Show Boat 1994 Broadway Revival

[@unclealand]

Lonette McKee has enough showmanship and beauty to carry a whole show. Lucky she didn't need to here. Gretha Boston is a stunning and complex Queenie.

[@derekllewellyn6663]

1936 same show bout before New York times picture awards TCM channel interview with oasr awesome picture awards and make it happen for the best way magic of Disney princess diaries Walt Disney company class starts at Disney plus on Disney world and Disneyland before the election was looking at

[@danafripp4120]

Okay: If people could get a grip on the facts here, we'd stop worrying about tempi. This song is meant to be sung both SLOW and UPTEMPO, because it is written to be used as both a Ballad and a Cakewalk Strut and Shuffle- because as we all know. Julie is "passing" for a White woman. The reason she sings it uptempo here is to, in her own way, covertly connect with the other Black people on the boat through traditional Black Song and Dance, while still concealing the whole truth. It's revisited as a romantic lament of sorts. Furthermore, as I have said on similar feeds, we may have our preferences for who portrayed which character and why we feel that way, but unless an actor suddenly drops to the floor, and starts to roll around the stage quoting sports statistics in the middle of a Rodgers & Hammerstein musical, saying that one portrayal is the best over all previous or subsequent perusals is unfair, narrow-minded, and creatively stifling. You can like whosoever you like without putting down another person's performance.

[@rugby8-Philadelphia]

Really well said Dana!

[@AutismThespian1993]

I agree. I know it’s four years late, but you took the words out of my mouth about the song. To me, the song is both a celebration of life and a foreshadowing of Julie’s doom. Regardless of who’s performing it, I feel each actress give something special to the role. Lonette is my fav Julie.

[@thenygalavant]

This was Lonette McKee at her best. To this day, her rendition of BILL is one of the most heartbraking performances I've ever seen in a Kern show

[@richardmayora1289]

I her in the role in both revivals and I have never seen a performer hold an audience in the palm of her hand as she did during Bill.

[@d.brookshindman8507]

It never ceases to amaze me how often, when I just look, that another has already quite succinctly written my thoughts. So I don't say this stuff often, (& sorry the length, but stay with it--you evoked a wondrous moment in a long, unbelievably blessed career. Yes its "me mee, but its not. Its about this show & this woman!) I was on & off Bway for years. Nat tours, B & Ts, concert versions...in a wide variety of shows. My mom, God rest her amazing soul, had me up late watching movies like Showboat from a very tender age. This one always haunted me. In 1995, I heard the recording of the perfect Showboat (t u @HalPrince!) So I flew to NYC to see the Toronto cast before they all, inevitably, moved on. I sat, riveted, and bawled my eyes out at my sweet gorgeous funny God gifted #LonetteMcKee (xoxo) as she sang Bill. A little over a year later, I was asked to join the B & T of this revival. omgomg!! lol To this day, one of my favorite shows to sing, 8x a week, schlepping from city to city on a bus, a somewhat less than ideal method of travel (...I'd do it again in a heartbeat.) Out of that, FF a few years, I'm an invited alumni for a semi-staged concert version (very much like this clip) with, unfathomably, Ms. McKee. (& a few other OBC members...such is the power, pull & delight of this show, & her various casts. So fun, so powerful, almost preternatural, ahead of its time & bold for meeting racism, head-on, in an era still wincing from, & teeming with veterans of, such senseless tragedy and shameful legacy as was our Civil War. And yet amidst this, one hell of a good time! Truly, the first real "musical" in our nation's history. God Bless you Msrs. Kern & Hammerstein. As perhaps she recalls, I was a goofy, crushing, nervous fanboy at our rehearsal. Again, myself & many a fellow castmember sat spellbound & teary during her quintessential, perfect, gut-wrenching interpretation & flawless alto instrument. Thank God I remembered, hey, I'm in this too! I finally found that pregnant second where I could finally yank her away for my own introduction & praise. Naturally, she was (is) a ravishing, charming, humble, sweet, REAL and gracious performer. It made me long to stand in the wings & hear this every night, indefinitely. I realize this was long- winded, but your comment took me RIGHT back, & I had to share it. Thank you, & thank you Bernie (Bernard Telsey, of Telsey & Assoc. Casting), for giving me one of my bucket list jobs that tho never ever felt like real 'work", per se, was not easy, & required your instrument to be on point, show after show. But, oh, the Kismet, the rare fortune of sharing the stage with such talent as Lonette, I'd easily have paid them.. IMO, never has there met a song with performer so deeply moving & silky sweet. Idk why the clip of her performing it on this PBS special isn't on KZbin, it damn well should be! That clip, endlessly looping, deserves a place in the Smithsonian. Thanks again

