Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (April 29, 2015)
April 29, 2015 Page 13 Arts & Curtain Opens for ‘Show Boat’ ENTERTAINMENT Epic speaks to true face of America The curtain is opening for Port- land Opera’s production of “Show Boat,” the award-winning Harold Prince version of the epic play that revolutionized American theater with its musical sophistication and embrace of racial diversity on stage. The saga of three romances that blossom aboard a Mississippi River show boat reflected the true face of America as it was and still is today, more than 80 years later. Jerome Kern’s score for the musical teems with powerful cho- ruses, romantic duets and master- ful songs, including “Bill,” “Make Believe,” “Can’t Help Lovin’ That Man,” and above all, “Ol’ Man River.” Show Boat presents an enor- mous cross-section of American life, contrasting wealth and pov- erty, urban life and rural, northern and southern attitudes, and the impacts of privilege and preju- dice. Without losing the vitality and romance of the central story, it manages to confront racial in- justice sympathetically and pres- ent what, in 1927, was a progres- sive point of view about the roles forced upon African Americans in late 19th and early 20th century America. photo by M ark K iryiuk The Portland premiere of the awarding-winning Harold Prince version of ‘Show Boat’ opens Friday at Keller Auditorium. The play revolution- ized American theater by its epic story and being the first to use music and dance to explore what it’s like to be black and white in America. Not only did Show Boat inte- grate words and music and plot; not only did it deal with serious issues, altogether unheard of in Jazz Age musicals; but it provid- ed a venue in which black and white actors first appeared to- gether in an essential and equal way on stage. Show Boat also subtly depicted the capacity of white America to appropriate and profit from music and dance styles that originated in black culture. It’s credited with being the first in a line of shows to use music and dance to explore what it has meant to be black and white in America. Performances are scheduled Friday, May 1 through Satur- day, May 9 at Keller Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased at the Portland Opera Box Office or by phone at 503-241-1802.