Mississippi Melodie Showboat

Meet Your New Board of Directors

2011-09-17T16:14:00.001-05:00

Mrs. Showboat is proud to present to you the new board of directors: Mr. Bill Thomas, Mr. Jim Mason, Mr. Brian Dagle, Mr. Jake Dodge, and the beautiful Ms. Kaitlyn Rosemore. They join Mr. John Schroeder as the keeper of the Showboat torch. They are also in search of a few more members so if you are interested please get in ouch with them.

As for Mrs. Showboat... well she is about to find out what this thing called summer is all about. But fret not my brave Showboat followers, Mrs. Showboat still is saving the perfect seat for you, only now she will get to sit beside you and enjoy the show too. And no worries, Mrs. Showboat will also bring the cookies, real cookies with frosting and chocolate chips.

Board Members Needed

2011-08-30T10:28:00.000-05:00

MississippiMelodie Showboat is currently looking for 6 new board members for a two-yearterm. Showboat is a local non-profit organization that produces a show on theMississippi River the last three weekends in July. The show consists ofsinging, dancing, and some comedic skits. We would prefer individuals that havean understanding of our community and its needs, passion for our cause, willingnessto commit time for board meetings, special events and someone who listens well,is thoughtful in considering issues. We are also in need of a treasurer (boardmember) and secretary (non-board Member) as well.

Showboathas been around for 56 years and has been through a lot of changes. The lastthree years, Showboat has been on an upswing with both show quality andaudience participation. We are in search of individuals that will continue thisprogress with new ideas and practices.

Ifinterested please send a letter of consideration to cheri.wright@mchsi.com. It would behelpful to include why you would like to be a part of Showboat, what you thinkyou can bring to the organization, and contact information. All applicants willbe considered at the next Showboat Board Meeting.

The Simple Guys Need Our Help!!

2011-08-19T08:16:00.000-05:00

Calling all Showboaters big and small... time to put on our Superman capes and help our very good friends the Simple Guys this Monday. Seems they have entered themselves into a talent show at the Reif Center in which the winner is determined by applause. And that is where we come in. We must go and clap until we get blisters, stomp our feet until we put holes in the floor, and scream until actual blood comes oozing from our throats (okay that was gross, but you get the picture).

The talent show is Monday August 22 at 7:30. Tickets are $15. Rumor has it that if the Simple Guys win, that fine speicman of a man Mr. Jim Cagle may even ask Mrs. Showboat out on a date.... oh that gives Mrs. Showboat the vapors just thinking about it!! SO BE THERE and help the men out, and Mrs. Showboat of course!!!

This is the Last Night!!!

2011-07-30T10:32:00.001-05:00

Rain or Shine we will BE THERE!!! And Mrs. Showboat soooo hopes you will be too!! What can you look forward to? What is on the ol' Showboat agenda?? A this point folks, who knows. The cast always seems more free the last night, more "and here we go". Tonight's show will be by far the best show of the season, hands down going away.. Promise.

The last show is always bittersweet. We are all so happy to finally get our summer's to ourselves, but we are sooo sad to be losing our Showboat family until next year. And, though Mrs. Showboat hates to admit it, we are a great big wonderful family. The type that fights and hugs and cries and laughs. The kind that you can not wait to sit around the dinner table with and shout over each other with news and good tidings (Thank you Applesbees for putting up with us). Mrs. Showboat has know a lot of these people in the cast for years, and when Showboat ends a little piece of her curls up and hibernates. And yes, Mrs. Showboat is the first one to always start counting the days until Showboat is over, but she is also the first one to start counting the days until it begins again.

So tonight as you sit in the stands with your umbrella in your lap or in your rain poncho and see tears in the eyes of the cast as they sing "Roll On" for the last time this season... yes they are both tears of joy and tears of sadness (Or maybe it is just the rain, who knows). And that's what family is all about, and Mrs. Showboat would not change a thing!!!!

Last night!! Tickets are on sale at the door. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!!!! And as always we have theperfect seat for you, right next to Mrs. Showboat so please bring some Klennex for her...she is going to need it!!!

And then the Captain Snorted

2011-07-29T10:10:00.005-05:00

So were you there??? Last night was the perfect night for Showboat. It was just, may Mrs. Showboat say, the perfect temperature, perfect sky, just the perfect night all together. And as Mrs. Showboat was basking in the glow of the wonders of outdoor theater.... the Captain snorted. Not just a gaffaw at how funny he is. Not just a lite twittter. Not even just a gay giggle. IT was a gruntal snort. It came from somewhere down deep where only the best laughter hides. And it made Mrs. Showboat smile!!

Now Mrs. Showboat has known the Captain for a loooong time. Ever since he arrived on her doorstep with a rope around his waist from where his mother tried to tie him to a tree in order to better contain him. (It must be said the knot she used was the basic bowtie and not the classic nautical knot the Captain now uses to tie the boat down.) So, anywho, Mrs. Showboat was soo enamored by the little tike that she took him under her wing and started him from the ground up... scrubbing floors and making breakfast. And now look at the ol' guy. All smiles, and jokes, and, well, a little sarcastic piss and vinegar!! Makes a woman proud... sometimes. Not sure what Mrs. Showboat means??? Well lucky for you there are two shows left. Two shows to watch the old dog charm the pants off the audience (not literally, trust us!!). Two more days to see the best show this side of the Mississippi.

You know the best part of the Captain is that he laughs at his own jokes, he dances like a white man, and he steers the boat like no one can. The best part about Mrs. Showboat's cast is that they simply are the best. They are loud and in charge on that stage and trust Mrs. Showboat, well worth the $10 price tag for each ticket (or $9 for seniors and lets not forget $6 for kiddies). Every time Mrs. Showboat looks on that stage night after night her heart just fills with pride at such gorgeous wonderful talented people who she is lucky enough to not only know, but spray bug-spray on, put make-up on, and yell at like she would her own kids. Mrs. Showboat is just plain lucky.

So this is it!!! Two more shows!!! YOU need to be there!!! YOU need to visit us and see the real reason Mrs. Showboat gushes so hard about her cast and crew! And YOU need to support local quality theater!! And as always we have saved the perfect seat for you (but only for two more night!!).

Last Thursday of the Season

2011-07-28T09:20:00.001-05:00

This is the last Thursday this season, The last day to have your kidlets mosey on into the Showboat gates for free. Last Thursday the concession stand will be selling brownies and root beer floats (they seem to have a lot of ice cream left over from last Saturday... so help them out!!). Last Thursday that the boat will be parking at the dock this season (if he can make it). Yeah sure there are two more show days... but this is the last Thursday. THE LAST THURSDAY!! Seems like only two weeks ago we started and now we are on the brink of ending. It just moves too fast.

Have you taken the time to come on down to the shores and see our little production??? Are you hmmm and hahing?? IF so you need to get on down to the landing right now. Yes, you need to sit in your car and wait until the ticket people show up and buy your tickets NOW!! In fact you should buy tickets for all three nights as punishment for not coming out sooner. And you should have to bring cookies!! Real cookies with frosting!! And orange soda!! Mrs. Showboat loves her orange soda!! Almost as much as she loves her cast and audience. Okay, she loves y'all more...maybe...kind of, only if you come and buy a ticket tonight...with a Million Dollar check, and don't ask for change... then Mrs. Showboat will love you long time! Promise!!

So don't delay, Tickets are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $6 for kids...OH wait today is THURSDAY..kids as FREE thanks to Paul Bunyan (who's better then them)!!! YAY!! And as always... we have the perfect seat just waiting for you!!

We Should Have Known When the Boat Kept Going

2011-07-26T08:38:00.000-05:00

Saturday's show was one of the funniest shows Mrs. Showboat has ever seen. There is a reason live-outdoor theater is sooo awesome and Saturday's show proved it. First, due to the extreme amount of wind, the boat took two tries to land. Not sure that has ever happened before, but it sure threw the cast for a loop, they weren't sure whether to sing "Here Comes the Showboat" or "Roll On". Once the boat was docked, the show became even more interesting; from flying props (the Barker's cart got some righteous air) to the costume's flying about (the Captain actually got in a catcher's stance to stop things from going into the river). The best though, was when the Captain's script flew into the river and he was suddenly dumbstruck with how the show should continue.... everything from forgetting the next act to his wife's name (it's Helma by the way not Helga), and no the Barker was not any help to him. Mrs. Showboat has to say that though the comedy of errors could be considered tragic, it was by far the best show this little gal has ever seen on the banks of the Mississippi River (in fact Mrs. Showboat laughed so hard she might have peed a little).

So again... what are you waiting for? I know you meant to come Saturday but it was 53 degrees and wind-y, and because of your hesitation you missed one heck of a show. Don't let that happen again!!! Three shows left for the season, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Only three more times to watch the Captain try to remember his wife's name (he has promised to print out a new script). Only three more shows...and then we are done. It makes Mrs. Showboat a little sad to think about it, but what would make the pain a little less hurtful is seeing your shining, smiling face this weekend. Give the cast a hug, wish the Captain good luck, and don't forget to give the background folks a little pat on their sweaty backs.

So we'll see you there right??? Remember Thursday is free kids thanks to Paul Bunyan. And Saturday promises to be a sad/exciting show as the Captain sings a final farewell to the cast and crew. Mrs. Showboat has heard he may be starting a dance studio (check out his wicked moves on the sidelines during the show). As always we have the perfect seat just waiting for you. And yes it is away from the knife thrower, but he's getting better... we promise!!

The Cast is Suffering from Bad Mojo

2011-07-23T11:02:00.001-05:00

First Dalton almost broke his elbow, but didn't. Then Nora had an asthma attack. Katie has been sick all week and Becca crashed from a sugar high...Hard. Chelsea tripped (Mrs. Showboat was also sooo shocked) over her feet and tumbled down the hill.Then to top it off the sound guy tried to break Jackie's foot by jumping on it (he was trying to catch a sponge that Jake threw... don't even ask). Mrs. Showboat's cast is slowly been stricken by bad mojo. And now the rain is falling. SO PLEASE, PLEASE start praying. Someone out there has a favor owed to them and now is the time to cash it in. Showboat needs you! WE need a bubble of goodwill and good weather.

On the other hand, Mrs. Showboat has created her own Bingo card. On it includes which skits the Captain will forget lines on, who misses intros, and how many times Jim Mason messes with the cast and starts them off in the wrong key (you can tell because then you can here his villainous Dr. EVIL laugh bounce off the river). So if you hear a Bingo shouted from the stands, you know the cast had a good time and Mrs. Showboat won a prize!!!

So here we are, the radar shows cloudiness, but no more rain. And even if it rains... we will be there singing and dancing our hearts out. WE will only not have a show if it is lightening. WE are strong hearty Minnesotans and believe the show goes on in snow, rain, or sleet (and yes we are more entertaining then the postman, promise). So with that said you need to make sure you are there too. Don't make the cast sing just to themselves it makes them sooo sad (think puppy dog eyes). OH, and if you could bring some good mojo, Mrs. Showboat would be very much appreciated!! And as always... we have the perfect seat for you... and it is dry... scouts honor!

The Telephone Operator Has Told ME....

2011-07-21T13:14:00.001-05:00

Please, please stop calling our phone operator and asking about reservations.. We have 1300 seats at the landing and the thought that all of them being filled really just makes Mrs. Showboat pee a little.... but the likelihood is not a true possibility by any means. So you really don't need to call and ask for reservations, but thank you... it has given Mrs. Showboat's unemployed son a reason to stop watching cartoons long enough to realize that he may need to choose a real career path soon... very, very soon!! (One preferably that he doesn't sit around in his boxers all day eating Twizzlers ... just saying!)

So here we are at a breezy 70 degrees with the sun shining the loons singing and the local chipmunks making their annual appearances. The cast no longer has it's jitters and the Captain has rehearsed his lines all week (or he had better). And as the song says "It is a Grand Night for Singing!!".

And do you have your tickets yet??? No?? You are in luck we have plenty to give. Concessions promises ice cream, brownies and ORANGE SODA. All proceeds go to Rapids/ Greenway Synchro Swimming, In fact with the river being so close, perhaps we should ask for a demonstration as pre-show?? Can you just see them twirling and swirling in the river as the boat comes around the corner?? Well, maybe not then per se since the boat doesn't have any brakes and their heads are usually underwater... could get messy... like Jaws messy!! Not good.

So anyway... we have food, singing, dancing, and watching the the Captain mess up his lines. All we are lacking is YOU!! Which I know you will correct tonight. Remember Kids are free every Thursday thanks to Paul Bunyan and just this weekend only the 1000th customer every night wins $1000 after they purchase their ticket of coarse, which technically then would be $990, unless you are a senior then it would be $991, or if you are a kid then it would be $994, but if you are a kid under 9..... then you would win $1000!!! YAY!!! See you there... we have the perfect seat just waiting for you! Honest!!

And the Captain Messed up His Lines

2011-07-20T09:28:00.001-05:00

So there is a rumor that Mr. Mason sometimes brings in "special" tea for himself and a few of the band people to help them get through the long nights playing their little fingers to the bone. And Mrs. Showboat has always kept a blind eye to this because she could never believe Mr. Mason would ever do this. But then the Captain messed up his lines... and not just any lines. He messed up his very first joke, and yes, it went down hill from there. The topper, and the one that gave Mrs. Showboat the vapors, was when he whispered into his mic about Nora missing her lines. WHISPERED into the MIC!! Really Captain... REALLY!!! Stay away from Mr. Mason's tea!!

Otherwise, the weather was perfect on Saturday, The geese showed up around halfway through the show and watched in amazement as Allen D. made the girls swoon with his solo. The Moon glowed a perfect red as it rose over the boat during "Salute to Arms". And even the kayaker's came paddling in to watch a free show. Not that that upsets Mrs. Showboat that they paddle right up to the stage and stay like they own the place without paying regular ticket price. And Mrs. Showboat is all about the White House initiative to combat obesity (which is why all the cast has to run laps before every show), but come on El Kayakers pay the freekin' ten bucks and see the show proper, in chairs!! For Freek Sake people... we are non-profit not no-profit!! Mrs. Showboat is now counting to ten....two... one..okay.

So...what more could a river gal ask for??? Oh, well, maybe, an audience (not counting the El Kayakers)!! Where are y'all??? We need you to come on down to the river and be entertained properly!! The weather is finally on our side and yet y'all stay away as if tempting fate. Stop!! Don't wait another moment!! Reserve your tickets NOW!! Call the Reif or go to the Reeds and get your tickets right away!! Seats are limited so do not delay. And when we say they are limited, we mean we only have 600 of them left. Which may seem like a lot of seats, but really is not enough considering how many people are in Grand Rapids ready to support local arts (hint, hint, hint).

So here we are with six shows left. Six shows that the Captain can try to remember his lines without the help of "tea". Every show is different...Promise, every show will make laugh...Guaranteed!! Afterall, we have the perfect seat just waiting for you...as ALWAYS!!

Opening Night was Kind of Awesome

2011-07-15T10:40:00.002-05:00

Last night was the first night of the 2011 Season. And guess what.... it rained!! I know you are as shocked as poor wet Mrs, Showboat is! But, as was previously predicted there were some hearty Minnesotans that made it and for that we thank you! Mrs. Showboat has to admit that it did go better then she had thought. Everyone was so pretty and smiley!!! The lines missed weren't even worth repeating and the dances actually had rhythm. OHH the joy in seeing a show come together!!! Only problem was the wonderful Jim Mason. Sometimes he got so into watching the show he forgot he was supposed to be playing his piano for the show!! Trust Mrs. Showboat though, it has never been his mind that causes Mrs. Showboat's heart to pitter-patter in her chest so anxiously!

