There’s only one thing left to make UWP-Richland’s production of “Show Boat complete!  

It already has 47 actors, 16 musicians, 124 costumes, 89 props, nine production members, hundreds of board feet of wood and screws, dozens of lighting fixtures, 16 wireless microphones, a gang plank and a dock. 

The final ingredient is an audience!  

As cast member Leah Garner tells us: “We work hard and have fun at rehearsal, but the best part is having the community come and see what we’ve put together. Getting the audience to laugh, cry, or think; that’s what makes two months of hard work worthwhile. One of the most important parts of any performance is the audience’s reactions!” 

First produced in 1927, “Show Boat” has some of the greatest show music ever written, including “Make Believe,” “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man” and “Old Man River.”  

Director Andrew Sharp states, “We also have a couple of big dance numbers. I think that’s when the show is the most fun, when we get everybody dancing.”

“Show Boat” tells the story of a group of actors who ply their trade on a riverboat floating up and down the Mississippi. When the acting troupe loses two of its members, Captain Andy and his wife are forced to put their daughter on stage with a riverboat gambler who was just passing through. The story follows their romance and their life after marriage.

 “Show Boat” will be playing this weekend only! Performances will be staged on Friday, April 5, and Saturday, April 6, at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, April 7, at 1:30 p.m. All tickets are $10 and will be available at the door. For more information, please e-mail andrew.sharp@uwc.edu.