[@nedraleggett9088]

I liked it. It's different from what I heard or seen before. Nice. When Showboat was on at the Dorothy Chandler pavilion I took my mom for her Bday.( Too long ago.). The biracial leading lady was really a biracial actress and singer. I don't remember her name. The whole production was fabulous.

[@chrystlentow1459]

her voice is literally perfection

[@josephvalenti4475]

She is wonderful, every since I saw her in "Sparkle", I thought that lady had it all looks. talent, and star quality!

[@matienzony]

Saw this production on Broadway in the 1990's when I was a college student. It is still one of the most powerful and memorable nights at the theater that I have ever experienced. Thank you Harold Prince, and the exciting cast, creative team and producers, who had the vision to put this production together. This was certainly a "Showboat" for generations.

[@williamschroeder3070]

Rest In Peace, Rebecca. Thank You for sharing your gift.

[@andrewj.diliddojr7340]

Rebecca Luker Rest In Peace. 59 years old. Please donate to the ALS Foundation.

[@PRR5406]

Easily the finest rendition of this song EVER.

[@edwardharbur4907]

No. Helen Morgan will always be Julie LaVerne.

[@Ins_Pri_Media]

YAAASSSS totally agree

[@richardmayora1289]

And I had the pleasure of hearing her do this in both Broadway productions. THE most stunning performer I have ever seen on Broadway.

[@anhw3303]

No. Helen Morgan might have done well. But Lonette’s smokey, sultry voice that sounds like she carried the weight of her past defined Julie. Plus, she is half African American. Morgan was white.

[@susansokoloski2233]

Helen Morgan. This one very nice but Helen...nothing and no one touches her.

[@khelisiesalvatore8173]

Fkn amazing and this was the 1st musical I wver saw as a freshman in high school. I knew right then and there it lit a fire in me- i want to be a musical theater performer. It's been ages since then and while i've yet to make that dream happen it'svstill alive in me. I still have faith it's gonna happen. I wish people still took the theater seriously like the audience did here, actually dressed up to come to a performance. I'm not being a snob it's just an old convention that i wished stayed in fashion. It's been forever and a day si ce i was last in NYC. I remember when I saw this it was at the Shubert theatervon a rainy Wednesday afternoon. I loved the education part we got before the show. For being a school trip we sure had really good seats.

[@NubianFeenx]

Lonette McKee, as always, was absolutely marvelous. This was the perfect role for her.

[@vijitcoomara3807]

Lonette McKee is brilliant in every way. Loved her Ill Wind in Cotton club as well.

[@WWAHP]

+Vijit Coomara I Love her in Sparkle.

[@unclealand]

I only hope that Harold Arlen lived long enough to see and hear Lonette McKee sing "Ill Wind" in "Cotton Club."

[@richardmayora1289]

Lonette McKee...exquisite in every way.

[@markbeck8384]

This number is one of the best production numbers that has ever shown up in a musical: so memorable, and such a clever way to get into four of the major characters, and the black chorus.

[@gloriahogg2750]

Saw this production on my first visit to NYC, it was a dream come true.

[@CCGG1919]

One of the most influential shows in all of broadway history ! That’s why it’s still being revived nearly 100 years later !

[@singerAR0406]

I miss performing so much. I miss being in a Broadway show. My heart is so sad...

[@leslieyost9973]

I could watch this multiple times, wait, I have done this..

[@wseabuck]

IMO, this is perfection...the happiest, most joyfilled performance of this song or any song...I watch this with tears in my eyes.