So what is up next?? Applebees Breakfast Saturday, July 16 (yes this Saturday)!! Come see the Captain and cast cook, serve, and smile at you up close and personal! Tickets are $6 from 8-10am!! Help Support Your Local Arts. BUT more importantly help support your Showboat!! We need the money!!

EIGHT More RAIN-FREE SHOWS!! Eight more nights to see the Showboat round the bend. Only two more shows to see a full moon. Only two more shows to see Katie Benes sing unbelievably as special guest! But, there are eight more shows to watch the Captain try to say unbelievably!! So what are you waiting for??? Come buy your tickets now at the Reif or Reeds. Thursday if kids free thanks to Paul Bunyan!! (Oh and found out last night we are not giving away kids, repeat not giving away free kids... good to know!) Just a reminder... We have the perfect seat saved just for you... about ten feet away from Jake the Karefree Knife Karver!! Just kidding...maybe... okay just don't be the last one there!

Tonight is the Night!!

2011-07-14T07:33:00.002-05:00

Not only is it opening night but Paul Bunyan Telephone presents Kids Free Thursday!!! That's right come one come all and see the cast release their nervous energy. Guaranteed the best spoofs and head shakers will be tonight! There is nothing like an opening night to make a person humble.

And now that Mother Nature has gotten over her little rain thing (really, really rain on opening day) it's time to get on our make-up, curl our hair, and put on those glamorous dresses. Speaking of glamour... wait until you see Jackie in her solo dress... va-va-va-vroom! And let's not forget how pretty Maggie has become or how less-clustsy Chelsea is this year. Ruth and Randy are back, as well as, Dixine and Cheryl...and as always they are wonderful!.

Though Mrs. Showboat yells and frets from April until now, she really does love these people and knows that you will make it to one of the shows this year so you can love them too!!! We have the perfect seat saved for you! Trust us!

Was Saturday Hot!!

2011-07-11T21:09:00.003-05:00

If Mrs. Showboat didn't know better she would have to say that on Saturday it was about a million degrees. And thankfully the wonderful people at the Weather Channel agree with her. They even had a little Showboat icon that said "1 Million Degrees" on it. Bless their little hearts.

But did the heat stop the best cast this side of the Mississippi from doing their full dress rehearsal... well kind of. They all refused to wear dresses and make-up saying their delicate features just could not handle it. And true their faces might have melted a lot because of the Weather Channel's prediction, but we are true professionals are we not!?! They, however, told Mrs. Showboat to just look at the pictures to see how hot it was. So the pictures have been included on the right for y'all to see and judge for yourself. You know on second thought they do look awfully warm.. oh well bygones, its not like they didn't have a whole river to jump into!

Y'all know what this means right??? The show is just two shorts days away. That's right 2 zz's and a wake and it's SHOWTIME!!! There will be singing and dancing and merriment...and it is never hot on the Mississippi River. There is always a nice cool breeze... please stop looking at the pics on the right (remember they are prima donnas not hearty Minnesota folk that wear plaid in 80 degree weather like y'all), so YOU will be expected at the door. Thursday is also free kids thanks to Paul Bunyan. Hopefully that means we are giving out free kids (they are just like puppies... trust us). Tickets can still be bought at the gate. Now don't forget... Mrs. Showboat has the perfect seat just waiting for you!! See you soon!!

WE Have Commercials People!!!

2011-07-07T09:21:00.000-05:00

Thanks to the WONDERFUL people at Paul Bunyan Television/ Phone/ What-ever your need is we will meet it ... WE have commercials. And they are AWESOME!!! Which is just a reminder that the show is just around corner. Another reminder is that the cast is all a flutter with excitement. They have been dancing their little hearts out on the Mississippi River. And it has been soooo goood!! Can we just say that Katie Smith has just a little bit of talent in her (just kidding she has bunches, and bunches.. which kind of makes Mrs. Showboat puke a little). Jim Mason has been playing his fingers to the bone and yesterday the whole band came in for a practice. Though we think they were miming their playing because you could barely hear them over the roar of the paint brush that was being used to finish props.

So what else is on the agenda you ask??? Well there is the Deer River Parade this coming Sunday. Bill Thomas has been working hard getting our little float ready for a day of true joy and excitement. There is opening day on Thursday, July 14 which is also all kids free day (brought to you by Paul Bunyan). AND Saturday, July 16 is our Applebees Fundraiser breakfast. Pancakes and sausage cooked for you by Mrs. Showboat herself. Well, maybe. Well, probably not! But she will gladly supervise and taste everyone's food so that they do not have to worry about food poisoning. Mrs. Showboat is a giver!!

SOOO what are you waiting for. Get your tickets now!!! Show starts July 14 at 8:30pm with our brand new opening number "Here Comes the Showboat"! Okay it's not new, but it's improved. Okay not improved so much as sang really, really loud so everyone can hear it!! Okay and when we say everyone we mean the Captain so that he can find the stage... his hearing isn't what it used to be. Come one, come all....we have the perfect seat just waiting for you!!! We promise!!

And then Jackie Broke Her Toe

2011-06-30T08:10:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Showboat has to admit she is superstitious. There is no walking under ladders, black cats are not allowed on the Showboat premises, and we don't have any actual mirrors in the dressing rooms in case they might break. So when Jackie came in saying she broke her pinky toe, you know Mrs. Showboat got the vapors. It is one thing to break a leg which is an acceptable theater practice... but a pinky toe?? She had trouble walking and her dancing was worse then usual. (If you see her, let her know what a Y with your arms looks like... it is not straight up.) Mrs. Showboat may need to carry the smelling salts for awhile.

So here is an update... the stage is down, the sign is being re-done, the sound is in top shape (thank-you Christian), the choir sounds unbelievable (thank you Olivia), and the dancing looks good for them being a bunch of white people (oh and did I tell you Jackie broke her pinky toe).. (Katie is amazing). So what needs to be done you may ask... oh everything still. The band is finally getting together, the music if coming together (Love you Jim Mason), and the skits are coming together... but nothing is perfect yet. And perfect is what we are striving for this year. Or near perfect. Or kind of perfect. Or even "hey look they didn't trip and break their pinky toe" perfect. Is that too much to ask???

Shows start July 14 and last through the 30th on every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Starting time is 8:30ish or when Jim Mason starts playing and the boat actually lands. Tickets can be bought at the door, or at Reeds or online at the Reif http://www.reifcenter.org/. Tickets are $10/adults $9/seniors and $6/students. Thursday is kids are free thanks to Paul Bunyan Telephone. Come one, come all... We have the perfect seat saved for you!!!

The Boat is In, the Boat is in!!!

2011-06-22T14:37:00.000-05:00

Yes it is early, but the boat is in... So I guess the show is going to happen!! YAY!!! Supposedly Blandin is doing some demolition on the part of old mill (heard they are tearing down the buildings that are officially haunted) so we had to launch the boat early. While standing there watching the boat launch, Mrs. Showboat was thinking, wouldn't it be a hoot to call on those wacky Ghost Adventures and have them check out those Blanidn buildings first. Then they could come on over to Showboat and do a pre-show to tell us all about their "lock-down" experience. With there "shh, shhh did you hear that" and their over gel'ed hair...well, they are just soo dramatic that they would make our own divas look like rational and sane people.

Mrs. Showboat has to say that this year especially the voices of her cast have never sounded so wonderful and that the dance, well we still dance like white folk, but at least we are not tripping on each other anymore. And really I am not just saying that. The wonderful cast performed for the Oddfellas and Rebeccas at the Sawmill last Friday, and boy did they make my heart swoon with pride. One Oddfella laughed so hard he sit out the chicken he was eating... and his teeth were still attached (just kidding!).

Don't forget to mark your calendars for the last three weekends in July. First show is July 14 and then we carry on from there every Thurs, Fri, and Saturday. This year Paul Bunyan is sponsoring Free Kids Thursday!! YAY!! So call the Reif or get yourself down Reeds as soon as you can. Tickets are limited (not really but heard that on TV and it sounded awesome) so get them now!! We saved the perfect seat for you!!

And So it Has Begun....

2011-05-06T08:49:00.000-05:00

Meet some of the cast for the 2011 Showboat Mississippi Marvels. It is hard to believe that just in a short time they will be transformed into the Bearded Lady, the Tattooed Lady, and a couple of Siamese Twins.

Still have a hankerin' to be in the cast??? Still not too late to join the party. We are at Zion every Tuesday and Thursday from 6-8pm. We have the wonderful Olivia Latimer during choir, the flexible Katie Smith doing dance, and the always fabulous Jim Mason doing band.

Mrs. Showboat is so excited to be back in the saddle again so to speak. With a to-do list a mile long, Mrs. Showboat is wondering if everything will ever be put into place. She thinks she just might sit here in her favorite seat and rest awhile... that way it's nice ans warm for when you show up!

IT IS AUDITION TIME!!!!

2011-04-07T09:47:00.000-05:00

Do you feel that? The sun on your skin? Fresh air in your lungs? A little jump in your step??? That's right peeps, it is SHOWBOAT AUDITION TIME!!! Time to dust off that gown and hightail it over to the Zion Lutheran Church on 169 South on April 26 and April 28 from 6-8pm. (that's Tuesday and Thursday) We will be looking for some singers, some dancers, and even some that can sing and dance at the same time. We will be looking for some men and some women, and even some men who can play women, we don't judge.

This year Mrs. Showboat plans on playing the role of Simon during auditions. She has worked all winter on snarky responses to missed keys and missed steps. Like "hey, my grandmother can grapevine better then that and she has a walker!" and "hey do yon know how to sing in sign language?? 'cause that might be preferable for my aching ears!". Okay maybe they need a little work, but there still is a couple of weeks.

SOOO April 26 and 28, 6-8pm at Zion Lutheran 2901 South Highway 169, Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Telephone: 218.326.8553, Choir Room. Auditions consist of reading from a script, singing "Here Comes the Showboat" and doing the grapevine... not necessarily in that order. Can't wait to see y'all there. Sometimes winter just seems to long not to have your friends around making you smile.

*** We are looking for guys and gals from 14+. Rehearsals will start in May and run both Tuesdays and Thursdays at Zion. In June rehearsals will move the the landing and will be held Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Shows will be last three weekends in July, which includes Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

XMAS CAROLING IS A COMING!!!!!!

2010-12-14T14:20:00.000-06:00

Those rascally Showboater's are planning their annual Xmas Caroling trying to score "good" points to make up for all the bad words we used over the summer when talking about the weather. We could really use some extra voices to help us out sooo, if you are in of the following places this Saturday come over and check us out!

The schedule is as follows:
1:00 Central Square Mall
2:00 Evergreen Terrace
3:00 River Grand
4:00 Grand Village
5:00 Garde Court Chateau

And if we don't see you... please have a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Sassy Solitice, a great Box Day, and a kinda Krazy Kwanzaa! In other words Be Safe, Be Happy, and be patient with your fellow man.~Love Mrs. Showboat

It Will Get Better

2010-10-21T09:49:00.000-05:00

Okay... here we go! I have been thinking about this blog post for over a week now. I have written three drafts: one as Mrs. Showboat, one as myself, and ,well, this one. I know many will not think this is the right forum to write about this, but that's where I think you might be wrong... this is the perfect forum.
So... here we go!

My name is Cheri Wright. I am the current President of the Mississippi Melodie Showboat. I have been involved in Showboat for nine years in one capacity or another. In that time I have seen many kids pass through our doors. I have held kids as they cried, I have yelled at kids for being dumbasses, and I have tried in my way to make sure they know that I care about each and everyone of them. I am the first to admit that when it comes to emotions, I am a little off; sympathy has never been in my vocabulary, but I do care... Immensely! If we were to ever lose any of our kids, I would be beyond heartbroken, beyond devastated. And that is meant from the very depth of my soul. In all my experiences with kids there has only been two that I would have taken a leather pixie stick to (and they know who they are). To the others I have seen unbelievable talent, courage, support, and humor. I have been amazed and stupefied by them. I have grown as a person because of them. They have made me want to make their lives better, easier, worth living.

So here it is. If any of ya'll out there are having problems and think that it is not worth it to go on one more day, one more hour, one more minute... first and foremost STOP being a Dumbass! Second you need to contact me or someone you know that loves you so we can tell you how you will ruin us if you ever leave us. Yes, that is selfish of us. We want you around to make us laugh, to make us feel good, to allow us to share our love with you! If you leave... you will miss the love that is still waiting for you. You will miss those memories that the old people talk about all the time with their "When I was a kid". You will miss everything... and frankly that is a high price to pay when I can guarantee It will get better and it does get better. Maybe not in the next ten minutes or in the next hour, it might take a week, month, or even a couple more dreadful high school years. But remember everyday is the beginning of your new life. There's so many places you are meant to go to... so many lives you are meant to alter in some way. You may save someone's life one day, you may discover world peace, you may be the one who discovers where that one sock goes when you throw two in the dryer and only one comes back and then you are stuck wearing mismatched socks and people are like "dude can't your mom get a job so your socks match" and then..but I digress. Point is you are meant to do great things! You don't want to disappoint the world do you? We are counting on you!

Seriously though take a moment and watch these videos from the "It Will Get Better" project http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IcVyvg2Qlo . Truly listen to what they are saying, because they have all been there. And if you need more help call 1-800-SUICIDE. And then there is always me. You can reach me at 612-419-2318. I may not always have the answers, but I will tell you how I see it! And for those you really know me you know that is true! You are loved! I love you! There are more people then you can ever count who love you. You have already touched countless lives, you have already made a difference whether you know it or not. Please seek help, you are not alone, and yes it does get better!! And if you leave us who will Mrs. Showboat keep saving that perfect seat for?? Who will bring her cookies.. real cookies not those nuts and raisin crap stuff? Who will..... why you will, that's who! LOVE YOU ALWAYS, Cheri Wright, Mrs. Showboat and the whole Showboat Board.

Mrs. Showboat is Missing Summer

2010-10-06T20:36:00.002-05:00

As the leaves start turning and falling off the mighty trees, Mrs. Showboat can not help reminiscence about the short summer that just left us. She can still see the full moon over the boat as the Mississippi Froggers took the stage. She can still feel the anxiety when it looked like the boat was about to hit a gaggle of kayakers (seriously people the steering is not the good)! Did out of habit she continues to look at all the radars (Weatherbug, Intellicast, and BerryWeather) trying to predict when the storm will end. The truth is, she is missing y'all just a bit. So here is to next April when we do it all again. May your winter be sunny and hot and your men be... well the same! Hugs and Kisses, Mrs. Showboat......oh and just so you know she's keeping the perfect seat for you until next July!!

Mrs. Showboat loves these kids!!! Oh and to the insurance company "can you believe these kids are jumping off the boat... oh how dare they, kids now a days... you take your eyes off them for just one minute!!"~~just between us!

Just a Reminder....

2010-09-14T14:27:00.000-05:00

That just because you don't see the Showboat cast rehearsing on the banks of the Mississippi River (which is a good thing 'cause it is a little cold), doesn't mean we are not hard at work on the next year's show. We are currently looking for board members and program suggestions.Interested??? Just drop a note in the comment portion of this blog. Also a shout out to Donner who made and placed this wonderful pic on her Facebook. Mrs. Showboat misses all of you and can not wait until spring has sprung to hug her girls once again!!

