More Casting Announced for London Show Boat Revival

More casting has been announced for the upcoming London revival of Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II's classic 1927 musical Show Boat, which will be seen in a limited engagement at the Royal Albert Hall from June 10th through 25th.

The cast will feature David Burt as Captain Andy, Mark Coles as Joe, Jenny Galloway as Parthy Ann Hawks, John Owen Jones as Gaylord Ravenal, Angela Simpson as Queenie and Rebecca Thornhill as Julie LaVerne, in addition to the previously-announced Elena Shaddow (the upcoming Light in the Piazza tour, The Woman in White) as Magnolia Hawks. Francesca Zambello will direct the show, which will feature the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Arthur Pita will be Show Boat's choreographer.

Based on the Edna Ferber novel, Show Boat--which is considered by most as the first fully integrated musical--is set on and around the Cotton Blossom, as a group of show boat performers struggle with love affairs, alcoholism and the pervasive taint of racism. Its songs include "Ol' Man River," "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man," "Bill," "Why Do I Love You?," "Life Upon the Wicked Stage," and "Make Believe."

Show Boat will be produced by Raymond Gubbay in collaboration with The Royal Albert Hall. It will feature musical direction by David Charles Abell, sets by Peter J. Davison, costumes by Sue Willmington and lighting by Andrew Bridge.