The Sheffield Crucible production of Show Boat has announced early closure and will now play its final West End performance on 27 August 2016. Show Boat, which only began West End previews at the New London Theatre on 9 April 2016 was originally booking until January 2017 but even at press night performances the theatre was seen to be quite empty. In my recent review I said “The New London Theatre is slightly hidden away from the hub of West End theatres and so attracting audiences off of the street can be difficult. Whilst Show Boat is a classic musical, just how many people will want to flock to see it in 2016, I am not sure of” and sadly the answer seems to be ‘not enough’.
Producers David Ian, Bob Bartner and Norman Tulchin said: “We could not be more proud of Daniel’s production of Show Boat. This first class cast and creative team have delivered an exceptional production and we are delighted that London audiences have had the opportunity to see this five star show.”
One of the most romantic musicals of all time and set against the backdrop of America’s Deep South at the turn of the 20th Century, Show Boat tells a powerful story of freedom, loyalty and, above all love. Spanning 40 pivotal years in American history, this epic musical follows the lives and loves of three generations aboard the Cotton Blossom show boat as it plies the Mississippi River and features the timeless songs Ol’ Man River, Make Believe and Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man.
Malcolm Sinclair (Capt. Andy Hawks) and Chris Peluso (Gaylord Ravenal) joined original Sheffield cast members Gina Beck (Magnolia Hawks), Lucy Briers (Parthy Ann Hawks), Rebecca Trehearn (Julia La Verne), Emmanuel Kojo (Joe), Sandra Marvin (Queenie), Alex Young (Ellie May Chipley) and Danny Collins (Frank Schultz) for the West End cast of Daniel Evans’ five star production of Show Boat. They are joined by John Coates, Adam Dutton, Kit Esuruoso, Nolan Frederick, Linford Johnson, Javar La’Trail Parker, Kate Milner-Evans, Maria Omakinwa, Ryan Pidgen, Mykal Rand, Leo Roberts, Tosh Wanogho-Maud, Christina Bennington, Victoria Hinde, Linda John-Pierre and Simbi Akande, Georgie Ashford, Laura Darton, Joshua Da Costa, Dale Evans and Tom Partridge.
REVIEW: SHOW BOAT (New London Theatre)
Tickets to the London West End production of SHOW BOAT
Photo: Johan Persson
