Jennie Eisenhower Cast In The Media Theatre's SHOW BOAT 9/30-11/1

Jennie Eisenhower, who won a Barrymore Award five years ago for her performance in The Media Theatre's "The Wild Party", returns to the State Street stage as Julie in the classic musical "Show Boat". Artistic Director Jesse Cline, who directed her to her award winning performance, takes the helm once again for this Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II collaboration.

Jennie Eisenhower is nominated for yet another Barrymore Award this year for her performance in last spring's "Forbidden Broadway" at The Walnut Street Theatre. She has also been seen there in "Criminal Hearts". Other Philadelphia theatres where her work has been seen include The Wilma, The Arden, People's Light, and Bristol Riverside. She has performed Off-Broadway at The York Theatre.

In "Show Boat" she will portray the dramatic role of Julie during the show's run September 30-November 1. Julie is an actress on The Cotton Blossom who is forced to leave due to her 'mixed blood' lineage. The show, written in 1927, is still considered one of the greatest works of music theatre and touches upon issues of interracial romance, gambling, and racial prejudice as it focuses on the lives of those aboard and around the boat.

Jennie Eisenhower will sing the classic "Bill" in the musical. Other legendary songs in "Show Boat" are "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man" and "Ol' Man River".

The cast also features Elisa Matthews, seen on The Media Theatre stage as Eliza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady" last fall, as Magnolia and Stephen Bonnell as Cap'n Andy. Phillip Boykin, who appeared as Joe in the National Broadway Tour of "Show Boat" will portray Joe.

The Media Theatre is Delaware County's only professional music theatre and has been awarded 12 'Best of' Reader's Poll Awards from newspapers such as the Town Talk and The Delaware County Daily Times. It is the recipient of a 2009 "Best Of" honor from The Main Line Times Magazine. Its mission statement speaks to the production of new and classic works and educating youth through productions which are indigenous to their cultural heritage.

"Show Boat" plays September 30-November 1. Tickets are available by calling 610-891-0100 or visiting www.mediatheatre.org. Four other musicals complete The Media Theatre Broadway Series this year: "The Wizard of Oz", "Master Class" starring Ann Crumb, "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee", and "Rent". Subscriptions are available now and include flex passes.

Photo: Jennie Eisenhower

 

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