[@suelynnyu5352]

Lonette Mckee. Brilliant.

[@kylepwagner6258]

I haven’t been able to stop listening to this for 3 days now. She’s spectacular.

[@stevesewall]

Heart and soul and body into this song!

[@jeannetteduette6704]

I saw this production in L.A. with this entire cast. I was transfixed. I set in the front role with my parents and they loved it!

[@paulobirek8276]

This is a terribly old post but brings me back. My first trip to NYC was in 1995 and I binged 6 shows in 5 days. This was at the top of my list because I saw Rebecca Luker on the Tony's broadcast for 1992 and fell in love with her voice. Then I saw exact video this before we went and HAD to see it. This has always been my favorite rendition of this song. :)

[@derekllewellyn6663]

It's looks good I love it so much it's looks like same thing as being back in time more information 1936

[@romee4722]

My friend fell asleep at this musical on Broadway! He was 6 1/2 years old😂😂😂😂 It's SOOOO long!!!! Beautiful musical, though. I was old enough to appreciate it when I saw it as a newly graduated high school senior.

[@richardmayora1289]

It was totally inappropriate for somebody to take 6 1/2 year-old to see a show like this.

[@jacquelineleavold6354]

The best version I have heard. Just superb.

[@Dathan]

I remember seeing this on TV. Thankful to be able to enjoy it again. I would later see Lonette on a soap opera and Rebecca Luker, RIP, on many Tony award shows.

[@brianeduardo1234]

was so lucky to see this production on Broadway... with Elaine Strich et al... it is something that will always live in my memory

[@kevinguernsey8413]

Makes me miss Rebecca Luker more since her passing.

[@mylesgarcia4625]

Had no idea that's Rebecca Luker! And the business with apple is just brilliant. Great overall rendition!

[@annebrown3967]

saw this in Toronto loved it can't remember the year but my darling late husband took me there

[@ChicagoDB]

My favorite performance of this superb classic…I still recall watching this when the special aired. To this day, I think this performance of it by Lonette and Gretha is the best I’ve seen or heard.

[@joybreeden366]

Lonette....what a a powerful performance A superstar! Remember I'll Wind in movie Cotton Club...thanks...

[@laurajackson7594]

FINALLY!!! I've been looking for this version for YEARS! HALLE-FREAKIN'-LUJAH! 🙌🏼

[@wdyslvr]

Lonette McKee breathes such bliss into this rendition -- It's as though she was debuting it right here! INCREDIBLE!

[@msoda8516]

This was the first Broadway show I ever saw and is still the best

[@Emeraldthepony]

I've had this stuck in my head ALL day!!

[@Nansbbgrand]

I saw her in Los Angeles years ago, '83 I think, playing the same wonderful 'Julie', with the inimitable Donald O'Connor as Capt'n Andy, and spectacular Donnie Ray Albert as 'Joe'--{his "Ol' Man River" blew even the great Paul Robeson's version right out of the water!}. Her rendering then of "Bill" ripped my heart out! Great memories you brought back, THANKS!

[@dianavictoriaaljadeff5302]

I saw this Show Boat in 1995.Beautiful Memories

[@BeautyLoveHair]

Lucky! lol

[@lamllemaussade]

I was lucky enough to see this revival on Broadway when I was very young. I've listened to as many recordings of Showboat as I could get my hands on over the years. Still, there's no better woman to play the character of Julie, in my mind. Thanks for posting!

[@Danielevanssmith]

Wonderful performance by all!

[@davidbritton6948]

First saw this production of this song on Letterman. The cast breathed new life into the song and made it seem as fresh as the day it was written. Fantastic.

[@Nacho-Mamma]

My favorite musical! I would love to see this entire production. Show Boat is considered the first real book musical, and the show that made Broadway what it is today!

[@veganpowers3667]

I saw this in Toronto in December of 1994, still love it. Such a talented cast!

[@geaj]

I love her voice!

[@Dathan]

What wig??? I wish I could have seen and heard this live. Just wonderful! I think Lonette was on a soap opera for a bit...One Life To Live?? Ant any rate, this is awesome. Thanks for sharing!

