Revisit one of America’s most storied musicals during a world-premiere concert adaptation of Oscar Hammerstein II and Jerome Kern’s legendary Show Boat, June 23
The Times
Bucks County Playhouse audiences can revisit one of America’s most storied musicals during a world-premiere concert adaptation of Oscar Hammerstein II and Jerome Kern’s legendary Show Boat, Saturday, June 23 at 7 p.m.
The benefit concert is part of the Playhouse’s fourth Oscar Hammerstein Festival. The event, which features an all-new adaptation by Rob Ruggiero, includes a top cast of Broadway talent performing Hammerstein and Kern’s score with narration by Ted Chaplin, president and chief creative officer of the Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization.
Considered by many historians to be the first modern musical, Show Boat was groundbreaking when it first premiered in 1927. The timelessly romantic musical tale follows the lives of three generations born on the Cotton Blossom as it sails the Mississippi River from the 1880s to the 1920s.
Two-time Tony nominee Laura Osnes (Broadway’s Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella) leads the cast as Magnolia alongside James Snyder (Broadway’s Cry-Baby, Encore’s Grand Hotel) as Gaylord Ravenal. Emmy-award winner Jessica Walter (BCP’s Steel Magnolias and TV’s Arrested Development) returns to the Playhouse as Parthy.
The Show Boat benefit concert will be the culmination of the Oscar Hammerstein Festival. Named in honor of the master writer whose countless accomplishments during his illustrious career have included mentoring a young Stephen Sondheim at Hammerstein’s Highland Farm in Bucks County, the festival is a year-long program that offers expert mentorship to early career composers and lyricists.
Tickets are on sale now and range from $75-$100. Sponsorships, which include the concert as well as additional events during the weekend, are also available. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit buckscountyplayhouse.org, call 215–862–2121, or visit the box office at 70 South Main Street in New Hope. For sponsorships, contact Mary Dina at 267–740–2090.
