| In this article we're going to cover one of | | | | many renditions that it's hard to pick out |
| the oldest and longest running musicals in | | | | which pair was best. More on the various |
| history, the one and only Showboat.Showboat | | | | versions of this play later.Then of course |
| first came to the stage in 1927, almost 80 | | | | there is "Can't Help Lovin Dat Man" which was |
| years ago as of this writing. It was | | | | sung by the highly visible African American |
| actually quite ahead of its time in many | | | | couple. This is the kind of song that just |
| respects. For one thing, it featured African | | | | makes one smile from ear to ear. In spite of |
| American performers in predominant roles. It | | | | the fact that her husband is a lazy so and so |
| also included as part of the story a mixed | | | | and pretty much drives her crazy, she just |
| marriage, which in those days was unheard of. | | | | can't help but love him.But of course the |
| Yes, Showboat was certainly ground | | | | highlight of the play, and probably one of |
| breaking.There were actually several stories | | | | the greatest songs of all time, is "Ol' Man |
| going on at the same time in the musical, | | | | River" which is sung by the black man of the |
| very similar to one of today's soap operas. | | | | couple. This song so perfectly depicts the |
| There was, of course, the actual operation of | | | | struggles of the black man in society and the |
| the Showboat itself and the struggles it | | | | hard life that he leads.There are many |
| faced along the way. There was the story of | | | | debates as to who was the best singer of this |
| the mixed race couple and the odds that they | | | | song, whether it was Paul Robeson or William |
| had to fight against. There was the daughter | | | | Warfield, which brings us to the number of |
| of the showboat owner who wanted a career but | | | | renditions of this play.While it first came |
| also wanted to find true love. Instead she | | | | into existence in 1927, written by Jerome |
| meets a man who betrays her and runs off | | | | Kern, it was later made into not one but |
| leaving her with a baby to take care of all | | | | three screen adaptations in 1929, 1936 and |
| by herself. The sub stories go on and on.As | | | | finally in 1951. Many critics feel that the |
| tragic as the stories in showboat were, | | | | 1951 adaptation with Howard Keel, Ava Garner, |
| that's how beautiful the music was. Some of | | | | Kathryn Grayson and William Warfield was the |
| the greatest songs of all time could be heard | | | | greatest one of all.Regardless of which one |
| in this production. The list of great songs | | | | you may personally prefer, Showboat was |
| is pretty long but there are a few | | | | without a doubt one of the most heartbreaking |
| highlights.For starters the is the great duet | | | | and musically beautiful creations of all |
| between the daughter and her soon to be snake | | | | time. Whatever version you decide to see, at |
| of a husband. The song of course is "Make | | | | least see one of them. You won't ever forget |
| Believe." This song pretty much sets the tone | | | | this one. |
| for the rest of the play, which has had so | | | | |