Marketing Can Be Interesting..

We just had another Showboat meeting, and Mrs. Showboat would like to thank all that attended instead of running off to deer hunt. During the meeting we agreed on three things, One, we are once again going to have 1/2 price Thursday for Rapids residents. So all you locals that have never seen Showboat and those of you that have, Thursday is the day for you. Two, Friday will be Family Friendly Friday. Looking for something to do on Friday that does not include the TV, come on out to the banks of the Mississippi and be entertained by not only our cast, but the surrounding trees and birds. Our third decision was we will only have two prices for tickets, $10 for adults and $6 for students and seniors. This makes everything easy-peasy for our ticket sellers. You have to remember we hire them because they are pretty not always because of their math skills! (J/K ladies Mrs. Showboat loves you!!!)

But, here is the dilemma, what should we do for Saturday. If Thursday is 1/2 price and Friday is dedicated to our families, then Saturday should have its own theme. Theses were some of the suggestions: 1. If the temperature falls below 50 degrees, then the customer pays the price per degree. So if the temperature is 46 degrees, then you pay $4.60. If it snows you then get free popcorn. 2. Guess in what way the Captain will screw up his lines. Yes, he is a wonderful Captain, but as we all know... he can at times forget his lines. Pick the line and win a free popcorn or tickets to another show. 3. Singles Saturday. Are you single looking for another who also likes the theater on the river?? Well, then Showboat is the place for you. 4. How about Saturdays are for Singing? Come and sing along with our cast members, like a concert except without the loud music, giant hair, and the lighters flickering at the end.

What do you think? You got anything better??? Let us have it!!! Best idea gets the best seat in the house! The one right there in the middle kind of, over there a little. The one that Mrs. Showboat saves for you every year!

Showboat Presents...

Mrs. Showboat would just like to let you know that as the snow is coming down... that first it is not July (though it does feel like it) and second that we are busy working on next year's show. SOOO, as a teaser of sorts to get you through this first snowfall, and Mrs. Showboat would hope the last! Here is your preview. Mrs. Showboat has brought in the world famous Creek brothers to bring us the new title of next years unbelievable creation. It will be a show that will be talked about for ages. A show of such comedic and singing proportions that legends will be made. This upcoming show will become the standard to all theater shows that dare cross the Mississippi River on ship, canoe, kayak, or by foot. (And yes, by foot! Mrs. Showboat has met many men that thought they could walk on water!!)

So...to the Creek brothers who have seen the shows script and have spent the last month laboriously working on the right title. Which is (drum roll please) "Up a Creek!!"!! YaY! (pretend fireworks and streamers just exploded) Hip, Hip, Hurray!! Okay, seriously, what did you think we would get from a couple of unemployed consultants that all we could offer was old cotton candy from last season!!

Mark it on your calendar... Showboat presents "Up a Creek!" in July 2010. I already have the perfect seat saved for you, and I promise it will not have snow on it. (yeah, my fingers were crossed, it's Northern Minnesota for heavens sake... I know better).

Mrs. Showboat Needs a Favor

Okay, here it is. Mrs. Showboat needs a favor. All you'all out there who have ever been to Showboat and especially you'all out there who weathered this past Showboat in the rain (and yes today I will admit snow), please, please, please write a letter to the Blandin Foundation attention Mr. Wade Fauth. Mrs. Showboat has been asking for some monies in order to spruce up the Ol' Mississippi Showboat. The ol' girl needs some lumber, paint, new smokestackes, and did I mention some new paint??? The Blandin Foundation is likely going to help us out (maybe, possibly), but they need to hear from you!! Let them know that Showboat is still relevant in this age of sports, reality television, and couch-watching. It would be a personal favor to Showboat, it would be a personal favor to me!! And if we get any extra... I will even pad that seat I keep holding for you!!

Timberlake was Awesome and Hey Look at Our Potential New Boat!?

