"Amazing" is the best word I can think of to describe the new production of Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein's musical "Show Boat," not only because of the music, but also because of the talented company of 71 performers.

"Show Boat" is the story of life on a floating theatre traveling on the Mississippi River in 1887. Magnolia, the captain's daughter, falls in love with Gaylord Ravenal, a gambler. Meanwhile, Julie, the leading actress of the theater troupe, is nearly arrested, along with her husband Steve, because she is of racially mixed parentage, and miscegenation (marriage between two people of different races) is a crime. Steve and Julie leave the boat, and Ravenal and Magnolia take their places as leading man and lady. They are eventually married.

After Ravenal strikes it rich gambling, he moves to Chicago with Magnolia. They now have a daughter, Kim. When Ravenal loses all of his money, he abandons Magnolia and Kim, believing that they are better off without him.

Some of the more memorable songs in "Show Boat" include "Make-Believe," "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man," and "You Are Love." However, the most beautiful (and perhaps the most well-known) song is "Ol' Man River." Micheal Bell, as Joe, has a lovely bass voice and does a superb job singing this song. "Ol' Man River" is the theme of "Show Boat" and it reminds the audience that no matter what happens, "ol' man river keeps on rolling along."

"Show Boat" is a tale of love, racism, and marital abandonment. It is a show that you will never forget and I recommend it to anyone who likes musicals