It's Over Already???

2010-08-05T10:43:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Showboat has been trying to write her end of the season letter. But, you know, it is a lot harder then it might seem. What does she talk about. How once again it rained until our muscles ached? How the memories of Ruth singing to the Captain will haunt her forever (should the stage manager call her mom from now on?)? How the cast made Mrs. Showboat laugh even when she wanted to cry? How she doesn't know what to do with her bad -self now that Showboat is over and cries in her Wheaties every night (okay chocolate cake... don't judge!)? Well, all those things need to be mentioned, as well as, a great many thank-yous:
Thank you to the cast for getting wet and never missing a beat or complaining (too loudly)
Thank you to the audience for getting wet and never missing a beat or complaining (too loudly)
Thank you to Jim Mason and the Showboat band for always playing something, even if it wasn't the song being sung at the time.
Thank you to the stage manager for catching a dead fish for John Schroeder to use even though it jumped out of his pocket early and was discarded with disgust by Jon B.
Thank you to John Schroeder's parents for not teaching him how to speak properly (it made us all laugh... next year let's try Pig Latin possibly wearing the pig head)
Thank you to Chelsea for not falling and killing herself on the stage or off.
Thank you to the Froggers for only maiming one audience member while performing at the Sawmill.
Thank you to Jon M. for getting the audience wet at the Sawmill with his boxing gloves (just when they were getting to be dry).
Thank you to Jeremy for not breaking any lightbulbs. (um, yeah)
Thank you to Caitlyn C. for her ninja-like spotlight moves.
Thank you to Tim C. for playing in the rain on the last Friday... Mrs. Showboat is so grateful.

BUT most especially thank you to all the crew, cast, band, area business', the city, and of course you the audience for making it another successful Showboat season. Oh and just to make things clear, people/ things we are not thanking... 1. Geese (you birds should be outlawed, tarred and de-feathered) 2. Chipmunks (Mrs. Showboat does not like your little feet and your evil ways, be gone with you!) 3, Mother Nature (we are again at war) and finally 4. The earth itself which is making the hill the seating is on steeper every year (or maybe Mrs. Showboat is just getting older) either way Mrs. Showboat's knees are still killing her!

So until next year, WE will be back and WE will, as always, have the perfect seat waiting for you.
Love Always,
Mrs. Showboat!

Mrs. Showboat is Tired of Being Wet

2010-07-31T10:07:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Showboat is so tired, She hasn't slept a wink

She'm so tired, her mind is on the blink

She wonders should she get up and watch the clouds roll in on the last show

OH, No, no, no

Mrs. Showboat is so tired, She don't know what to do

She's so tired, her mind is set on you (the audience)

She wonders should she call you but she knows what you'd do ('cause she don't have your number and that's a little creepy)

You'd say She's putting you on (that it's going to rain)

But it's no joke

It's doing her harm, you know she can't sleep

She can't stop her brain, you know it's only on for three weeks

She's going insane

You know we give you everything we've got

for a little peace of mind

Mrs. Showboat is so tired, She's feeling so upset

Although she's so tired, she'll still hear another bad joke from the Captain

And curse Madam Mother Nature

She is such a stupid get (don't know what that means... but yeah!)

You'd say she's putting you on (by saying the rain is gone)

But it's no joke

It's doing her harm, you know she can't sleep

She can't stop her brain, you know it's only for three weeks

She's going insane

You know we'd give you everything we've got

for a little peace of mind

Give you the perfect seat in the house, for a little peace of mind

Give you tickets at double the price so we can have another show next year for a little peace of mind!

Last Show Tonight! Pray for US!!

Mrs. Showboat Can't Stand the Rain

2010-07-30T10:55:00.000-05:00

(Sung to Tina Turner's I Can't Stand the Rain)

Something Wrong Could Go Happen!

Mrs. Showboat can't stand the rain
Against my new improved boat
Making the cast miserable and grumpy

Mrs. Showboat can't stand the rain
Against my new and pretty floor
Because the audience may not come see it

Hey Stupid Northern Sky
Do you remember
How sweet it used to be
When you didn't spit all over my cast
Everything was so grand, yes it was
Now you make them wet and sad

There's only one sound Mrs. Showboat can't stand...
Alone in her favorite seat
Watching her beloved cast, yeah
Mrs. Showboat knows you remember when you used
to do nothing but shine the sun straight down
But like most, you have no excuse for this

Mrs. Showboat can't stand the rain, oh
'gainst my purty boat, oh no no
'cause she is tired of being wet

Uh, uh... Mrs. Showboat can't stand the rain
(no I can't No I can't No I Can't stand that mean ol rain)
Baby, uh,uh, uh hey, hey
Ooh, ohh, uh, uh, hey
Don't you know, 't you think No No ooh ooohh hey hey hey hey, no
Dum dum dum dum dum dum dum
Ohhh! Get off my boat
(no I can't No I can't No I Can't stand that ishy wet stuff)
Get off my boat now, keep my cast dry, ooh... oh
Get off my boat nah, Mrs. Showboat can't stand the rain

... Oh wow! Sorry Mrs. Showboat was kinda getting into that. So, um, well there will be rain today from 2 to 4:30. IGNORE IT!! SHOWBOAT WILL BE AT THE LANDING. And if it is not, Mrs. Showboat will be at the landing singing this song... and trust me that will not be pretty for anyone!
TWO More Shows. That's right just two more for the season. We need to make $6000 to be back next season. So bring your family, your family's family, your friends, your friends families, people you meet on the street, people you meet on the street and their families..... in other words BRING PEOPLE!!! LOTS OF PEOPLE!!! and yes, Mrs. Showboat is begging! $10/ adults and $6/ seniors & students... you can't eat for that let alone get 2 hours of the greatest entertainment this side of the Mississippi River. SO HURRY UP!! We have the perfect seat just waiting!

It's Almost Over...Are you Really Going to Miss it???

2010-07-28T08:58:00.000-05:00

Sung to REM's "It's the End of the World as we Know It"

That's great, it starts with the boat coming around the bend, watch out for the Kayaks and the loons-

Pilot Tim is not afraid. The boat docks, the music starts, listen to your heart churn-

There's No Business Like Show Business, Captain Talks, Nora Talks, The choir sing the Blues-

Poem, Magic Act, Poke-us joke, Rio Tapping Trio which became 5 but the name never changed-

People on Stilts, choir singing about the moon then trying to find it. A couple of Beautiful songs-

Dead or Alive skit that Mrs. Showboat still doesn't get, a Wicked song, bad jokes by bad boys-

good songs by bad boys, Ruth sings, Jake beats up John with clown gloves-

Mississippi Froggers with their jumpin' flippin' song. It's a Grand Night for Singing-

a chase scene with a mop, two songs about friends, Salute of Arms (please stand), and

Roll on, boat leaves, feeling pretty psyched!!!

It's the end of Showboat (this year) as we know it

It's the end of Showboat (this year) as we know it and Mrs. Showboat feels fine!

Show starts at 8:30pm no pre-show this weekend, Tickets can be bought at the door

$10 adults, $6 seniors and students, children under 3 free with cookies (chocolate chip)

Thursday is 1/2 at the door only. Exact change would be nice, ticket

people are having a hard time counting after 8, free labor go figure but that's okay,

Come in, take a seat- general seating- bring bug spray and a blanket (and cookies to share)

Watch the Captain screw up his lines,Watch the Bald Eagles fly above,Watch John burn his tongue

There are no alternatives, and if there was Mrs. Showboat would decline!

It's the end of Showboat (this year) as we know it

It's the end of Showboat (this year) as we know it and Mrs. Showboat is about to cry!

***Come see us before we are gone!! This Thursday, Friday and Saturday!! Rain or shine!! Mrs. Showboat has the perfect seat saved for you!

An Ode to the Rain!

2010-07-22T11:09:00.001-05:00

Rain, Rain
Go AWAY
Come again Monday (or Tuesday, yeah Tuesday is good for Mrs. Showboat)
The Showboat cast wants to come out to play
Rain, Rain,Go Away

Rain, Rain
Go Away
Don't bring your ugly head 'round here today
The Captain has some bad jokes to say
Rain, Rain, Go Away

Rain, Rain
Go Away
This just isn't a good weekend, okay?
The Swarmie has a girl to slay (actually cut in half, but that doesn't rhyme)
Rain, Rain, Go Away

Rain, Rain
Go Away
Seriously we need a break, eh!
The tap dancers are tired of slipping on their shoes that way
Rain, Rain, Go Away

Rain, Rain.... Oh for Heaven sakes you get the picture. The cast is tired of performing in the rain. The backstage people are tired of looking like wet puppies (and everyone is tired of them shaking every time they come into a room). And the Captain... well the Captain, is tired of his mascara running! Which really is guyliner, but since he doesn't usually wear make-up (thank goodness) he is a little confused and thought he was going blind when it ran into his eye last week (Mrs. Showboat has so been there!). So come help us fend off the rain tonight. Show starts at 8:30pm with Forest History Center doing pre-show at 8pm (yay!!). WE WILL BE THERE RAIN OR SHINE!! So you might as well join us, the cast can get awfully lonely. We will save the perfect seat for you (and we will try to keep it dry as well... but no promises)!!

Three Shows Down, Six More to Go!!

2010-07-21T13:28:00.000-05:00

Were you there?? Did you miss it??? Don't tell me you stayed home because it was raining??? Rain does not stop the Mississippi Melodie Showboat (much to the cast's dismay). Yes it rained on Thursday, but on Saturday it cleared up at 8:30 exactly. It was like Heaven was in the audience watching. Though Mrs. Showboat does have to say (quietly) she is kinda sick of all this rain only during shows. She is also kinda of sick of the audience staying away because of it aw well. So hear Mrs. Showboat loud and clear... The Show Will Go On!! We did not practice 4 months to stay home with popcorn and cry in our blankies. We practiced 4 months to bring to you the greatest show this side of the Mississippi. So we would greatly appreciate it if you (yes YOU) would show up and see our greatness first hand. We even have popcorn if that is the only thing holding you back (and cookies, and root-beer floats, and fruit thanks to the Greenway/ Rapids Syncho Swimming team). Come on people, we are Northern Minnesotans. We laugh at 30 below zero, we scoff at hail, we double-dog dare tornadoes to trespass into our backyard, but a little rain... a little sprinkle is going to keep you away from Showboat?!? You are so much better then that!! Must I remind you of the 150 people that showed up last July 14 to see the show in parkas because it snowed??? Now that was an audience built on Northern Minnesota Pride; after all this isn't tropical Minnesota where it's 80 degrees all year round. Can you imagine the tender things that live there? That's not us! So show your Northern Minnesota Spirit and come out to Showboat rain or shine this Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Shows start at 8:30pm. Thursday is 1/2 tickets for all tickets bought at the landing. And, yes, Mrs. Showboat is still saving the perfect seat for you... she has been for 3 shows already so do her a favor and come before her butt cheeks become so numb she forgets how to walk! Oh My!

Dear Mother Nature.... Seriously???

2010-07-16T09:24:00.002-05:00

Dear Mother Nature:

Mrs. Showboat would like to duly log a complaint (on the record of course). It is the feeling of most in the cast and crew that you must hate Showboat, and truthfully we do not know why. At first we thought maybe you did not think the cast and audience shower everyday or even enough. Mrs. Showboat would like to state that the cast, as least, is always very clean, and the audience looks great. Then we thought well maybe you do not like outdoor theater. But come on... who doesn't like outdoor theater??? You would have to just be... well silly!! So the only other thing Mrs. Showboat can think of is because no one brought cookies last night! No One!!!!
N-O O-N-E!!!

So instead of declaring a full fledge fight with you (which of course would consist of a game of rock, paper, scissors or Battleship!), it has been decided to give you the all-powerful Mother Nature one more chance... ONE MORE CHANCE!!! Otherwise Mrs. Showboat can not be responsible for her actions!!

Tonight we are doing it again... rain or shine. HEAR THAT RAIN OR SHINE!! So bring your umbrellas or rain jackets or both! And if you have any old towels you could donate... we would be very grateful!

Show starts at 8:30pm and is running almost 2 hours. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for students/seniors. And as always we have the perfect seat saved for you....it may be a little damp, but Mrs. Showboat can almost guarantee you will not melt!

It's Opening Night....

2010-07-15T09:01:00.002-05:00

Opening Night....

It's Opening Night!
It's John Schroeder's latest show
Will it flop or will it go??
The cast is taking its final bow
Here comes the audience now
The lights are up: they're on their way
Let's hear what they have to say!

He's done it again
He's done it again
John Schroeder has done it again!
We can't believe it
You can't conceive it...

How'd he achieve it??

It's the BEST show in TOWN!
We sat there singing
Groaning and Chair Dancing
There's no denying
It's the BEST show in TOWN!

Oh we wanted to stand up and join...

Swami Smarmimi is soooo dreamy!

It was well worth the coin!
John Schroeder has done it again!
The songs were hip hoppin'
The Captain's jokes were stinkin' (in a good way)
What he did to Chuck Barris' dance at the end
Booth did to Lincoln!!
We wanted to stay forever

It was just so clever!!

We are still in shock
The cast was brilliant, amazing, gorgeous
I never even looked at my clock
Lets' do it again!!

*** Thanks to "The Producers" for this diddy! Mrs. Showboat will see you at the landing tonight! The Color Guard will be there to open the show at 8:20pm. the boat will land at 8:30pm the show will end at 9:45ish pm (depending on the Captain's ad-libbing). And at 2am you will wake up and remember one of the Captain's really bad jokes and laugh yourself back to sleep! Also remember opening night often comes with opening night jitters, so be patient with our cast. Laugh when you feel like it, clap when you want, and chair dance like no body's business. Tonight is also 1/2 price tickets. Feel free to bring cookies and pies for the cast and Jim Mason.... he needs some definite sweetin' up! Just had your seat power-washed yesterday thanks to Mother Nature... so don't delay!

Tomorrow is the DAY!!!!

2010-07-14T09:05:00.003-05:00

The Day After Today

(sung to Tomorrow)

The sun'll come out

the day after today

bet you $10 for adults and $6 for students and seniors

That the day after today

There'll be sun

Just thinkin' about

the day after today

Makes Mrs. Showboat smile

'cause everything will be okay

and the cast will know their lines (at least the important ones)

When Mrs. Showboat is stuck

down on her luck,

and crab-by.

She just sits in her favorite seat

which is just so sweet

and sings-y (?)

Oy Vey,

The sun will come out

the day after today

So start baking the cookies

for the day after today

'Cause Mrs. Showboat needs sweetin' up

The day after today, The day after today

Mrs. Showboat will wait for you

You're always

a ticket away

from the Best Show on the Mississippi River-YAY!!

**Okay fine, but due to copyright laws Mrs. Showboat has to change a couple words in order not to go to the big house. Though three hots and a cot sounds awfully tempting right now, the prison is not on the river and the cookies are not very good!!! Tickets are becoming limited, so don't be left out in the cold!! (okay please no cold this year or rain or snow.... pretty please with sugar on top). Opening night is tomorrow and it's also 1/2 price (you have nothing better to do and CSI is still a repeat!!). So see you there... Mrs. Showboat will be saving the perfect seat for you!!!

