Showboat isn't the easiest show to do in the world but the production I saw made a mistake casting actors with great voices who couldn't get the subtext of the characters. Gaylord is meant to be a charming gambling addict - someone who loves his wife, but doesn't like acting, who can't resist the lure of the cards. Magnolia is meant to be a naive, romantic idiot who falls in love with an idea of a man rather than the real man. Julie is meant to be warm, tragic and impulsive. Capn Andy and Parthy should be memorable character actor turns. Frank and Ellie should be obviously comic-only actors.
I guess the show couldn't help the limited budget, which meant a limit on the spectacle, or the flaws of the book (would Steve have really bailed on Julie after such a display of love for her? Why not have him killed? There's two scenes of Julie stepping aside for Magnolia). Still, some great songs, and memorable bits such as Steve cutting Julie's skin and taking in her blood.
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