Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II’s groundbreaking musical version of Edna Ferber’s novel examines the lives of Cap’n Andy and his troupe of traveling show boat performers, including his naïve daughter Magnolia, her gambling husband Gaylord Ravenal, the tragic mixed-race actress Julie, and black stevedore Joe, who marvels at the constancy of the “Ol’ Man River” they travel on.
Musical Numbers
Act One
Cotton Blossom…………………………………..Ensemble Cap’n Andy’s Ballyhoo……………………..Cap’n Andy, Parthy Ann Hawks, the Showboat Troupe, Stevedores, Gals Townspeople Where’s the Mate for Me?…………Gaylord Ravena Make Believe…………….Gaylord Ravenal, Magnolia Ol’ Man River……………………………………..Joe, Steve Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man…………..Julie, Queenie, Magnolia, Joe, Quartet Till Good Luck Comes My Way…Gaylord Ravenal, Pete, Frank, Townsmen Mis’ry’s Comin’ Aroun………..Queenie, Stevedores, Gals I Have the Room Above Her………Gaylord Ravenal, Magnolia Life Upon the Wicked Stage….Ellie, Townswomen Queenie’s Ballyhoo……………Queenie, Cap’n Andy, Ensemble You Are Love……………Magnolia, Gaylord Ravenal The Wedding Celebration……………………Company
Act Two
Why Do I Love You?….Magnolia, Gaylord Ravenal, Ensemble Dandies on Parade……………………………….City Folk Alma Redemptoris Mater…………………………..Choir Ol’ Man River (Reprise)…………………………………Joe Bill…………………………………………………………….Julie Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man (Reprise)……Magnolia Goodbye, My Lady Love……………………Frank, Ellie After the Ball……………………………………….Magnolia Dance Away the Night…………………………Magnolia Kim’s Charleston………………….Parthy Ann Hawks, Kim, Company Act Two Finale…………………………………….Company