[@gilesbishop5616]

Saw it when it came to London. Beautiful show

[@stevehinnenkamp5625]

Heard the song a million times. Love this version like the first time it captivated me.

[@indira4061]

Oh listen, sister I love my mister man and I can't tell you why there ain't no reason why I should love that man It must be sumpin' dat de angels done plan De chimbley's smokin' De roof is leakin' in But he don't seem to care He can be happy With jes' a sip of gin I even loves him when his kisses got gin Fish got to swim and birds got to fly I got to love man till I die Can't help lovin' that man of mine Tell me he's lazy Tell me he's slow Tell me I'm crazy, maybe, I know Can't help lovin' that man of mine When he goes away that's a rainy day And when he comes back dat day is fine The sun will shine He can come home as late as can be Home without him ain't no home to me Can't help lovin' that man of mine

[@ajewel288]

The version I grew up with 🥹.

[@BeautyLoveHair]

Had no idea Lonette McKee sang my fav version!

[@Dathan]

WOW! I can't believe it. After watching last nights awards I was thinking about all the past shows that were so much better. This performance by McKee has always been in the back of my mind. LOVE IT! Thanks so much for posting/sharing.

[@ctimothy81]

Thank you! I had this recorded on VHS for the LONGEST time. A great performance, thank you for sharing!

[@CarolineATorge]

A great performance, another which I was lucky to have been able to see while it was on Broadway :)

[@laritagaskins394]

"Fish gotta Swim & Birds gotta Fly" and that's the truth!!

[@Linda98671]

Just wonderful!!!!

[@GeoStrum3]

Terrific as always!

[@GrandeDanoise]

Brings back good memories!

[@MrJchill67]

Crossett, Arkansas is represented!!

[@36innertubes]

That performance is so polished. Perfect.

[@tallandtan]

Love you, Gretha!!! Miss you, too.

[@robintyson591]

Love this. And just like that the 'race' barriers are broken. I know the song, you know the song - let's sing it - it don't matter who we are and where we come from.

[@xChanelleG95x]

I

[@SilverwingssCosplay]

Love this song

[@dianaaljadeff2983]

Leonette Mc Kee Greta Gershon Michael Bell and Rebecca Luker are in this scene.

[@mardow]

Beautiful

[@Enr227]

Incredible

[@a1l2e3x40]

Thanks Professor Elisa!!

[@lisakelley4447]

Gretha as Queenie, just awesome!

[@sirius1043]

AMAZING!!!

[@botecuatro4]

I am very sorry tu heard about Rebecca Luker is dead. Gos bless you, Rebecca.

[@Jamesgangcreative]

RIP Rebecca Luker. 12/23/2020. ALS.

[@garymeyers4997]

Gretha Boston has a powerful voice, but she's not the lead here.. listen to her sing Do What the Spirit Says Do and hear her voice fly...

[@RETROGEMS]

The wig is kinda atrocious but Lonette is FLAWLESS as USUAL! I love her acting, I love her singing..god, what can't this lady pull off? She rocks!

[@kellymccain3403]

It's really sad that Hollywood never fully took advantage of the wonderful talents of Lonette McKee ..... she could have been a huge star if they had just given her a chance.

[@williampelto6095]

The most superb version was the Paper Mill Playhouse. Top notch voices in that production.

[@tommytimp]

Naaaaah. Too much Eddie Bracken cutting up. And doubling Magnolia and Kim? Uh-uh. This version kicks that one in the teeth.

[@GeoStrum3]

Wonderful and very realistic. That’s exactly how the episode may have been in real life in Queenie’s kitchen.

[@prestonessence9]

I'm doing this with the Houston Grand Opera, we open next week! Come see it! :)

[@keithsmith4780]

Julie is, of course, a biracial character, but I've heard that Lonette McKee was the first biracial actress to be cast in the role, although by then the show was almost 70 years old.

[@maxclover50]

Cleo Laine performed the role in London England in 1971.

[@caymanilika]

Oh my god, I'm so excited that this is up!!!!! Do you happen to have Ms. McKee's performance of Bill?

