Show Boat

John Epton - May 1987 - Priory Centre

Spanning the years from 1880 to 1927, the lyrical masterpiece Show Boat explores the lives, loves and heartbreaks of three generations of show folk on the Mississippi, in Chicago and on Broadway. Captain Andy commands the Cotton Blossom with his wife Parthy at his side. Magnolia, their naive daughter, marries a gambler, Gaylord Ravenal, and moves with him to Chicago. Her selfless best friend Julie, the leading lady on the boat, is arrested on charges of miscegenation when it’s discovered that she is of mixed race, and she and her husband leave, causing Julie great despair. Ravenal’s gambling continues, his debts compound, and soon he deserts Magnolia and their young daughter. Time passes as life on the Cotton Blossom continues. In the end, Magnolia reunites with Ravenal and their now-grown daughter on the showboat.