Lyric Opera’s ‘Show Boat’ is vibrant and fresh
By Betty Mohr Opera Review/bettybmohr@aol.com February 15, 2012 4:04PM
Ashley Brown and Nathan Gunn star in Lyric Opera of Chicago's "Show Boat." | Robert Kusel/Lyric Opera of Chicago photo
‘SHOW BOAT’
◆ Through March 17
◆ Civic Opera House,
20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago
◆ Tickets, $34-$224
◆ (312) 332-2244; lyricopera.org
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Updated: March 18, 2012 8:05AM
After Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edna Ferber saw “Show Boat,” the musical adaptation of her novel, she thanked Jerome Kern for making her immortal.
Indeed, “Show Boat,” composed by Kern with book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, has become immortal.
Eighty-five years after the classic first stunned Broadway, the show is still a masterpiece in Lyric Opera of Chicago’s new production
Kern took the operetta of Europe and combined it with jazzy, American rhythms to create what we now know as the American musical.
“Show Boat” is the show that started it all. It set the precedent for other musicals such as “Oklahoma,” “Carousel,” “The King and I,” “My Fair Lady” and everything else that followed on New York’s white way.
Before the groundbreaking musical, shows like “Ziegfeld Follies” were filled with parades of comics, variety acts and dancing girls.
Nothing prepared audiences for the fully realized characters, plot and music that were so tightly woven together in “Show Boat” that everything was integrated into the story.
Set on a floating playhouse that brought theater to towns along the Mississippi River, the story of “Show Boat” centers on a theatrical family.
Controversial when the show first opened in 1927, the musical deals with issues of race, miscegenation, injustice, gambling and the abandonment of family.
Now, the Lyric Opera has mounted a vibrant and fresh revival that offers a new generation a chance to experience the wonder of this glorious musical feast.
Lyric’s production is unique in that director Francesca Zambello has mixed opera singers with some of Chicago’s best musical-theater performers to give a compelling reality to the show.
Here we have baritone Nathan Gunn as the handsome gambler Ravenal and soprano Ashley Brown as Magnolia, taking our breath away as they fall in love singing the luscious “Make Believe.”
Bass Morris Robinson is fantastic as Joe, bringing the house down with a spine-tingling “Ol’ Man River”(Hammerstein wrote the profound lyrics when he was only 30 years old), and soprano Alyson Cambridge as Julie stands out when she sings “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man.”
In addition, soprano Angela Renee Simpson is another highlight, receiving applause after applause for her sassy and smart Queenie.
Other fine performances include Ross Lehman (the best comedic actor in town) captivating as Capt. Andy Hawks, Cindy Gold as wife Parthy, and Bernie Yvon being a hoot as a dancing showboat performer.
Although, there seemed to be a snag in the sound system, as some of the conversations between the performers were difficult to hear, Lehman’s voice always came through loud and clear.
Adding to the lavish look of the show and the 20th century atmosphere were the beautiful costumes by Paul Tazewell and set designs by Peter J. Davison —especially in the second act’s Chicago scene — and the swinging choreography by Michele Lynch.
Of course, the Lyric orchestra, conducted by John DeMain, was at the top of its form, giving the delicious Kern music its due.
“Show Boat,” in its new incarnation at the Lyric Opera is a ravishing triumph. This show is truly something special. Don’t miss it.
Betty Mohr is a local free-lance writer.
SHOWING SUPPORT
Lyric Opera of Chicago has chapters in which opera lovers of all ages get together to enjoy lectures, musical performances, special events, volunteer opportunities and each other’s company.
Information on the Flossmoor Area Chapter is with president Diane Moses at FlossmoorChapter@lyricopera.org.
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