Three Days Baby... Three Days

2010-07-12T11:14:00.009-05:00

Dedicated to our fearless director, John Schroeder:

(Sung to "I'm on a Boat"- clean version)

We're on a Showboat

AWWW Baby, get your cookies ready its about to go down,

Everybody in the place hit the seats

But get ready to jump on your toes

Showboat is running this... let's go

We're on a Showboat

Everybody look at us 'cause we're floatin' on a Showboat

Take a look at our boat, baby

Floatin' straight with a new paint job (and floor, smokestacks, and level pontoons... just sayin')

Bustin' like three knots (on a good day, okay very, very good day)

Wind whippin' through the Captain's hair (okay not really)

You can't stop us 'cause WE'RE ON THE SHOWBOAT!

The Mississippi Froggers got on their swimmy trunks

and their flippie-floppies

Busy dancin' to that song from 'Beetlejuice'

"Jump in de line, rock your body in time

Shake, shake, shake, Senora, shake your body line"

Hey ma, if you could see us now

Nora Paddle's arms spread wide on the starboard bow

Gonna fly this boat to the moon an'how (or some other word that ends in ow)

'cause with the love of Grand Rapids, anything is possible! (doesn't rhyme but sooo true)

Yeah, never thought we'd be on the Showboat

It's a big blue watery road (with lots a kayaks and loons in our way)

We are Mississippi Landing bound! (at least through the end of July)

**And this is why Mrs. Showboat just writes blogs and not lyrics!!! Don't be late, Thursday is the first day and its 1/2 off just for you!! That perfect seat won't be there forever!! Peace out... or something like that!!

Oh My... One Week... I need a Cupcake, or Two

2010-07-07T09:39:00.004-05:00

As you come down to the landing... the woman sitting in the stands breathing heavily into a paperbag is yours truly Mrs. Showboat! One week... ONE WEEK. The lights are up, but not all working. The boat still has wet paint. The dresses still have needles holding up the hems and keeping the arms in place. And the dance moves are being taught one pointed toe at a time. BREATHE! This whole waiting until the last minute is seriously causing Mrs. Showboat to consider the hard stuff.... Dark Chocolate!! The props are almost done, but not quite. And did Mrs. Showboat mention that she is also getting really grumpy.

It would help tremendously if you would buy your tickets. What have you been waiting for?? Please consider this your personal invitation to partake in the official Showboat activities. That includes seeing what the heck the picture of women in flippers means!?!

If you haven't been to Showboat in a while, lets take a moment to fill you in. The boat has had a facelift. She has been painted and received a spankin' new floor. The cast has grown a little and their voices have matured a lot, they are even a little cuter if that was possible. The music is new (and performed by the fabul-o to the u-s Mr. Jim Mason and company). We have a unbelievable show written and directed by Mr. John Schroeder. We have Ms. Deb Hernesman showing the cast the difference between doing the tango and doing the robot... which Mrs. Showboat was a little confused about truthfully (though Mrs. Showboat does do an amazing, even award-winning, sprinkler and plays a mean triangle). Sharon Rasmussen has finished the initial dresses and is working on the special number dresses (Sew Sharon Sew!!!).

Don't let all this hard-work be for not!! BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY!! Go to Reeds or the Reif and say as loud and proud as you can "I Want 100 Tickets to SHOWBOAT!!". Oh, Mrs. Showboat knows its only you and your wife.... but you must have friends and they have friends and they surely have friends! Invite them all!! We will save the perfect seats for each and everyone of you! (Oh and if you don't have friends... at least you will have plenty of seatsto put your coat on!)

Two Weeks, T...W....O....W....E....E...K...S

2010-07-01T08:21:00.004-05:00

Mrs. Showboat is PROUD to present the new boat. Notice the glistening paint job, the shiny new smokestacks, and the way the boat no longer leans like she is carrying a herd of elephants. After much consideration we have decided to name her... drum roll please "A New Era". Why??? Because that is what is going on. We have a new and younger cast. We have a new and prettier boat. We have new costumes, new volunteers, and a new attitude.

The other day someone said "I signed on to Showboat to help make a difference and I just don't see it. Why do we bother???" This made Mrs. Showboat really sad because change is a gradual thing. Mrs. Showboat would love to twinkle her nose and make Showboat what is was 50 years ago with seats full and volunteers tumbling over themselves. But you know, in the last two years, Showboat has made great strides. We have a wonderful artistic director, John Schroeder. We have a board that is willing to put on good shows, no great shows. We received monies from Blandin Foundation and Lake Country Power to redo the boat. We have the wonderful Jim Mason doing our music. We have a young cast willing to do anything to keep the tradition alive. And we even are filling up the seats again thanks to you! Gone is Darth Vader and Harry Potter and back is the simple entertainment that Showboat was built on. Nothing comes easy and two years ago Showboat did not have enough money or cast participants to put on another show. Cast-wise we have become very lucky to have many new people with unbelievable talent. Money-wise we are still struggling like most non-profits, but we can see a silver, or maybe tinfoil...it's cheaper, lining. Businesses are willing to once again help support us. The feeling in the community is one of renewed love for us. The buzz is enough to make Mrs. Showboat want to just hug each and everyone of you, and Mrs. Showboat is not a hugger.. more of a fist bumper!!

Mrs. Showboat wants to THANK everyone that has had a hand in taking Showboat to where it is now. However the truth is, we are not even close to being done... but with your help... we will keep fighting!

Mrs. Showboat once heard some advice from a man that had been married for 60 years. Someone asked him what was his secret. He replied that the only thing he can say was that he and his wife never fell out of love at the same time. This is true with Showboat as well. Sometimes the audience fell out of love with us, or volunteers, or cast... but Showboat has never fallen out of love with any of you!! We may have seemed to take you for granted. We may have forgotten to pick up our crinolines from the floor or not kissed you on the cheek when we came home from a grueling rehearsal. But know now and forever... that we love you our audience, our cast, and our community more than we can ever express. In fact just to prove how much you are appreciated... we have saved the perfect seat just for you!!!

Haven't bought tickets yet???? Be sure to stop in or call Reif or Reeds. Tickets can also be bought at the landing on show dates. Adult tickets are $10 and seniors/students are $6. Thursday is 1/2 all ticket sales is bought at the landing only. Children under three are free with cookies! Please see prior posts on the requirements for a proper cookie.

So the Show is A- Going Like

2010-06-24T09:25:00.004-05:00

Here is where we are at. The show is almost ready. The dancers have blisters, the singers are drinking honey by the buckets and sucking on cough drops, and the prop girls are all proped out. But the real story is the boat. Even with Mother Nature being her usual hateful self and making it almost impossible to paint and almost more impossible to redo the floors... we have done it. In true ninja style, we have not only painted and done what needed to be redid, but we have built new smoke-stacks. And can Mrs. Showboat say that seeing those smoke-stacks was like a light shining down from Heaven itself. A tear, yes Mrs. Showboat has more emotions then vapors and pure fear, actually came flitting down the cheek. We then all clapped and shouted "Hercules" as if the greatest miracle of them all had finally come to fruition. It was amazing, stunning, and simply the... well, fine, you had to be there. Oh that's right you will be and very, very soon!!

Um, we also have to make a little clarification. Recently the local police reports have been inundated with reports of animals escaping from their homes and heading towards town. It has come to our attention that they have heard how good the show is and are trying to claim squatters rights on the best seats, the ones we have saved especially for you! While we are an equal opportunity audience taker, and we do need all the audience we can get, we are not selling tickets to farm animals. These two happened to make it into the stands unbeknownst to Mrs. Showboat, but were quickly escorted to the door. We are quite sure we will get some angry letters over this policy, but frankly it is best for all. Animals laugh really loud and when they clap, they often use both set of hooves, and look at the size of those melons, who can see around those things?? It's just plain annoying. So no animals. Please let your livestock know or email them this blog item in case you don't want the confrontation.

It's coming close people. I know you not only bought your tickets, but have already made your cookies for the cast. And let us thank you in advance for both of those. If you haven't done either... it is not too late. Tickets are still available at either Reeds or Rief. Tickets will be sold at the door by the two prettiest ticket sellers this side of the Mississippi, who also like pie (just sayin'). So don't delay... we can only hold off the animals from your seat for so long!!!

Lets Just Get a Few Things Straight

2010-06-18T09:24:00.004-05:00

Mrs. Showboat is working her little fingers to the bone and has been too busy to address all the rumors coming forth from different directions. So, lets take a few minutes to clear up a few misconceptions. First, the Showboat show is based on the early 1900's, not the early 1800's. We are more Little House on the Prairie and less Discovery Before There was Air and Land. That does not mean we are not allowed to put a little modernization into the show. In fact we are allowed 10% of new and improved talent. That means that sometimes we may ask for props such as snorkels, face masks, and flippers (in fact 7 sets and they are still needed) for acts. And if anything its simply because people dancing with a weed in their mouth would look silly and not like they are swimming underwater! This does not mean that we will ever bring back Darth Vader or Harry Potter (not even sure how to explain that except Mrs. Showboat was knocked out and being held hostage somewhere and unable to squash such shenanigans- in fact when Mrs. Showboat finally escaped Mission Impossible style, she happened to see the ruby slippers in the same place! But was unable to retrieve them while dangling from tight ropes and wearing latex, my bad).

Second, Mrs. Showboat would also like to say she does not know where the blue toilet that is currently behind Showboat came from. Yes, Showboat is walking a fine financial line, but we can still pay for water. Again somethings in Showboat should remain authentic to the early 1900's, but Mrs. Showboat LOVES her indoor plumbing and plans on keeping it. So if the person who left the toilet would kindly come back and pick it up, we will just forget about it. Though it does seem some of the cast is enjoying it a little too much!?!

Lastly, the boat is a big boat and though it would be wonderful for the boat to be placed on a trailer and travel the world, that is not possible. So please don't take it personal when you call and ask for the boat to be invited to your step sons third cousins twice removed but married to your aunt's baby-daddy's wedding and we say no. It is just she is an old boat and traveling is just not her thing. Though Mrs. Showboat does have to say that the boat is looking ssshhhhweeettt! It's amazing what a little bit of lipstick and botox will do to an ol' girl. Make sure you come down and see her in all of her glory, she's in a showing off mood this season!!

WE have 4 weeks people. FOUR WEEKS!!!! And as we are in full crunch mode, we suspect you have been lol-e-gagging on buying your tickets. AND Mrs. Showboat would have to ask why??? All tickets bought at the Reeds and Rief are general admission and good for any night Thursday through Saturday. Tickets can be also purchased at the door with our wonderful tickets gals. Greenway/ Rapids Synchro Swimming will once again be handling concessions. They have guaranteed that their food is neither from the 1900's or reminiscent of the 1900's, which is a very good thing. Mrs Showboat does not know what she would do without her Orange Float!! Now Don't Delay... We can't save your seat forever you know!!

Showboat has a Case of the Chipmunks

2010-06-04T08:27:00.004-05:00

Showboat has chipmunks. And no it's not the cute cuddly ones that wear shirts with letters on them. These are mean vicious ones that are bitter that they weren't cast as the cute cuddly ones that wear shirts with letters on them. And yes they look cute... but they are sooo not. Mrs. Showboat caught one in the Showboat building spying on the secret going-ons as we prepare for this year's show. No he wasn't dangling like Tom Cruise..... though he did seem to have the same abs, looked really sweaty, and was the same size standing up (hmmm). He was definitely all sneaky with his little feeties and quite mime-like walk. We just know he was up to no good.

And to make matters worse, one has actually attacked a cast mate. We mean full fledged ninja style attack. The poor defenseless castmate was standing on the sidewalk greeting people when the chipmonster tried to run up her leg and would not leave her alone. Even now every time she tries to leave the building, he's out there glaring and you know he is just thinking "you will be mine, oh yes, you will be mine!".

So what is a crew to do. You can't catch and kill them. We would have protesters from here to Iowa with signs saying "Save Alvin", "Chipmunks are your Friends", and "Chipmunks are in Minnesota's Nature". We can't be having that so close to show time! We thought about trapping them and moving them away, but what if they are like dogs and come back even madder then they are now? What if they bring ninja chipmonster reinforcements with numb-chucks (they make you numb when you are hit with them so just leave it alone) and little Chinese stars. Oh, Mrs. Showboat can feel the vapors coming on. Someone get a fan, quick!

We are asking that when you come to see the show (and what day was that?) you do not feed the chipmunks, you do not make eye-contact with the chipmunks, and you do not start singing chipmunks songs to them .....it just encourages them!

We have 5 weeks until the show. So GO AND GET YOUR TICKETS. Don't be waiting for 1/2 Thursday to get your tickets because 1) Showboat needs the money and 2) we might be full and then what?!? Then What!?! Tickets can be bought ahead of time at Reeds and the Rief. $10-adults and $6 everyone else. Kids under three are free if they bring cookies to the cast. Now let Mrs. Showboat clarify the meaning of cookies. Cookies are chocolate chip or sugar cookies with frosting. Real cookies do not have nuts, raisins, other fruit, or any foreign objects. Cookies should melt in your mouth and not be used as hockey pucks. Just sayin'.

So see you in 5 weeks and Mrs. Showboat is leaving you with: "I told the witch doctor I was in love with you.... I told the witch doctor I was in love with you.... And then the witch doctor, he told me what to do... he said that ...Ooo eee ooo ah ah ting tang, Walla walla bing bang!" Repeat!

Can We Say Paint

2010-05-27T08:35:00.007-05:00

The weather got nice, really nice. So we are now all at the landing singing and dancing. Which is wonderful in a sense that the cast can now be one with nature. It is interesting watching them flit and flutter about in the warmness that is known as the sun. We have seen so little of it the past few years, that... well we just go a little crazy. On the otherhand, that also means props in the HOOOUUUSEE!!! And yes that means Mrs. Showboat is covered in paint from her pretty little toes to her flowered bonnet. This years colors are Blue, Orange, and White. The blue is beautiful. The orange is a bit yellow-y, but don't tell the director Mrs. Showboat thinks she has him convinced it's orange. And the white would be ever so prominent if Mrs. Showboat's head crew manager didn't use primer instead of paint, but that is being really picky, so just bless her little heart!

We are on the look-out for builders. Though Mrs. Showboat is quite handy with the paint brush, powertools frankly scare the bee-gee-sus out of this ol' gal. It might be the thought of losing a limb and being sooo far away from the hospital, unless we take the boat across the river (but then we may bleed on the new boat's floor and that would be unacceptable). So, anywho, we are looking for some big, strong, and possibly attractive men to run powertools in front of Mrs. Showboat and her crew manager while we sit in lounge chairs and drink our sweet tea... oh and supervise. It's all for the good of the show you know.

The boat is coming along splendidly. The problem is Mrs. Showboat is not sure how much y'all will actually notice from your seats. So here is a short cheat sheet of compliments you need to remember: "Oh the new paint job on the boat makes it look 10 years younger!" "Oh the new flooring is G to the O Gorgeous!" "And the new paddle wheel is so, oh how should I say this...Round!" "Has the Captain lost weight or has his new Captain's House been redone?" and finally "Those smoke stakes aren't real??? They just look so real under the glistening Sun! Just Amazing!!". Like most theater people, we can never get enough positive feedback... so remember these lines and speak them often!!

Have you reserved your tickets yet??? Ticket prices are $10/ adults and $6/everyone else (children under three are free if they bring the cast cookies). Tickets can be bought at Reeds and the Reif. They can also be bought at the door. AT THE DOOR is the only place you can get 1/2 price tickets on Thursday! The seats are ready, the props will be ready, the only thing we are waiting for is you!!