First and foremost, a BIG standing ovation to the Showboat cast members that wowed (marveled, bedazzled, left the audience swooning) in the Birch room at Timberlake Lodge last night. The TRIAD group was there and after a lengthy talk about how the weather may effect you (here's a hint you live Nortern' Minnesota the best way to know what the weather is is to open the window!) or may not effect you. The weather man in question was really nice and had great pictures from when he announced sunny days and a tornado or flood came through. Mrs. Showboat has to give props to anyone who admits their mistakes and brings a slideshow to prove it!! But, Mrs. Showboat digresses, the performance was superb. Though, to be honest, there was something missing with John being the Captain.... or should I say something not missing... like hair! Otherwise, the crew as always made Mrs. Showboat drop a few tears of proudness! In fact, if you were at the Timberlake Lodge last night and heard a bunch of whoop and hollerin', that was Mrs. Showboat exuberantly announcing that "Showboat wuz in da HOUSE!!" and not your neighbor. My Bad!

As for our new boat. One of Showboat's faithful viewers has emailed Mrs. Showboat this boat. And, though, Mrs. Showboat is very grateful for the thought, there are some problems with such a boat. Windows is one. I think the cast would miss the windows. The oldness factor is another. I think the audience likes the nostalgia. But, on the other hand... this boat has a furnace. Which some who did not attend the shows during July 16, 17, and 18 may not think is necessary, however, those that did attend I think should donate to the cause (and just as a side bar, that weatherman that spoke last night did NOT predict that either!). Very excited though... I already sent off the grant to the Blandin Foundation so cross your fingers!! I can definitely find a seat for you on this bay cruiser... right next to the furnace!!

Timberlake Tonight

Tonight there will be a special Showboat performance at the Timberlake Lodge. Mrs. Showboat would like to thank (more than thank but put a little hug in there too) Dixine Woyach for putting this performance together. It will feature the best of the 2009 show including the "This Big" joke (loooved that!) and "Oh Johnny Oh" by the Showboat's best trio... Dixine, Ruth, and Tanya. As in the show, there will be a little singing, a little dancing, and a lot of hamming!!! So if you are lucky enough to go... please wait through Mr. Paul Douglas' one and a half hour speech (will be really interesting, you betcha) and let the Showboat performers get your feet a tappin', your hands a clappin', and feel free to whoop and holla' when necessary. The best audience is an active audience. Showboat's energy relies on you to bring it up (which would make you like a huge energy drink without the calories, ohhh you are awesome!). Mrs. Showboat will see you there, and as always I have the perfect seat saved for you!!

And here We Go Again...

So... the new board was put into place on Friday. This includes Matt as President, Cheri as VP, Sonja as Bookkeeper, Capt. Larry, Gina, Ruth, Lois, Melissa, and Brad. That's right, we went to nine board members. And yes that seems like a lot, but whatcha going to do???

It is also time to start writing the show. We have commissioned Mr. John Schroeder to do our bidding again this year. (And by commissioned it was the type where we twisted his arm until he cried Uncle not the type where we threw large amounts of money at him!) We have a new theme, new characters, and some new old music (?). We are getting ready!!

We have to thank all that helped spread the word last year about what a great show it was. Though Mother Nature and I are still in a fight over the lousy weather. Had I known summer was going to be the second week in September, we may have planned accordingly!

Showboat, as always, is interested in your thoughts. What do you think would make the show better, what do you miss, what do you wish was banished forever, and exactly what is on your mind. Please feel free to let us have it. Any words or comments can only help us make a better show for you. And trust us we have a thick skin (from all those rehearsals in the sun) we can take it. You can email me at miss_melodieshowboat@msn.com or comment on this page. Also if you are interested in volunteering or performing, go ahead and give a note and we will contact you when the time gets closer!!

The Swami Amazed Us

Remember how the Swami amazed us?? How he took our breath away with his hypnotizing moves and... oh that hat!! And did you see the way his assistant looked at us!!! I can not wait until next year.

Don't tell me you missed it!?! Well next year we have the same director, same stage hands, more beautiful cast members, and a new, more creative, with more bad jokes, and a little less Captain (okay just as much Captain) show. Don't worry I already saved your seat!!