BWW Reviews: SHOW BOAT A Magnificent Time at Music Circus

By: Jul. 11, 2013

I cannot imagine a better production. With Broadway talent of operatic caliber and Glenn Casale's all-encompassing direction, this summer's Sacramento Musical Theatre production of "Show Boat" is Music Circus at its absolute best.

Much like its namesake, the musical offers a grand show for its audience, with sweeping tunes by Jerome Kern and wooing lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. Casale's direction adds welcome moments of humor in the epic drama, especially when Queenie (a personable Sharon Wilkins) comes around with her teasing, sassy attitude in a memorable first act rendition of "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man." Well-timed moments of joy and dance come during this scene and others, including a fabulously choreographed second act "Kim's Charleston."

The talented ensemble also lends its voice to beautiful, haunting melodies such as the opening "Cotton Blossom" and first act "Mis'ry's Comin' Aroun'." But nothing beats Philip Boykin's smooth bass baritone voice drifting over the musical's famous anthem, "Ol' Man River." Applause thundered after the Tony Award nominee's opening night performance.

A trio of "Phantom of the Opera" alumni leads the rest of the cast. Jennifer Hope Wills successfully navigates Magnolia's journey from youthful romantic to hopeful and proud adult, and never have clearer high notes been so perfectly sung. Ron Bohmer plays Magnolia's love interest, Ravenal, a gentleman with a gambling problem. Bohmer's Ravenal is the Rhett Butler of musical theatre. He simultaneously courts the audience with his immediately striking vocals and his Southern charm. Magnolia's father, the captain of the Cotton Blossom show boat, ultimately encourages the match of his daughter with Ravenal. George Lee Andrews bubbles with amiability in the role. In one of the show's most memorable moments, Andrews' energy rises as circumstances force the captain to act out the rest of a show boat skit on his own.

In smaller, but no less important roles are the spirited Nikki Crawford as Julie, a songstress forced to leave the show boat after her African-American heritage is revealed, and the comedic duo Ellie and Frank, played by Jennifer Cody and Jamie Torcellini. Disney fans will easily recognize Cody's character voice from her role as Charlotte in the film, "The Princess and the Frog."

Dennis Castellano leads the as-always flawless orchestra through the three hours of gorgeous music and enchanting stories.

--

SHOW BOAT
Through July 14
Music Circus
www.calmt.com



RELATED STORIES - Sacramento

1
Interview: Shawn Raiford Plays in A NIGHT OF ELEGANCE at the DoubleTree Hotel Photo
Interview: Shawn Raiford Plays in A NIGHT OF ELEGANCE at the DoubleTree Hotel

Between Sacramento and San Francisco are many small towns dotting the Interstate 80 corridor. Farmland eventually turns to the bay, which has inspired many songs such as “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” and “(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay.” Maybe not as well known is one such town, Vallejo, whose biggest draw now is its Six Flags amusement park. For one talented musician, though, Vallejo is everything. Shawn Raiford is a philanthropic saxophone genius whose music has been climbing the smooth jazz charts. His latest single, a love letter to his hometown, has been described as containing “warm melodies and intimate harmonies” that “float atop a soulful midtempo groove.” BroadwayWorld recently spoke with Shawn about his new single, his dedication to serving, and the beauty of Vallejo.

2
FREUD ON COCAINE Adds Performances at Whitefire Theatre Photo
FREUD ON COCAINE Adds Performances at Whitefire Theatre

Freud on Cocaine, the outrageous new comedy based on the documented letters, notes, dreams and recollections of Sigmund Freud that attest to his decade-long use of cocaine in his practice and personal life, has added two Friday night performances to its regular Saturday night line-up. Learn more about the show and get tickets to the new dates here!

3
CIRQUE MECHANICS: ZEPHYR - A WHIRLWIND OF CIRCUS Comes to Poway Next Month Photo
CIRQUE MECHANICS: ZEPHYR - A WHIRLWIND OF CIRCUS Comes to Poway Next Month

Cirque Mechanics has announced its latest spectacle, 'Zephyr – A Whirlwind of Circus.' This mesmerizing theatrical extravaganza is inspired by the force of the wind and the timeless ingenuity it takes to harness it. Learn more about how to attend the performance is Poway here!

4
Review: A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY UNIT AT MEMORIAL SLO Photo
Review: A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY UNIT AT MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER OF NEW YORK CITY Plays at Big Idea Theatre

One thing that stands out about Sacramento is its prolific and varied arts community. There is truly something for everyone and, if you’re eclectically inclined, Big Idea Theatre is the place for you. Their performance selections vary, but each is unique, quirky, and thought-provoking. The current offering is no less original, although decidedly more of a mouthful. Halley Feiffer’s extra-long title, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Gynecologic Oncology Unit at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center of New York City, is somewhat of a misnomer, as the odd things all happen in one room of the cancer center.

From This Author - Harmony Wheeler

Videos


#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Something Rotten!
Davis Musical Theatre Company (9/08-10/01)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Gynecologic Oncology Unit at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center of New York City
Big Idea Theatre (9/15-10/07)PHOTOS VIDEOS
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Mean Girls (Non-Equity)
Gallo Center for the Performing Arts [Mary Stuart Rogers Theater] (4/02-4/03)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Wizard Of Oz
Harris Center for the arts (10/20-10/29)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# B2B Web Development Show
Broadway Musicals (5/08-8/05)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# THURGOOD
Celebration Arts (9/29-10/29)PHOTOS
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# YPT-Disney's The Little Mermaid, jr
Davis Musical Theatre Company (9/16-10/08)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# The Addams Family A New Musical
Woodland Opera House (10/06-10/29)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Polka dot chocolate bars
https://mushroomchocolate.net/ (11/18-3/31)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Come From Away (Non-Equity)
Gallo Center for the Performing Arts [Mary Stuart Rogers Theater] (5/03-5/04)
VIEW ALL SHOWS  ADD A SHOW  

Recommended For You