We Sang So Now You Can Go Fishing

2010-05-14T19:26:00.003-05:00

If you weren't there, well that might have been okay. This is why Mrs. Showboat wears her hair in a tight bun, so it always looks like she is smiling. The singing was great, don't get me wrong. And Mr. Jim Mason, was wonderful (when he wasn't being a booger... oh excuse my language but he knows why!). But it was the brightness that threw me off. Who has ever seen sun and good weather on the opening of fishing? One of the singers even asked if the mics could be placed out of the sun. That's right the SUN!! Still even writing this, Mrs. Showboat can not help but peer outside and wonder what this whole global warming thing has done to the grand tradition of snow and below freezing temperatures for fishing. What will our men do without the little bit of suffering Mother Nature usually gives them. Maybe its just another thing that was vetoed out of the MN budget (oh that was a little joke don't get all huffy!).

AND a big thank you to the crew that came to serenade the fish, for they were tackling there own demons. Jeremy has a huge ear infection and one side of his face is numb. Nora, my love, got sick because all she ate ALL day was a grilled cheese sandwich. Our beloved Captain was coming up from the cities and got behind a gazillion boats and never even made it. Mrs. Showboat knows, being a Captain he should have been able to navigate better... but that is why we also have a pilot on the boat, just a little FYI. And when Jim Mason pretended he didn't remember how to play piano, Dixine kept her cool and reminded him it was with his hands. (Mrs. Showboat did see later that Jim had to go get his own switch from a surrounding tree... so I guess Dixine got even!) And , then there was that sun to just muck it all up... who would'a thunk the sun would be out on opening of fishing??? Causing us to sweat no less!!
Well, we all here at Showboat hope the fish are biting for you all out there on your tugboats. We also hope that you'all packed some sunscreen in between the usual parkas, cause babies... this year you'all are gonna need it!!
With Much Love, and a little fish batter on her lips, Mrs. Showboat will be seeing you soon!!

Showboat to Sing for Their Supper.. Kind of

2010-05-05T08:26:00.004-05:00

Plan on coming and seeing Showboat on Friday, May 14 at Central School for the Official Fishing Opener. Which is different from the unofficial Fishing Opener in that the unofficial one does not have Showboat! (but could for the right amount of money...call me!!) Once again we have the wonderful and lovely Ms. Dixine Woyach who in charge of wrangling up some talent and has used her womanly wiles to convince Jim Mason to play the piano for us. And as you are very much aware no one, and Mrs. Showboat truly means no one, can tickle those white ivories like that man! Oooohhhh, he does make Mrs. Showboat swoon a little. So come on out and see us... and if you see Mrs. Showboat, stand behind her, she might need you to catch her.

And how are other things going??? Rehearsals are going GREAT! The boat is in the middle of plastic surgery! And the grounds are looking fan to the tastic! As for props and painting, Mrs. Showboat has been slacking a little to enjoy last week's beautiful weather, but now it is down to business.

Now make sure you have your weekend planned to come on out and see us. We have the perfect seat tarped for you so the rain doesn't ruin it!!

2010-04-27T19:31:00.006-05:00

WELCOME the 2010 SHOWBOAT CAST!!!

(aren't they Special)

Has Mrs. Showboat told y'all how very excited she is with our new cast?? How the voices have matured from last year. In fact the voices are so smooth they will just melt in your ears... kind of like butter, but not real butter because you know Mrs. Showboat is watching her figure!! How the ladies in the cast are prettier and the men, well, they are not stinkier which is a good thing. OH.. no I do jest, the men are prettier too, especially the Captain..wink...wink! We also have some new men coming onto the boat this year. A couple we stole from the artists formerly known as Blandin Male Choir. And yes, Mrs. Showboat would love to write a little letter of thank-you, but frankly I have no idea what they are calling themselves lately. (If you want to find out what their new name is, they are performing Sunday at the Reif... tell them Mrs. Showboat sent you to help dry their eyes over the men she stole.)

Monday was our first rehearsal and all agree we want a FUN, GREAT, STUPENDOUS show without rain, snow, or bugs. Mrs. Showboat is in major agreement, but so y'all know we will perform in the snow, rain, and even if locusts themselves come traipsing on that stage... the show will always go on. Um, just how big are locusts anyways? EW.. really?? Okay, maybe not locusts but ladybugs. Yeah even if ladybugs come traipsing on that stage the show...oh you know!

Just a quick reminder...tickets are available at the Rief, Reeds, and as always at the door. We are still doing 1/2 Thursdays, but that is only available at the door... on Thursday...of the show. We are also promoting Family-Freindy-Friday. What does that mean. Well.. er, so far it means that the Captain will not swear. Hey, what do you expect when we pay our marketing person in cookies...that you bring... which you haven't lately... which means she gives us ideas like Satisfying Saturday, or Smiling Saturday, or Try Not to Stink Up the Place Saturday! Thank goodness we don't have a Wednesday show or it might be Whatever Wednesday or even WAH-WAH Wednesday, the baby edition.

So what have we learned from this??? The cast is fab-u-lous! The singers are in tune. Tickets can be bought at Reeds, Reif, and at the door. And cookies make our marketing person think better (as well as Mrs. Showboat!). So don't delay... buy your tickets today.. I just reinforced the welds on the perfect seat for you!! And yes I will be sewing locusts nets... I never knew how big they were!

Next Week the Magic Begins....

2010-04-21T14:11:00.004-05:00

If you are watching the calendar... here's the scoop.

Monday- Rehearsal begins! The whole cast will meet to get to know each other and start the long process of learning how to sing the Showboat way!! Forgot about auditions and still want to be in the show??? It's never too late, come see us at the Zion Church across from Applebees. We will be in the music! Oh, and bring cookies.

Tuesday- The Boat comes out of dry dock. Why so early?? The HUGE face-lift begins. Pro-Max will come the first week of May and give the 'ol gal a brow lift, cheek implants, and a little boost in the back-end. Then comes Matt Cheney and his gang to rebuild a few parts a girl doesn't talk about. And lastly we got a painter to come over and beautify the whole thing with a coat of heavy-duty foundation, lipstick, and mascara.

Mrs. Showboat is a so excited for the newbies on the cast and the newness being shown upon the boat. The season is truly upon us!! Don't forget to buy tickets for a show because you do not want to MISS IT! We have the perfect seat, recently welded, just for you!!

Auditions: Questions and Answers and Stuff

2010-04-14T09:24:00.004-05:00

Showboat Auditions were Fab-u-lous. So very happy to see all the oldbee's and newbees who once again wowed us with their talent. Though, just to be honest, no one compares to Mrs. Showboat's mad triangle skills.

If for some reason you did not make auditions but still want to be in Showboat. Well, GREAT!!! We could use you (and yes I mean YOU!!) you can either email John Schroeder @ artesianmind@gmail.com or email Cheri @ cheri.wright@mchsi.com. As long as you don't play triangle... Mrs. Showboat knows she can find a spot for you. We will be at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church on Thursday at 6pm. This is not an official audition date, but we can make an exception as long as you don't need the most fabulous Jim Mason to play piano for you.

There was one problem with auditions though. And that was that only Jeremy (who is now Mrs. Showboat's Favorite Person in the Whole Wide World) brought cookies. Maybe Mrs. Showboat was not clear about her need for cookies. Or pie. Or cake. Sweets do make Mrs. Showboat sweeter. You'all may want to keep that in the back of your mind as the season progresses. As everyone in Showboat knows (and has become our unofficail motto), always have a Plan B!

With the cast almost set, the boat ready for her make-over, and Jim Mason signed on (WE LOVE YOU JIM)... all that we are waiting for is you! Did you buy your tickets yet? 'Cause Mrs. Showboat does not want to blow her own horn (or play her own triangle), but this is a year you don't want to miss! I have the perfect seat picked out for you!! See you'all in a bit!!

AUDITIONS START TONIGHT!!!

2010-04-12T09:48:00.003-05:00

"It's time to play the music,

It's time to light the lights,

It's time to meet the Cast of the New Showboat tonight.

It's time to put on makeup,

It's time to dress up right,

It's time to bring the boat in for the Showboat tonight.

Why do we always come here?

I guess we'll never know!

It's like a kind of torture

To have to hear the Captain's corny Jokes! (I know it doesn't rhyme but is truthful!)

And now let's get things started...

Why don't you get things started...

It's time to get things started

On the most sensational inspirational celebrational Showboatational

This is what we call the Mississippi Melodie Showboat!

(Jim Mason hits those bad-ass piano keys)

Auditions tonight and tomorrow night (12 and 13) at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church (across from Applebees). Registration is at 6pm. Be there or be square. Don't forget the cookies.. it will definitely help your singing scores!

(Oh, and yes, Mrs. Showboat totally stole the Muppet show theme, but Mrs. Showboat knows she can take Miss Piggy any day of the week and twice on Sunday... so bring it on!)

Can't wait to see you there!! :)

Just When Mrs. Showboat Thought She was getting the Vapors

2010-04-05T09:44:00.003-05:00

UPDATES:

Yes, we are currently trying to fix the boat. And you know $10,000 does not go as far as you would think. Thanks to the Blandin Foundation and Lakes Country Power, we do have funds. And thanks to Pro-Max, we do have a contractor. And thanks to the Renneburg Lumber, we do have lumber that was on close-out (obviously last year's trees... but Mrs. Showboat will try not to hide her shame and show her lumber proudly). But thanks to the economy, $10,000 is the new $2,000, which means it don't get what it used to. Hence, when the vapors started!!

However, Mrs. Showboat is in full-on vapors after finding out that Blandin destroyed (read demolished, torn into little pieces, threw to the wolves, and activated their wood chipper on full blast) our other dock. This is the dock used to load cast members and their clothes/ props before every show. Well, at least it was... because it is gone! Gone like last night's dinner. Gone like that second sock that we know we threw in the dryer, but somehow has disappeared- just plain gone. But, as Mrs. Showboat slowly fans herself as not to totally faint, Pokegama Lawn has offered to come to her rescue. Mr. Todd has guaranteed to help the Showboat with lending of a spare dock. Now Mrs. Showboat just has to convince him that the Showboat only seems really big, but in actuality just a little tug boat at heart.

Oh.. how about a good news update?!? The show is done. Music is ready.The script has been proofed. And props have been considered. So-we are ready. Now we just have marketing to be startin'. Has your business bought their ad yet??? Trust me you want to, cause this year we are going to be full up!!

Don't forget auditions are April 12 and 13 at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church on 169 S, kinda across from Applebees. If you can sing and dance, if you have always wanted to sing and dance, if you just want to fake singing and dancing... then this is the place for you! Registration is at 6pm with scrutiny at 6:30pm. And don't forget to bring the cookies. often the judges cannot hear how bad you are when we are munching away on cookies... just a thought!! Can't wait to see ya there!! Mrs. Showboat has a special song picked out just for you!!

Auditions are Upon Us!!

2010-03-18T09:21:00.005-05:00

Calling all Singers, Dancers, and people of strange and unusual talent. Calling all people that want to be a singer, dancer, or are looking to find an unusual talent.
Showboat is holding auditions. that is right, au-di-tions! Now is your time has come to shine (especially in a poofy dress or suit with tails). Are you between the ages of 15-116? Do you like being outside? Do you like the river? Are you breathing? Then you are just the person we are looking for.

Auditions are being held on April 12 and 13 at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church on Hwy 169 S (kind-a across from Applebees ). Registration will be at 6pm. The audition itself will be about 15-20 minutes. It will include singing and reading from a script. Don't worry, we know that often you may not sound so wonderful as a solo artist, but that you will sound superb in a choir setting! The reading part we can't really help you with!

Rehearsals will start the next week on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Our wonderful, stupendous director John Schroeder will give you more details later. The rehearsals will last through showtime. The shows are the last three weekends in July. Rehearsals will start at the church and make their way to the landing once the weather is really nice and not faking nice (like what it is doing now!!).

And what is Mrs. Showboat looking for??? FUN! The summer is short and we must have fun and enjoy what we are doing. So... here we go, the script is written, the boat is being updated, and the snow is melting.... all that we need now to make things complete is you, your talent-ish, and you love for the Mississippi Melodie Showboat!!

And Here We Go, Here We Go Again....

2010-02-01T09:26:00.003-06:00

Just because you do not see us freezing our lutifisk on the Mississippi River, does not mean we are not busy setting up your next outstanding Showboat Show. That is right, we are busy as beavers writing and conniving (not necessarily in that order). What, do you ask, are the top priorities now that the ice has covered the dock??? Well, first thanks to the generous and goodlookin' people at both Blandin Foundation and Lakes Country Power, we have money to fix the boat. That is right in the middle of May you will see a posting calling for carpenters, painters, and general volunteers to come out and spruce up the ol' girl. She has been in some desperate need of a little TLC and now instead of talkin' about it we can do somethin' about it. Mrs. Showboat is soooo excited about this she is just about peeing her crinolines. We get to replace all the floorboards, lights, weld the railing, and paint, paint, paint!! She's going to look like a boat on botox by the time we are done with her.

Yeah, you say! So here is the dilemma... there is always a dilemma. Mrs. Showboat thinks the boat should be properly named. A real name put on the back of the boat that signifies the history and grandeur of the wonderful Showboat Tradition, (and isn't bad luck not to name a boat). I suggested Mrs. Showboat with a little pic of me, but of course I was poo-poo'ed. So what are your thoughts?? What should the new, and improved, Showboat be called??? If we pick the name you suggest you can either win two free tickets to this years extravaganza or Captain Larry's voice on your home answering machine. Mrs. Showboat knows which one she would pick, but don't let that influence you.

Also we are deep, deep into putting the final touches on the new show. Make sure you put on your calendar the dates of April 13, 15 and 16 which are the audition dates. Can you sing, dance, impress us with your juggling? The truth is... we don't care if you are talented or not, we are just looking for some people who want to have some fun for the summer. Don't want to sing or dance?? We are looking for some people to help with props and costumes. Can't sew or paint? We are looking for someone to help with the spotlight. Can't do anything? Don't underestimate yourself... everyone can do something! Even be a cheerleader! And, everyone knows cheerleaders are the most important job there is!

What else is there? We are always looking for money, who isn't. We are currently looking for two board members, one's who can bake awesome cookies preferable. We are always looking for hope and that silver lining... but that is what cheerleaders are for.

One more thing... don't forget to mark your calendars for the last three weekends in July, as always, we have the perfect seat waiting for you!!

Jingle Bells, Batman Smells, Robin Laid an...

