Show/Boat: A River

 Show/Boat: A River
NYU Skirball Center
January 17, 2025 

Photo courtesy of Target Margin Theater

The Target Margin Theater production of Show/Boat: A River is billed as “a classic reimagined.”  What makes Show Boat a classic is the Jerome Kerns score with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II.  With vocal arrangements by Dionne McClain-Freeney and orchestrations by Dan Schlosberg, the score is very well presented.  Director David Herskovits delivers a bare-bones interpretation, stripping the show of elaborate sets and costumes.  The script holds up very well, but the locations and time frame, which are key to the richness of the story, are missing.  The cast works as a tight ensemble, delivering the stark rhythms of Mr. Herskovits’ vision with magnificent vocal power.   

Photo courtesy of Target Margin Theater

Captain Andy (played by Steven Rattazzi) runs the Cotton Blossom, a showboat on the Mississippi River.  His stars, Julie (played by Stephanie Weeks) and her husband Steve (played by Edwin Joseph) are forced to leave the show when it is revealed they are a mixed-race couple, which is illegal at that time.  Captain Andy’s daughter, Magnolia (played by Rebbekah Vega-Romero) steps into the lead role.  She is paired with Gaylor Ravenal (played by Phillip Themio Stoddard), who Magnolia met by chance a few days earlier.  The love story between Ravenal and Magnolia spans the next few decades.  They share tenderness and develop a sense of dedication.  They also face disappointment and abandonment, yet persevere over time.

Alvin Crawford plays Joe and majestically delivers a solid rendition of “Old Man River” with heart.  The theme of the river rolling through the lives of these characters, leading them forward on their journey, runs strongly in this production, even without the set grounding us in the location.  

Stephanie Weeks & Rebbekah Vega-Romero
Photo courtesy of Target Margin Theater

The scene between Julie and Steve, when the Sherriff comes to arrest them for miscegenation, is powerful.  This scene is a vital turning point in the story.  It is key to understanding the caste system and racial discrimination of the period.  Stephanie Weeks and Edwin Joseph play this scene perfectly.  They are genuine in their commitment to one another, and portray a true belief in the value of their bond over any challenge they need to face.

There are many additional strong performances in this production, including Phillip Themio Stoddard, Rebbekah Vega-Romero, Caitlin Nasema Cassidy, and Temidayo Amay. 

Show/Boat: A River is playing at the NYU Skirball Center through January 26. 

Domenick Danza