The Showboat Takes A Break

Many Minnesotans have seen the article from the StarTribune about the Minnesota Centennial Showboat having a dark summer. The article, in my humble opinion, is a little too brief to fully and accurately explain the entire situation.

I had the honor to perform for three seasons on the Showboat and loved it. Last season's "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" suffered from flooding that occurred on the Mississippi. Unfortunately, despite the departments best attempts to revive the season, the loss of about 1/5 of the productions due to mother nature was very substantial.

The show was terrific and filled with the joys that the Showboat provided. Humorous olios, an over the top and honestly performed melodrama, the booing, the cheering, and the impossibly crafty stage tech.

While I understand from a business standpoint why the boat is closed rhia season, I am saddened by the hiatus. The Showboat will be back again, but it needs the chance to rehabilitate and rejuvenate.

As I wrote earlier, I had the privilege of performing on that little stage for three consecutive seasons. I did over 230 shows over those three years with some truly incredible artists. I am sad that this year, a group of students will not have the ability to perform a long run with eight shows a week. I am, however, hopeful for the future. People will miss the boat this year, but it will come back...puffin' along as always.