Skip to main content

Show Boat Sets Sail for Mississippi College


"Show Boat," February 23-26

A delightful American musical, “Show Boat” tells the story of the Hawks family and their troop of actors aboard the Cotton Blossom floating theater.

Making its premiere in 1927 on stage at New York’s famed Ziegfeld Theatre, “Show Boat” will soon entertain audiences at Mississippi College.

Tickets remain on sale for the February 23-26 production at the Jean Pittman Williams Recital Hall on the Clinton campus. Performances begin at 7 p.m. for the first three dates. There will be a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday February 26.

Audiences across America will recognize the popular song “Ol’ Man River” as well as tunes like “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man.”

Jerome Kern wrote the music and he collaborated with Oscar Hammerstein II, who penned the words to the award-winning play. Movie-goers may have seen the classic 1951 Hollywood film with an all-star lineup of actors. The cast included Ava Gardner, Agnes Moorehead, Leif Erickson, Kathryn Grayson and Howard Keel.

The Mississippi College Music Theatre is presenting a classic of its own. Students and faculty members will appear in two different casts.

Professors Beth Stapleton, who chairs the MC Modern Languages Department, and Nicholas Perna of the Music Department are thrilled to be part of the romantic musical. Beth will portray the character Parthy Ann Hawks and Nicholas plays Gaylord Ravenel.

Audiences will follow the story of Magnolia, the naïve daughter of the showboat captain who marries a gambler and moves to Chicago. The show is based on Edna Ferber’s novel.

Clinton students appearing in “Show Boat” include Sarah Brantley, Will Nabholz, son of choral director Mark Nabholz, and Emily Katherine Dacus, daughter of MC music instructors Ed and Viola Dacus.

Tickets cost $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens as well as MC faculty/staff with an ID and $10 for students with an ID from any school.

Go to mc.edu/showboat for more information or call the Music Department’s Dottie Serio at 601-925-3440.