2009-12-15T08:59:00.003-06:00

That's right only three days until Showboat is caroling its way through Grand Rapids. The singers are warmed up, the buses are warmed up and the candy canes are warmed up (Make sure you blow on them before you eat them). So what should you the audience expect?? Lots of Xmas songs with a lot of cheer. What should you as an audience not expect? Well, we will not be singing the "Jingle Bells, Batman Smells" song (I was a little bummed too!). We will not be partaking in "We Three Kings- Smoking on a Rubber Cigar". Though you have to admit the song is catchy: "We three kings of Orient are, Puffing on a rubber cigar. It was loaded, it exploded.BANG!". And we have some fake guns that when you shoot them a flag with the word "Bang" comes out. It is all about the props! (Okay now I am bummed we are not singing that!) We will not be singing Madonna's "Santa Baby", but if we did it would be really good! We will not be singing any Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Solstice songs. One because we don't now any, and two because the Captain always spits when he sings the Dreidal song and it can get a little wet for the audience in the first rows. We also will not be singing Alvin and the Chipmunks "Christmas Don't Be Late". Okay we might. Jake can be Theodore, John Schroeder can be Simon, and the Captain can be ALVIN. OMG, can you picture it? Mrs. Showboat can and is loving the idea now! (Again a little bummed we are not singing that.)Also, we will not be singing anything from the Muppets, unless it's that one with Miss Piggy and John Denver about a haypenny, because Mrs. Showboat LOVES that song. "Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat, please to put a penny n the old man's hat, if you haven't got a penny then a haypenny would do , if you haven't got a haypenny then God Bleess YOU!" Everyone sing now "Christmas is coming....". Love that song!

Here is the schedule again so you know where to meet us:

11:00 Manor House

12:00 Central Square Mall

1:00 Grand Village

2:00 River Grand Assisted Living

3:00 Diamond Willow

4:00 Evergreen Terrace

5:30 Timberlake

And remember, Mrs. Showboat is partial to chocolates and diamonds and the Captain likes, oh yeah, chocolates and diamonds... what a coincidence! Also, if you can not make it, please,please, please have a Wonderful Christmas. I know times are tough, and money is a little non-existent, but family and friends are always abundant. Here's to you and yours, may the holiday remind you what is really important... chocolates and diamonds. And with that "Christmas, Christmas time is near, Time for toys and time for cheer, We've been good, but we can't last, Hurry Christmas, hurry fast, Want a plane that loops the loop, Me, I want a hula hoop, We can hardly stand the wait Please Christmas, don't be late..."ALVIN....

We Are Caroling, People!!

2009-12-04T10:21:00.006-06:00

Please come out to join the Annual Showboat Caroling Adventure on December 19. Our present schedule is as follows :

11:00 Manor House

12:00 Central Square Mall- Stop by and see what the Captain wants for Xmas (he will have lists, he is very hard to shop for)

1:00 Grand Village

2:00 River Grand Assisted Living

3:00 Diamond Willow

4:00 Evergreen Terrace

5:30 Timberlake Lodge- make a reservation and have dinner as we warble in the Holiday!

These times are of the -ish type, as in 11-ish, 12-ish. If you have ever escorted a bunch of talented, beautiful divas, you know you work on their schedule, not them on yours! Please come out and support our wonderful cast if you can. We have candy canes! And if you can't... then all of us from Showboat want to wish all of you and yours the very Best Christmas EVER!! Oh and just as an aside, Mrs. Showboat always likes chocolates around the holiday season! Just saying!

Did You Donate yet???

2009-11-17T09:09:00.002-06:00

TODAY IS THE DAY to remember your local non-profits. Whether it's the Y or ICTV or the many others of us begging for your money today, Please Please DONATE! And yes, don't forget to donate to Showboat. We, like everyone else, is in desperate need of additional funds in order to continue operating. You may not think $10 will go far, but it will buy lace for a dress, copies of music, clown noses, and lets not forget... top hats! And today only GiveMn.org is matching dollar for dollar. There is also no transaction fees, which means everything you donate comes directly to us!! PLEASE, PLEASE help us! Mrs. Showboat might even make you brownies in gratitude. Donate here...http://bit.ly/VViGk

Don't Forget Us on November 17...

2009-11-16T14:07:00.003-06:00

Remember November 17 is DONATION DAY. All donations will be matched dollar for dollar by the GiveMN.org foundations. So give generously!! You money will go to costumes, the boat, sound system, the dock, the stage, the seats, more handicap seating, and props. So, basically, by donating you are helping Showboat stay alive another year. For another show. Another round of applause. Another Captain song and dance. Now wasn't that worth it!!

By the way, there are no transaction fees, so every penny you give goes directly to the non-profit. EVERY CENT!!! To Donate you can hit the DONATE button on the bottom of the blog or go to GiveMN.org and search for Grand Rapids Showboat... the Captain will show you the way!!!!

Do you Need a Good Deed for the Day???

2009-11-11T10:38:00.002-06:00

The nonprofits in the area have been able to join the GiveMN.org. This site basically is a one stop shopping site for people looking to donate and those of us that really need the money. There will be times during the year that foundations and other organizations will match dollar for dollar and partial contributions. November 17 is one of those days. Donate to Showboat and local foundations will partially match that donation. It's like Taco Tuesday, only without the gas afterwards. SOOOO please consider donating to us on the 17th. This years BIG project is the remodeling of the boat. That's right the ol' girl is fixin to get herself a face lift... and a body lift, and a bottom lift. Come July 2010, you won't even be able to notice her... she will be sooo purtie!

So you mission, if you accept, is to go to http://bit.ly/tOaxL on November 17. Donate one million dollars (or maybe a couple) and watch as the new gold plated boat comes to a stage near you! Okay maybe not gold plated, maybe just plain old wood plated.

Marketing Can Be Interesting..

2009-11-08T19:34:00.005-06:00

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...

2009-10-21T18:50:00.004-05:00

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

2009-10-08T09:56:00.002-05:00

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!?

2009-09-25T09:25:00.004-05:00

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

2009-09-24T08:03:00.003-05:00

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...

2009-09-16T09:52:00.002-05:00

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

2009-08-05T18:59:00.001-05:00

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!!

And That's All Folks!!

2009-07-27T10:24:00.000-05:00

7 Board Members
1 Director
3 Backstage Lackeys
1 Dress Diva
2 Pilots
2 Top Notch Ticket Sellers
2 Crack Security Guards (BeefStick and IceCream)
1 Night Concessions Ran Out of Food
1 Strict Parking Placer with a Big Stick (Love ya Kiah!!)
38 Sensational Cast Members
3 Pre-Show Acts (Forest History Center, The Ophoven, & Mike and Jan Cherry)
4 Special Guests (Mike and Jan Cherry, Bob Heinzen, Dallas Markin(?), and the Mississippi Cloggers!!)
10 months in preparation
4 months of rehearsals
2 weeks of everyday rehearsals
9 shows over 3 weekends
7 shows performed in the rain
9 shows that backstage people were rained on
3000 Audience Members
2200 Audience Members that saw the show in the rain
300 Audience Members saw the show with long johns and parkas on (that's Love!)!
1 Sacrificed snake to the Gods to make it stop raining(it was plastic, don't call PETA)

ONE GREAT SEASON!! Thank you to all that volunteered their precious time, to those that gave Showboat money to continue it's legacy, and especially to those that clapped until their hands were raw... laughed until their throats were sore... and never left as the skies opened up over us as they did so many nights!!

Here's to Next Year... I have the perfect seat saved for you!!!

The Show Tonight

2009-07-25T19:28:00.000-05:00

Tonight is our last show. IT WILL NOT RAIN!! So come down and see us. Here is a little of what you will see....

and

Hope to see you, I have saved the perfect seat!!

Okay we Are About to Make a Sacrifice to the Gods

2009-07-24T13:21:00.000-05:00

Last night was a Terrific show. The crowd was great. The talent was superb. And then we have the weather. Sure, we do not mind a little rain... but for the love of Mother Nature... can we have a night without rain?!? And we were soooo close last night. It did not officially start raining until the very end of "Roll-On". Then the scramble was on... audience to their cars, cast to their dressing rooms, all while backstage was trying to save the electronics and props. But we made it without any injury and once again no one melted. So, tonight Mrs. Showboat declares the Showboat landing a rain free zone. That is right no rain. We have found a sacrifice, by lottery system of course, and are willing to throw it in the river. Okay, we have a fake snake that Mrs. Showboat found in the prop room...but it looks real and has scared a lot of people (that counts right). And it is going over to stop this weather craziness.

Last night was soooo good that concessions ran out of food. That is right Mrs. Laurie Eide did not plan for your overwhelming response leaving our poor audience thirsty, hungry, and downright sad. BUT tonight she has guaranteed to have so much food that if she runs out she will give you a free food item on Saturday (with purchase of a new ticket). Try her orange floats... they are yummy. Tell her Mrs. Showboat recommended them!

A special shout out to the Red Hat Ladies. It is always a pleasure to see you beauties at the show. And you know you always make the Captain's heart beat a little bit faster... and at his age that may not be a good thing!

So in closing remember ...Tonight is the Night. Sun, fun, and a pass from Mother Nature. Come on over and watch the boat glide into the dock (thanks to new steering from T & M Marine). We have saved the perfect seat for you!! And don't forget to get an Orange float on your way to it... proceeds go to Greenway Syncho Swimming!!

It's Getting Hotter in the North

2009-07-23T10:17:00.000-05:00

Now

Up in the northern land

Wow!

They've started struttin' and

How!

Soon as they hear a band

Ev'ry man's daughter steps

To muddy water steps!

It's gettin' hotter in the north every day,

It's not the temp'rature that's makin' it that way,

It's 'cause they're dancin' all the time

The dances of a warmer clime.

If you want lovin', gals, you must learn to shut;

They leave you cold unless you do nothin' else but!

Up on the levees of Broadway

It's getting hotter ev'ry day!

The levee shuffle of the south

Has traveled north by hoof and mouth,

Makin' our feet slow down,

Doin' those neat, low-down

Twistin' and turnin' steps,

Blazin' and burnin' steps!

If you want lovin', gals, you must learn to strut;

They leave you cold unless you do nothin' else but!

Up on the levees of Broadway,

It's gettin' hotter every day!....

Artist: show boat soundtrack lyricsSong:
its getting hotter in the north lyrics

See you tonight, I saved the perfect seat for you... nice and warm!!

The Men of Showboat

2009-07-22T17:33:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow marks the first show of the last

weekend. And with that comes mixed emotions. On the one hand, everyone will be missed by Mrs. Showboat soooo much. On the other hand, you all have kind of gotten on her nerves. Like every family, it is time to take a break. But feel free to stop over for Sunday dinner with your beautiful self and lots of gossip. I will keep the brownies frosted and warm.

This blog, though, is dedicated to the boys of Showboat. Yeah, you know you gotta love them. They are big ol' golutes who have a hankerin' for acting and a gander for singing. For nine shows they dress up in costumes and put on make-up to perform for us....and for that Mrs. Showboat LOVES them. To Jake, who will do whatever is asked... with a smile. To Randy, who never ceases to amaze us with his voice, wit, and disarming smirk. To Jesse, who Mrs. Showboat gives such a hard time to, but only because she sees such potential in him. To Big John, who's off-key song warms us as the temperatures drop. To Jeremy, who makes Mrs. Showboat laugh with the dopey things he does. And yes, your pay will be docked for those lights you broke. To his credit, Jeremy had only broken three bulbs before that dreaded day two weeks ago. And before he took over the job bulbs were broken left and right. He has saved Showboat millions (or at least a couple of dollars and a few cents). To Aaron, who as a newcomer we were all a little weary of you, but who has surprised and amazed us!! You are excellent and we hope you will come back next year! To Randy Jr., thank you for the way you squint your eyes when you try so hard not to laugh, and thank you for your laugh! To Harold, who proves you are never to young to join the cast of Showboat or to follow your heart. And to my two best men... the ones closest to Mrs. Showboat... to the Captain and Christian. Mrs . Showboat would not do this if it wasn't for you. You make her sooo PROUD everyday and every night!

As Mrs. Showboat puts the make-up on her guys every night she feels blessed.. okay and a little scared about putting on the guyliner, trust me Mrs. Showboat does not like it any more then they do!!! But , really, at the end of the night, as the equipment is being put away and the lights are being turned down, Mrs. Showboat cannot help but reflect how each and every man in this cast has changed her a little.And can not help but burst with love and pride!! Thank You!! Thank YOU!!

Chamber Breakfast Tomorrow!!

2009-07-21T07:48:00.000-05:00

That's right folks, tomorrow is the Chamber Breakfast Connection. Ever wonder what the cast looks like in the daytime... come between 8-9am to the Showboat landing Wednesday morning and find out! We will have breakfast pizzas from River Road Market, coffee from Caribou, and whatever fruit concoctions Ogles will be offering! Dixine, Ruth, and Tanya are slated to perform a few numbers. And numerous Showboat cast will be milling around to answer questions or to just spontaneously burst into song (not a joke, it has been documented and studied). But if you cannot make it, then don't forget to come to one of our last three shows this weekend.

We are proud to present Mike and Jan Cherry as our pre-show and special guest (yeah, they are that good) for the upcoming shows. They claim to play acoustic rock and folk music reminiscent of artists like John Denver. Okay, not sure what that all means... but I can tell you they are awesome. I was enthralled by their playing when they came to auditions way back in April, and can not wait to be-bop to their offerings.

Also, so that there is no question, Mrs. Showboat has seen the weather forecasts for this weekend. And she would like to tell you they are just forecasts, predictions, not any better than going to a psychic before making a life decision (nothing against psychics). Do not fret, as with last week, the show WILL go on. Bring your umbrellas and ponchos, because just like the postman... we will deliver sprinkle rain or shine. (Now if it is heavy rain, there's no way. We mean no one has melted yet, but why press our luck!!)

Saturday in the Park.. I think it was JULY????

2009-07-20T10:36:00.000-05:00

So Saturday the Showboat cast went over tot he Forest History Center for PIE!!! And also to give those men a looky-see at what women on the outside still look like. Don't worry Mrs. Showboat did not let those hairy, smelly men touch her precious girls (or boys)... but we did have a great time singing songs with Will and his music box (accordion). We also got to visit some really nice folk who we later saw made it to the show!! And what a show it was... but that is for a later entry. But wait, do not let me overlook the pie. There was cherry pie, sweet potato pie, chocolate pie, grasshopper pie, strawberry pie, and something called head pie. We did not try that one... we were kind of scared considering it was a logging camp and we are not quite sure what they do with the men that hurt themselves. Was there workman's comp in the 1800's or did they just dispose of them??? Needless to say Head pie was out!!

And afterwards what does the cast and crew of the Showboat do???? Why we make home movies. Yes, we do have waaaaay to much free time on our hands. But also we need to have fun. We have spent the last 4 months getting on each other's nerves...so, just as every family, we sometimes have to act a little crazy to remember how much we truly love each other. And we do. You see it in every performance and before and after every show. We have become 36 perfect strangers to people that would not think twice donating a kidney to a fellow cast mate (yeah that was extreme, but you get the gist)!! So here are the two videos...

and

We hope this made you laugh...it made us laugh hard after 4 months of rehearsing and two weekends of performances (most of them in the rain) it was a very well deserved laugh. If not...Just enjoy the fact that for 30 minutes, these wonderful kids had the time of their lives.

This as well as a TON of pictures can be seen on our Facebook account Mississippi Melodie Showboat.

This Is JULY... Right??

2009-07-17T10:30:00.000-05:00

First and foremost, THANK YOU to the troopers who came to last nights performance! You are truly the greatest fans EVER!!! I know you'all love the Captain... but to sit in the cold and rain to see him!?! Did he pay you to be his groupies??? I just know next year he is going to come with a list of demands including a private dressing room with only green M & M's and chilled Avian water at exactly 62 degrees (and last night I could have just put it into the river for that)!!

Though last night, I have to admit that I was on the edge of my seat ready to jump in if one of the performers slid over. There were a few dance numbers I had considered cutting... but I was just being an over-protective mother, because all was good. In fact it bordered on perfect. So I must thank the audience, cast, ushers, and behind-the-scenes lovelies for all they did and "Putting on a Happy Face" throughout the whole thing!! And for the record, once again, none of us melted.

