Christmas Budleigh 2008: Show Boat

Imperial Productions presents

Show Boat

Music by Jerome Kern; Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II

Saturday 06 December 2008 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm

at The Public Hall, Budleigh Salterton

Show Boat is arguably the first great American “backstage” musical, an epic account of forty years and three generations in the life of a family along the Mississippi River and their careers on and off the Cotton Blossom floating theatre. It deals with racial prejudice, miscegenation and marital abandonment – unorthodox material indeed for a 1920s stage musical.

Show Boat is often credited with having a hand in creating the modern musical. Opening in 1927, it was the first show that fit the title of a musical play, rather than a musical comedy. There was a serious plot, with three-dimensional characters, serious issues, and a beautiful, full score, including Can’t Help Loving That Man, Old Man River, Why Do I Love You? and Only Make Believe.

The production will be directed by David Phipps-Davis, with musical direction from Edmund Connolly. Fiona Steel will act as both associate director and choreographer. Lighting will be by Dan Young and the Stage Manager is Roland Trice.

For more information, especially if you're thinking of joining us for the first time, check out our Beginners Guide to Christmas Budleigh.

The Cast

 
Captain Andy HawksAshley Mercer 
Stephen BakerSeb Junemann
Pete, the engineerSiegfried Hodgson
Frank SchultzNick Swart
Gaylord Ravenal David Swain
Ike Vallon/Jim GreeneMatthew Smith
JoeEddie Hines
  
Julie La VerneAnnatt Bass
QueeniePatrice Edwards
Ellie May ChipleyRachel Clare
Parthy Ann HawksShannon Holmes
Magnolia HawksRachel Sharkey
Mrs O'Brien Eirian Walsh Atkins
EdnaHelen Wright
LottieJennifer Woodward
Dolly Emily Berrington
MaisieFay Carradine
Lady on the leveeSheila Murphy
  
EnsembleEmily Carmichael
 Mary Groom
 Albert Helg
 Debora Parkinson
  

The Production Team

 
DirectorDavid Phipps-Davis
Musical DirectorEdmund Connolly
Associate Director / ChoreographerFiona Steel
Stage ManagerRoland Trice
Lighting DesignerDan Young

Ticket Sales

Tickets for both the matinee and the evening performance are priced at £9. Last December our evening performance of The Mikado sold out, so you are advised to book as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Advance ticket sales for this production are available to Imperial Patrons. For a £5 annual subscription, Patrons receive a seating plan in the post and can book their choice of tickets before they go on sale to the public. The scheme also covers advance tickets for our Christmas show in Budleigh, and the ICOS musical tour every August.

The remaining tickets will be sold from November 2008 through our box office, Budleigh Salterton Tourist Information Centre. Please telephone 01395 445 275 to make your booking.

How to Find Us

The address of the venue is:

The Public Hall
Station Road
Budleigh Salterton
Devon
EX9 6RJ

The town of Budleigh Salterton is in South West England, found near Exeter in East Devon just 10 miles from junction 30 of the M5. Click here for a map of the area. The Public Hall is close to the town centre, adjacent to the green on station road. As well as ample car parking, the hall is served directly by local bus routes from nearby Exmouth and Sidmouth.