turns to alcohol to help drown her sorrows. She then decides to sacrifice her own career and life for the sake of Magnolia.

 

WHEN AND WHERE
28th-31st March 1990
Broxbourne Civic Hall, High Street, Hoddesdon, Herts,  EN11 8BE

 

CAST

Magnolia Michelle Harris
Ravenal David Holman
Captain Andy Malcolm Gordon
Parthy Joy Mather
Julie Anne Bettany
Frank Ian Ellis-Hall
Ellie Corrine Asghar
Queenie Margaret Archer
Joe Alan Head
Kim Lynda Dorling
Landlady Cathryn Henderson
Backwoodsmen Gavin Bligh and Geoff Sharpe
Rubbereface Eddie Connolly
World Fair Dancer Jackie Bligh
Vallon Stan Groves
Pete Russell Muir
Steve Baker Clive Chandler
Windy John Jones
Ladies chorus Val Bentley, Jackie Bligh, Carl Cawdell, Liz Coles, Dorothy Cooper, Sue Day, Chris Fallas, Amanda Hagen, Anna Kay, Margaret Knight, Marjorie Newland, Kathy Pinnuck, Emma Postlethwaite, Jenny Raine, Barbara Richmond, Cindy Round, Jenny Scott, Karen Tindall, Maureen Watson, Debbie Wildey, Melissa Wildey.
Mens chorus Rob Ash, Gavin Bligh, Dave Clarke, Eddie Connolly, Les Cooper, John Dorling, David Farnborough, Alan Fotheringham, Stan Groves, Roy Head, Peter Hough, Wayne Howsen, John Jones, Peter Lea, David Purves, Geoff Sharpe, Gerry Tout, Martin Whybrow, Doug Wildey.

Directed by Malcolm Hollow
Choreographed by Malcolm Hollow
Musically directed by Malcolm Dorling

GALLERY

 

REVIEWS

All Aboard A Little Choppy Showboat
The Mercury
6th April 1990

"There were many positive factors, including the glorious voice of Michelle Harris as Magnolia, daughter of the Riverboat Captain. She gave the fine Jerome Kern music a boost and should have a fine future."

"Captain Andy was given a relaxed performance from Malcolm Gordon and Joy Mather as his wife Parthy snapped successfully."