Tonight looks the same as last night. More clouds, more cold, and less mosquito's... maybe that is perfect weather up here! And according to the radar we will be there too. 'Cause you know nothing compares to seeing the riverboat round that bend with the costumed cast and the Captain a-wavin'. We only have 5 more shows and I would hate to think you would miss it over a little drizzle and dipping temperatures. After all, we are Up Nort' folk and if we can not see our breath then we are not quite sure we are breathing!!

Soooo I will see you there with mittens and mukluks on (yeah that's me not you, you are still in charge of the giant blanket!). The concession stand promises to have more hot chocolate for you (I am hoping that tonight she also has whipped cream) and I will once again try to keep your seat warm and dry (I didn't do a very good job last night...sorry, my bad).

Um, Has Anyone Noticed the Temperature??

2009-07-16T12:58:00.000-05:00

And yes, Mrs. Showboat has noticed the temperature. She kind of is blaming you for not blowing as hard as she asked you too yesterday... but than again maybe you blew so hard that you blew the sun away!! Oh No... there goes summer!! Her new suggestion is to bring a parka and mittens tonight. After all, this is Northern Minnesota, folks where our women are brave and our men seldom bathe! Okay, that was a joke...maybe! But the point is the show will go on. We will be at the landing tonight barring rain and even then there is a great possibility. We played in the rain last week and no one melted. And if by chance it does rain, well then I guess we will see you tomorrow. We will not be performing at the the Reif or at the Davies tonight... the landing is our only option. But don't fret... Saturday we are going to the Forest History Center for... wait for it.... wait for it.... PIE!!!!! That is right, we are making a grand appearance at the FHC for their pie weekend. And, yes it was mere co-wink-e-dink that we scheduled ourselves on pie weekend. Honest!! So come eat with us from 1-3 on Saturday... I would make it more 1 if you want any pie too!! And afterwards we will see you at the landing for our regular show at 8:30 n(pre-show is at 8 and its the Ophoven's).

So lets go over your check list: mittens (check), hat (check), parka (check), and a goose down comforter big enough for you, your family and the cast (um... check?)!! I will warm a seat for you, pour you some hot cocoa, and make you laugh until you sweat! Trust me nothing keeps a body warmer then some good entertainment! Why do you think we stay up here!?!

I Need Everyones Help...

2009-07-15T13:31:00.000-05:00

So everyone do me a favor and go outside and blow!!! I mean hard, like birthday candle hard! Lets blow these ugly clouds right back to the west where they came from. And you needn't worry I have text Mother Nature and she promises to forgo the evening showers those nasty weathermen have predicted tomorrow night. She has given me her word, and you know what they say about a woman's word (okay forget that and just trust this one), that the showers will not start until the boat has left the dock after the end of the show. And then, if I were you, I might want to high tail it to the car... for in her words "all bets are off". But nothing will disturb tomorrows performance. Nothing, except some pesky moquiotes...but they are not invited and you can tell them that!!

And what, Mrs. Showboat, do you have in store for us this weekend??? Well, since you asked so nicely... I have the Ophoven Family as pre-show. That's right they will be starting at 8pm singing their little hearts out...don't miss it!! Then for our special guest (wait sit down for this) we have the wonderful, magnificent, beyond words and emotions... Mississippi Timber Cloggers. Okay, I love them, you love them, we all love them!!! And they are this weekend!! Now, you know you can not miss it.

So this weekend is the weekend for laughs and GRAND entertainment, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 8:30pm for the show, 8:00pm for pre-show!!! Tickets are $10/ adults, $8/ seniors, and $5 children over 5. AND Thursday is 1/2 price all ticket prices!!! I have, once again, saved a seat for you!!!

The Three W's of Showboat

2009-07-14T14:02:00.000-05:00

Who is Showboat??

Every Cast member and Audience Member who takes part of their summer to entertain or be entertained!

What is Showboat???

A Vaudeville show based on the songs and jokes of 'ole. With a little bit of this and little bit of that... We perform like no other group on the Mississippi River.

Where Is Showboat???

Why, at the landing on the Mississippi River, of course. Just follow the signs off of Hwy 2. If you hit water... you have gone too far!!

One Weekend Down... Two To Go!

2009-07-13T10:12:00.000-05:00

Did you come and see us this past weekend??? We had the best three shows we have ever had. The only thing that seemed to be against us was the weather, but even that was not too bad, at least no one melted. Thing to be thankful for..the boat didn't sink, none of the cast members landed in the river, and best of all... everyone remembered their songs (or at least knew enough to write them down on a police pad.. yeah we notice Sgt. Cop).

I have decided that in this blog I am going to let you in on one of Showboat's biggest secrets... what happens before the show.

First ,Gina Hill (the best darn seamstress this side of the Mississippi) is busy fixing and finishing costumes. She is always updating the dresses to make them look not only beautiful, but magnificent on stage. By adding a little of this and a little of that to the dresses (maybe tonight a new pair of earrings or a new necklace or even a new feather in their hair) she makes the girls look like Showboat Princesses. And can I say that this year she has outdone herself. They are simply gorgeous. Don't believe me come see for yourself!

And when Gina is through with them, they then get to practice their songs. Yeah, we know we have had 4 months to find all the right notes, but another 20 minutes will not hurt us. In fact it is always helpful to have others critique you before hitting the stage. Here, our ever present gambler is betting that they will sound perfect.

And where can you find the Captain in all this chaos??? Why resting his eyes of course!! Here he sits with a couple of nap mates waiting for the show to start. Their make-up on, their hair perfect, their costumes pressed, they look so innocent...no one would guess that in those sweet little minds they are conjuring up new tricks and really bad jokes that they are about to unleash on the crowd.

So this is what we do as we wait for you to drive to the landing, buy a ticket and find a seat (one I have cleaned off for you and been saving). This is what we do as we wait to perform the best show that the Mississippi River has ever seen. This is, to put it simply, what we do as we wait to...ENTERTAIN YOU!! See you Thursday 8pm sharp for pre-show!

What an Opening Night!!!!

2009-07-10T12:40:00.000-05:00

Let me just say this...I have been involved with Showboat for nine years and last night was the BEST (please repeat after me THE BEST) opening night I have ever witnessed. Yeah, we had our problems. That darn sound system problem is still alluding us a little...but it is much, much better. A couple of singers did not really know their lines and had written them on their hands... and well the audience caught them! Bad cast members, bad!! The worst of it, though, had nothing to do with cast. sound or lights... it was when Rusty Eichorn buzzed the show in his airplane not once, not twice, but three times. Obviously his parents forgot teaching manners when raising him. In fact the last time he pulled a stunt like like with Showboat, I believe he got a fine. Perhaps I should make some calls and see if that can not happen again. And in case he denies it, last night was also photo night, and I do have it on film!!! If you see him give him a firm talking to... tell him Ms. Showboat is very, very disappointed!!

But tonight is the night! We are trying new sound techniques, we are trying a new way to hook up the lights, and we are using invisible ink to write the words to our songs! That all means that tonight is THE NIGHT. Night of perfection, night of fun, night of the full moon, and maybe, perhaps, if you are lucky, the night of love! I will check me magic 8 ball for you!

In case you did not hear Forest History Center is in charge of our pre-show and the wonderful Bob Heinzen is our special guest. Last night they rocked the house, as only an 1800's lumberjack and an opera singer can (is Danny Boy opera???).

A couple of answers to questions people have asked.. yes, you can call us at 218-326-4158 for questions, a nice young man will answer anything you need to ask (just do not ask him about housework because he seems to be allergic). And ticket prices are $10/adults, $8/ seniors (62+), $5/ children (6-16), and children under 5 are free!!! AND remember Thursdays are 1/2 off.

Thanks need to go out today to Lake Country Power for the fabulous $500 that was granted to us to help restore the dock and some seating!! THANK YOU!

And did you go to Applebees last night??? If not why not??? It is way to hot to cook and Applebees is air-conditioned. Let the helpful staff serve you and make you feel good! Oh, and mention you would like 10% of your bill to go to Showboat. Just a thought!

See you tonight... I have tsearched all day and have picked out the perfect seat for you!!

Tonight is the Night

2009-07-09T08:08:00.000-05:00

Ready, Set, Lights!!! Spent last night redoing the lights, retaping the stage, and generally making sure that tonight nothing goes wrong!! But you say it looks like rain Madam Showboat?? And I say that no one likes a Debbie Downer. The satellite shows that the sky's will clear well before the curtain opens (if we had a curtain, but budget cuts and all). In fact as I write this the good ol' sun is trying to creep out and make the day so much shinier!!

Tonight we got thrills, we got shrills, we will make you so happy you will not even need your pills!! Our Pre-Show is the Forest History Center. I just confirmed with Ed Nelson and he says he is so nervous he may puke...my advice was to aim towards the water. Don't worry it is all natural, no harm will be done to the fish, don't call PETA on me!!

Our special guest will be Bob Heinzen. Okay I have to say this. He was in Showboat a couple of years ago and I kind of thought he was a punk kid, but OMG his voice is unbelievable. He has grown up to be such a wonderful young man. I was soooo wrong about him. He actually gave me chills when I heard him. Don't believe me, come on down and prove me wrong!!

Remember, tonight is 1/2 price ticket sales. I cleaned off your seat last night. And by chance if it rains (which it will not!!!) I will even dry it off for you before the show!

Applebees and Showboat Have Combined Forces

2009-07-08T13:32:00.001-05:00

So Applebees has started this program in which when you buy your meal and mention Showboat, 10% of your bill is donated to Showboat. That means that if you order a regular meal and dessert... a good $2.50 of your bill goes to Showboat. If you bring a date than a good $4.50 would be donated to Showboat. If you have a family reunion and bring even Aunt Marge (you know the one with a onion ring addiction that talks with her mouth open all the time which wouldn't be so bad but she refuses to use her dentures) then you will be able to donate at least $20.00. After all is said and done you will have donated $27.00, and you fed yourself, your hot date, and made the whole family think you are doing better than you really are.. even Aunt Marge! Sooo worth it if you ask me!

This is going on throughout July. When you give them your bill just say you want to donate to Showboat. It is called their Dine and Donate program. (At first I thought it was called the Dine and Dash program... but I was told that in that program no one makes any money!!)

You gotta eat, so why not help a local tradition at the same time. Plus now Applebees has some new salads, they are very tasty and just the right size for the summer appetite. And after that ask for the Captains Sundae: two heaping scoops of ice cream, hot fudge, carmal, whip cream, and a cherry...I mean come on you had a salad so of course you can have ice cream!!

A Little Shout Out to Some Local Business'

2009-07-08T09:10:00.000-05:00

Let's take a moment a give a little shout out to those business' that have given Showboat a little somethin' somethin' even though times are tough and money is non-existent.

If you are ever in the market for the stuff you put on your log home to make it less Grizzly Adams and more Bob Villa... this is the place to go. They have stains and other goopey stuff that will seal our wood and make it last forever. Feel free to call 218-326-4434 or go to their website http://www.loghelp.com/. They are beyond knowledgeable able and very nice to talk to!

Acheson Tires has been a Grand Rapids staple since horses needed training wheels (like you did not know that is how they learned to walk!) Have a flat, need new winter tires, looking to upgrade your old ones, or just love the smell of rubber (we do not judge) ... Acheson Tire is the place to go. I personally have been there many times and they never talk to me like a stupid girl. They have always been polite even when I describe things with sound noises and say thingy as a description! You can call them at (218) 326-4319 or visit their website at achesontire.com. They are in charge of fixing all the tires on the Showboat and we have never had a flat during a show ...come to think of it not even during rehearsal for that matter... wow they are good!

Itasca County Fairgrounds and Campground is a wonderful place to camp or bring your RV. Though I am not a camper, I hear they have all the amenities a camper may need. They also have a huge building that can be rented out for family reunions or if you just feel the need to sit in a big building and collect your thoughts. You can call them at (218) 326-6470.

Bloomers has some gorgeous flowers and trees. they are the landscaping specialists. Their crew is helpful and caring... even when you bring a plant back that they swore you could not kill and you did, but you feel really bad about it and just want them to take it back and maybe save it, but it is too late and they hold you while you cry because you are such a loser and how can you ever take care of a kid or dog or fish when you can't even take care of a plant! Um, bygones. Go to them.. they will take care of you like family! They can be reached (218) 326-0668 or visit their website at http://www.bloomersgardencentermn.com1037/.

Paul Bunyan Telephone offers Internet, phone, and cable services. This company deserves more than a shout out for their services... they deserve a shout out for all that they do for the arts. From bringing in Nickelodeon to donating to every arts organization in Itasca County. I do not know where any of us would be if it wasn't for them. They truly care, they truly want to make our place in the world a little better. And on a personal note, there is nothing better than the arts to bring out the self-esteem and imagination in a kid. Sports are good for competitiveness and all... but it is the arts that makes a person whole. Thank you Paul Bunyan Telephone for caring, you make possible for traditions to continue! Check out their website at http://www.paulbunyan.net/.

2 Days... Are you Ready??

2009-07-07T08:01:00.000-05:00

Two days until the boat comes rolling in. And this year we have a new pilot so do not be scared when he passes the dock a few times trying to get the right angle. Also, during his practice run he kind of ran out of gas... so any rescue boats out there... we may need you!

Once again we are doing the final check list. Dresses... check! Pants and hats...check, check! New audio equipment... well I have been promised that it will arrive by Wednesday so cross your fingers and send all of your UPS drivers to me! As for me, I will be re-taping the stage, positioning the lights and praying for sunny weather. If it does rain though, and I know this will not happen because I have a back-up plan, we are at the Davies Theater located at the side of ICC on Hwy 169 North. But, like I said once you are prepared, you never seem to need that back-up plan, right? And truthfully, I am a little scared that the new pilot might think he should meet us there with the boat!?! Could he get a seatbelt fine??

What can I tell you about the show? Well, Captain Larry is back with his jokes that will make you laugh. We have singing, dancing, and I have seen the magic act. I was amazed. I was stunned. I was... well why give it away? You will have to come and see for yourself. I have cleaned a seat for you right up in front so you will not miss a thing! See you this weekend!

4 Days... OMG 4 Days!!!

2009-07-04T15:54:00.000-05:00

We only have 4 days! The costumes are still being sewed and the props are being super-glued (that is a wonderful invention). And the cast is getting excited, which is good cause the crew is starting to bite their nails and seriously I have developed 7 new grey hairs. Oh... you won't see them on Thursday, I'm getting my hair done so that I look as fabulous as everyone else.

This show is good, okay this show is verging on greatness. But you say you are getting paid to say that! And I have to retort that no I am not getting paid. And that yes I am pleasantly surprised. When we started this journey last October, I did not think that the show would even be adequate. I thought we would have to throw together old acts and tired music and that this was our farewell song. But now...well, now I am optimistic. I think that this show can pull us out of the red and into the black. In think this show is new and fresh, and definitely worth seeing. I would come even if Thursdays were not 1/2 to all residents. I would even come on a Saturday that does not land on the first weekend when the full moon is (which is the best time to see the show). And to top it off this year we have new pilots... which means the bets are back on whether the boat sinks!! Just kidding... okay not really...the life preservers are on the boat though so no worries!!

