BWW Reviews: Central City Opera's Wonderful Homage to the Classic SHOWBOAT at the Buell Theatre

As its final presentation of the 2013 Festival, Central City Opera (CCO) will features a new production of Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II's glorious American musical, SHOWBOAT at the Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex. The production is currently playing now through August 11. This musical, written in 1927 by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II, tells the story of the workers on a Mississippi showboat over the course of 50 years, from 1880 to 1927. The musical was innovative for its time, combining the lightness and spectacle of musical theater with the serious themes of racial prejudice and tragic love. Revivals of Show Boat, which features songs such as "Ol' Man River", "Make Believe", and "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man," have won both the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical (1995) and the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival (2008).

I was absolutely thrilled to see one of my favorite classic musicals and was delighted that Central City Opera was able to bring their talented company down from the mountain and have the city of Denver experience their amazing voices. This classic, big Broadway musical did not disappoint with its big cast, big sets, and bigger voices! This production gave me a complete sense of nostalgia for the grand days of Broadway and left me wanting more. Director Ray Roderick and Conductor Hal France really put together such a grand and awesome production that delighted everyone in the audience. I also have to praise scenic designer James Youmans for his larger than life boat that filled every dimension of the stage. I loved that the orchestra was featured onstage and the boat seemed to build itself around them. The video displays were also a nice touch and added such dimension to the set. Costume designer Tracy Christensen and Wig/Makeup designer Dave Bova did a superb job with such a large cast of transporting us all to the 1880's and loved the wonderful blend of fabrics and colors that bounced off the stage.

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So no pressure, but SHOWBOAT is all about one song for me - Ol Man River. As I have witnessed before, if this song is not sung with power and conviction, it sort of throws off the energy of the rest of the rest of the show. I am proud to say that Soloman Howard singing this defining song was the best I have ever witnessed and he brought the house down. His effortless low notes sent a shiver through my spine and I could listen to him sing this classic power ballad to me every single day. I declare that he has a big career ahead of him in the opera world (I mean how many times in your life do you meet a true bass!?!) and hope I have the pleasure of seeing him in other works! Angela Renee Simpson was also sassy and delightful as Queenie and I loved her fun version of C'mon Folks. I loved the growth of the character of Julie (expertly played by Emily Pulley) and while her rendition of Lovin that Man of Mine was lifted your spirits, Bill was engaging and haunting. Denise Lute as the skeptical Parthy Ann Harks and Gene Sheer as Cap't Andy were and humerous and memorable couple and I loved their chemistry together and individual heartfelt performances as well. The energetic comedic scene-stealers were Ellen Kaye as the adorable Ellie Mae Shipley and Curt Olds as the cut-up, Frank Schultz and their fun renditions of Life Upon the Wicked Stage and Goodbye My Lady Love brought a smile to my face. While Solomon was the highlight of the evening, this show belonged to those center stage sweethearts, Julia Burrows as Magnolia and Troy Cook as Gaylord Ravenal. Their duets, Make Believe, and You Are Love made the audience swoon and had everyone cheering for their tumultuous relationship. Their , exemplary talent, voices and chemistry were magnetic and really guided this lovely show.

This glorious production transported me back to the grandeur days of the big Broadway musical and was perfect for the grand stage of the Buell Theatre. My only wish is that this fantastic collaboration between Central City Opera and the Denver Center will be a yearly tradition for years to come! This is a short run, so don't "Miss the Boat" on this stunning production! Central City Opera's SHOWBOAT plays at the Denver Center's Buell Theatre now until August 11. For tickets more information, contact the Central City Opera's box office online at www.centralcityopera.org or by calling 303-292-6700.