[@Eurafrican]

lonette looks like a disney princess :)

[@lisapolk5263]

Greta Boston is so talented💕

[@renaniidepinheiroepereira4104]

For me the great character of "Showboat" isn't Magnolia, is Julie. She has the great songs and make the great sacrifices.

[@MeowyMakes]

Is there sheet music for this version? The only version I can find is one that stays in the last key the whole time, and it starts with "oh listen Sister" and it's very slow I just don't like it. I like this version better where it starts lower and works up to a high key and it's faster.

[@frankvan228]

Just perfect

[@JustPeachie22]

best version!

[@scotteri84]

RIP Rebecca Luker

[@ReidFSanders]

Do you have a video of the full show or know how to obtain?

[@dbehr1996.]

THIS. IS. BROADWAY

[@Smithburg01]

I think this is the one ive been looking for, but the only scene i can remember was old man river, do you have that part?

[@Geo789C]

This is PC Show Boat. Queenie's lyric was changed. She should have song "I even love him when his kisses have gin."

[@ashleyGuadarrama]

i wish i could find sheet music for this can anyone help?

[@irmar]

I have it but for piano, not orchestra.

[@personincognito3989]

does anyone remember what year this was in Vancouver B.C. 1994 or 1995. I saw it and can't remember what year it was here.

[@TDW8964]

I believe it opened in late 1995, I saw it in March of 1996 when my family was visiting Vancouver, I was 16, I still have my program, ticket, and poster...Such a great show, I went by myself while my family went to a hockey game...lol.

[@CuaresmaJo]

This is a very URGENT question! does anyone know where i may find the instrumental of this version? help! x

[@miep8675]

wow, Rebecca Luker has a great lower register...you never hear it.

[@laurajackson7594]

If this is the cast that came to gammage theatre at ASU in Tempe, I saw it and it changed my life! I mean... I'm a lesbian, so I guess it didn't change it in that aspect, but you know. 😆

[@remyfacade]

WOW.... Judging by her performance in "Sparkle" I didn't think Lonette could sing....This was a surprising performance she has a good voice

[@piricarroll]

That's because it was Irene Cara's voice they used in the movie and not Lonette's. Would have loved to hear how Lonette sounded tho.

[@michaelstarr2136]

Saying Lonette has "a good voice" is like saying Marilyn Monroe is "attractive."

[@remyfacade]

@@michaelstarr2136 umm. I think Marilyn was just attractive. Her not being afraid to be a sex symbol back then was (in my opinion) the only reason she stood out.

[@roseJ96]

Interesting that there were protests over this play being brought back.

[@jasencadet12]

12:30

[@mylesgarcia4625]

Was this the Harold Prince production?

[@SoulShines4Music]

Yes

[@serenityq26]

better than ava's version. i like this

[@princeandrey]

Of the three, the 1951 technicolor was far and away the worst.

[@miep8675]

Oh whoops, sorry! Mixed up rebecca luker with lonette

[@spinandmarty]

1936 film- the Only version that matters

[@rugby8-Philadelphia]

Tom..... Boy are you Dumb Lol

[@princeandrey]

@@rugby8-Philadelphia There's some truth to that: The Paul Robeson, Helen Morgan movie was brilliant and groundbreaking. But I had the good fortune to see this revival, and I was thrilled by it.

[@rugby8-Philadelphia]

@@princeandrey No argument that it was a great film with some great performances! But, "the Only version that matters"??? Mr Bottom...lol...is way off base 😎

[@rugby8-Philadelphia]

@@princeandrey I saw it too....was pretty freakin amazing 😎😎😎

[@richardmcmahon7466]

Pity that the original score was not used .anything else is not good enough. Listen to the original score and you will understand. To coin the old adage" if ain'broke don't fix it.

[@friendsfamilyaccount]

I can't get past her hair....that's just bizarre. I saw this on B'way in the 90's and I was disappointed. I felt they went overboard on the PC stuff, but then switched things all around; having Parthy sing "Why Do I Love You" to the baby, the cut out a lot of Queenie's character, etc. After having seen the quintessential Paper Mill version from 1989, this was a disappointment when I saw it. I do love Rebecca Luker though! :)