I hope you are planning to be there. I hope you will be there. Okay I am telling you to be there. Don't let a 54 year tradition die because you are toooo busy. For the last 12 months, I have been busy too... saving Showboat!! Now I need your help, and yes I am begging, do not let my work and the casts work be wasted... I am saving a seat for you!!

Change Is in the Wind

2009-06-30T10:51:00.000-05:00

This last weekend has brought about a lot of wind. There is something brewing. Something new is coming. You can feel it in your bones. And what is it you say?? What could possibly be so new that even Mother Nature is taking notice??? Showboat that's what!!

From the new entrance, to the new cast, the new director, and even the new sound equipment; Showboat is polishing up its' final acts and getting ready. The boat to pulling into the dock, the final dress rehearsal is scheduled, and we are ready. We are excited. And we are waiting for you with open arms!!

After months and months of practice. The singless can sing and the danceless can dance. And most of all we feel like family. I have seen this cast go from young against old and newbies against veterans... too just a plain ol' family. The way they help each other out and the true emotion they show towards each other... well I guess you will just have to come opening night to see them, to feel it!!

I am proud of them and know you will be too! What's that you still have not bought any tickets?? You still do not have it marked on your calender?? Well, why not?? You do not want to disappoint the Captain do you??? I am begging you to not disappoint the Captain. It makes him grumpy and hard to deal with... even more so than usual! So be there or...well... just be there!!

It's Coming... Are You Ready!!

2009-06-17T09:41:00.000-05:00

Come one, come all and see the best production this Mississippi River has to offer. This year we are excited to present “Rich with Laughter” about a down on his luck Gambler looking for his pot-o-gold, but ends up in Grand Rapids instead. He soon learns, from the Captain and cast, that life is more than the money in your pockets… it’s also the friends and laughs you have along the way.

This year Showboat has more comedy, more singing, and more dancing than ever before. (Okay the singing and dancing are about the same… but the comedy is so much more!) And yes indeedy we have something for everyone! Do you like nuns? We have them! Do you like Floosies? We have them! Do you like Cowboys, cops and rag-a-muffins??? We have them, have them, have them, and more!! Do you like magic, hoedowns, and corny jokes??? We have those and the Captain, too!! That’s right; once again Captain Larry is navigating the boat and the show for the enjoyment of all audiences.

So, why are you not at the landing right now buying a ticket… what’s that you need more?? Well, let’s not forget that the Incredible John Schroeder is directing. The Showboat cast consists of both veterans and new, young, energetic people. The props are astronomical. The concessions, brought to us by Greenway Close-Up will be scrumptious. And the first weekend is a full moon. Everyone knows there is nothing better than seeing the Showboat during a full moon. For some reason the jokes are always funnier, the magic is always magicier, and the boat glows like a halo!

You still not convinced?? Fine. Every Thursday tickets will be ½ off for all local residents. That’s how much you mean to us. That’s how much WE want you there.

Now, there is no excuse not to be there. We have given you the talent, we have given you the nuns and cowboys, we have given you ½ off tickets on Thursdays. Now it’s your turn. Come and wave-in the Showboat riverboat as it crosses the Mississippi River the last three weekends in July (9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, and 25). Questions call 326-9607. Visit our blog at http://grshowboat.blogspot.com/.

A Little Shout Out to Our Friends

2009-06-17T09:12:00.000-05:00

This post is to the men and women who have helped keep Showboat going. To Paul Bunyan Telephone. They aer a HUGE contributor to the arts in Grand Rapids. In these tough times, this community is lucky to have such a generous company, especially the arts community. Between sponsoring programs and bringing in productions that normally would not come to Rapids... they deserve a big shout out!! Thank you ... thank you!!

KMFY/ KOZY. A shout out to this wonderful radio station. Though I do sometimes complain that their love affair with dead artists can depress me during the day... they are a wonderful friend to the local community. Between giving us air time to discuss our shows and reasonable commercial rates, I can not thank them enough. To Jim Lemke, Mike Davis, and crew we dedicate this years "Roll On" to you... plus I think it was written by a dead guy so you should feel right at home!

To The Reader from Duluth. Never heard of it? Never read it? Make it a point to devour this free newspaper whenever you are at the mall or at Country Kitchen. The articles are well written, the news is currant, and the personals will make you laugh your head off! A shout out to this wonderful newspaper that gives community events a great advertising price!! and you can get on their calendar for free!

There are more to mention, but I will end this one here. Be sure to make it a point to come to Showboat and show YOUR support for a local community event before it's too late. Showboat is done for the community by the community, but if the community does not show up...it seems wasted! Make sure you are there!!

So Showboat what have you Been Up To???

2009-06-10T19:02:00.000-05:00

So, I was walking down the street and someone yelled "Hey, Ms. Showboat what have you been up to?". Well let me tell you... with less then 5 weeks until show time, I have been very busy. Rehearsals have been taking up at least 3 of my weeknights (sometimes up to 5). I had a wonderful Sunday rehearsal in which the the Sun god blessed us with some wonderful weather. Props have been built and painted. Other props have been considered and some poo-pooed others accepted. Which ones you may ask... I guess you better come to the show to see!!

But, yeah, that is all well and good Ms. Showboat, but what else have you been doing? Well I have been busy selling ads for our new program and this year we are even doing

sponsorships. What is that you ask... well call me and find out!! I am planning on doing the Chamber Breakfast Connection on July 22, be there or be square. And the most important thing I have been doing is... well just making the best darn show you have ever seen on the Mississippi. What more could you possibly want!

So, now I turn the question to you... "Hey, my wonderful patron what have you been doing ??". And this is when you tell me how you have already planned what days (that is right... days!) you plan on coming to the show. You have told all of your friends, you have told everyone on your golf team, and you have not only told all of your relatives... but bought them all plane tickets to come and visit. Wow, now that is commitment. I am soooo choked up by that gesture... you made me blush. I will have a special seat just for you when you come. And as a special thank-you on Thursday everyone can come in for 1/2 ticket price.

Just say you saw it here, and tell the ticket person how you made me blush!!! See you soon... real soon

Kayaks on the Mississippi?

2009-06-04T09:36:00.000-05:00

What else do you get to see during a Showboat performance... kayaks. Thanks to Choir for pointing these out to us as they passed on by with nary a wake or wave.

Have you Met Our Director????

2009-06-04T09:16:00.001-05:00

Introducing the fast talking, fast walking John Schoeder. Some may remember him as the adorable Squeaks the Clown who used to unicycle his way around various summer events. Well, he has grown a little and become amazing a lot. He is exactly what Showboat has needed for a long time... a huge shot in the arm of youth and excitement. His ideas, though at times seem larger then life, are actually the stuff memories are made of. So why did he undertake this exhausting endeavor??? Because as he says "Though the staples of song and dance will still be present in Showboat, I hope to bring the variety back to vaudeville." That's right ladies and gents comedy, pratfalls and good old-fashioned moans and groans. (Trust me on this I have seen the script). Brady Bunch Variety Hour this is not. This is true entertainment at its best. So make sure you come and support out show this year. I promise (pinky swear) that you will have wonderful time.

Be A Tourist at Our Site

2009-06-03T18:02:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday night the Showboat crew were honored to host the VGR and their Hill Annex Mine Bus as they toured popular tourist destinations in our community. Last stop (and very best from what I heard) was Showboat as our tremendous trio (Dixine, Tanya, and Ruth) dazzled the audience of word-of-mouthers to two terrific tunes. Of course they were accompanied by the ever-so handsome Jim Mason (that man does make me swoon). They also got to hear a solo from one of Showboat's newest members... Iris. Some of you may remember her as the winner of this years Showboat Talent Show...and what a heart-stopper is she all dressed up and smiling away. Of course, we need to give a shout out to Craiglows Cake Kingdom for the wonderful cookies decorated as plying cards that fit our theme of the "Lonesome Gambler" so very well.

Thanks for stopping folks, but don;t forget to come on back and witness the whole show for yourself. I must remind you all that the very first weekend that boat comes rolling around the bend is a full moon night... and you know what that means?? I mean other than the werewolf repellent you have to add to your mosquito spray... but the brightest and prettiest show this side of the Mississippi. Nothing compares to hearing the Salute of Arms as our majestic flag glows against a awe-gazing full moon. Even now it makes me a bit teary eyed to think about!! Can't wait to see ya!! Oh, and if you too want to bring a Hill Annex busload.... go ahead... we can handle ya!!

More Rehearsal, but the Smiles are Breaking Out!

2009-06-03T09:30:00.001-05:00

Don't confuse Showboat with the Loveboat.

These youthful dancers are smiling in accomplishment! Kudos to Ivy and Jesse for mastering the twist and turn during last night's dance rehearsal. But they were not the only ones...

Deb, our extraordinary dance instructor, and Ethan, our potential pharmacy tech, also seemed to master the steps. Though knowing Ethan's two left feet, it may well explain the scowl and hand slap that Deb seems to be giving him in the picture.

Stay tuned...more pictures of our fabulous cast to follow as the nights grow longer and our choir bloom into the wonderful Showboat Singers we have grown to love!!

Rehearsal Should be a four Letter Word

2009-06-02T09:05:00.000-05:00

As the stage manager, it is often hard to witness rehearsals... you know being busy looking for and making props (okay, really I just gossip a lot, don't tell). But last night I witnessed one, and I was very pleasantly surprised. The chorus sounded and looked great, and the best part was they weren't really even trying, they were actually busy learning what can be done with two left feet. That's right, last night was the first dance rehearsal, and the weather could not have been better (though I do have to ask who ordered those vicious mosquitoes). The choir was in rare form as our dance director, Deb Hermiston (sp), 4-stepped them into lines and backed them into corners. I was very much impressed, and that doesn't happen easily.

Last night I also got the pleasure of seeing this year's dresses.... and wewww eyyy!.. Gina Hill has out done herself once again. The colors are magnificent. The cuts are unbelievable, the bows are bodacious, and the lace, it's enough to make any girl swoon with delight. Those dresses are simply going to glow on that first weekend during the full moon, and not from the radioactivity from the Mississippi, but from pure gorgeousness. You are coming right???

So there you have it folks, the show is only a few weeks away and we are looking more and more like a real production. Of course, it would help if the sound people could figure out how to turn on the electricity and plug in speakers correctly. I soooo had a time figuring that out last night. But in the end a handsome man in shinning armour saved me... and to him I say thank you... but no kiss of gratitude after all it is the 1900's and what kind of girl would that make me?!?

Oh.. the Life On the Mississippi River

2009-05-26T08:30:00.000-05:00

It seems the the Showboaters may have some company come this July as two very ambitious college students attempt to ride the river on a raft made by their own hands. Both seem to have had dreams of paddling on down the beast from Minnesota to New Orleans. They have been working diligently on their raft and are just about ready for take off. When all is said and done their Huckleberry Finn ride (called the Velvet Glove) will " be furnished with living quarters, camp stove and a steering mechanism attached by cables to an outboard motor and a trolling motor for added push. The couple also plan to take along a few chickens and ducks as egg suppliers".

Now I can understand the living quarters, though it is hard to slam a curtain when one is truly mad, but the chickens and ducks? Wouldn't it have been a lot easier to join the cast of the Mississippi Showboat and spend a lazy summer on the banks of the Mississippi. We would have even let them steer the boat for the full effect. Though we do have some divas, we have never been accused of having any ducks. Oh, okay, I must admit in past years some singers had sounded like they were squawking their way through "Roll On"... but not his year. This year we have the best of the best. The cream of the crop. And maybe, if you pick just the right night, you can wave at the poor souls on their homemade raft, as the chorus sings "My Huckleberry Finn and You".

Rehearsals? Where Have You Been?

2009-05-25T17:44:00.000-05:00

Rehearsals. How can I explain how important they are? Rehearsals are the backbone of every show. They are the heart that pumps life into every performance. They are the veins that hold the blood of every expeirence. They are the pumkin to pie. They are the sour cream to the baked potato. They are the Angelina to Brad. They are the... you get the picture! Oh, I know things come up in daily life and sometimes, and mind you sometimes, rehearsals need to be missed. You know like you break a hip or step on a scorpion... okay maybe not the scorpion because we need your voice not your foot, so that really is not an excuse. Or maybe you were kidnapped by foreign terrorists looking to find where we hide the boat. Maybe they need the boat to go to Cuba, because they are wanted here in little ol' Grand Rapids for jay walking (or littering) and are afraid they will end up with major jail time working for Matt (scary) Cheney. Or wait worse, they are the ones who stole the ruby slippers and Castro has offered a handsome ransom for them. So these guys kidnapped you for the whereabouts of the boat which they will take down the Mississippi into the Gulf and down to Cuba, but you refused to tell them unless they took you, 'cause after all it is way warmer in Cuba, I'd go maybe you should have them call me. But you still refused...even when they threatened to kidnap the Captain and make him sing to you, you are a strong person... and thank you for not giving away the boat location. So, okay, this time we forgive you missing practice... but next time bring the kidnappers, we could use the extra men. However, if you were not kidnapped... then you have no, may I repeat that, NO excuse for missing rehearsal. Especially this close to the show. Your songs need to be learned because in two weeks you will learn the dance steps, and then it is showtime. Yes, we are that close. As the weather is getting warmer (hear that Mother Nature the weather IS getting WARMER!!) you will be out on the landing entertaining the loons, and they are a hard audience to please! So you must make all the rest of the practices. You must show up without fail. Not only are we counting on you, but all of Itasca County, all of Minnesota, and all of the world. They want a fabulous Showboat, and you know... I have seen this cast, I have been wowed by this cast, and I know you are up to the challenge!! And if you are really good, maybe we will all go to Cuba... seriously I hear it is warmer!

Come See Us, Come Meet Us

2009-05-24T20:33:00.000-05:00

We have been busy preparing cast appearance opportunities. On July 6th Showboat is considering hitting the road to .... Bigfork. Bigfork is proud to present their new theater The Edge, and Showboat would love to help break it in. This would be a wonderful thing for those in the Bigfork area to come and witness the show, some for the first time. And if you like what you see, please make the journey down the beautiful Highway 38 to come see Showboat on the majestic Mississippi, where, truthfully, it needs to be seen. There is nothing quite like seeing the boat round the corner and dock in front of your very eyes. The excitement is too much to explain with mere words, but on a full moon night... it's like heaven on earth. By the way, the first weekend of Showboat is all full moon nights...hint, hint, hint!!

Our second planned appearance is July 22. Showboat is proud to present the Chamber Breakfast. Come eat donuts, break bread, and drink some very bad coffee, that's only if I make it! Showboat cast will gladly converse with you over how the show has been going and share their hopes for the last three shows. So don't miss this premier opportunity to get close and personal with a Showboatress.

Well Meaning Non-Profit Looking for Men!!

2009-05-19T18:59:00.002-05:00

Do you like being on the river? Watching beautiful sunsets? Dancing among the loons? We are looking for men: big men, small men, cute men, and tall men. We are looking for a few good men that can be dutiful dance partners and sensational singers (okay, not really just good enough so the dogs don't surround us). We are also still looking for some men to do our manly-man parts. The positions of the Sheriff and the Gambler is still up for grabs. And there is a poker game that ends in a barroom brawl!!! What more can a man ask for a night out!! You do not even have to buy us dinner!! (Though cookies are always welcomed warmly, especially warm cookies.) If you have ever wanted to be in Showboat... this is your year. Don't wait any longer! Surprise us with your talent, Enchant us with your voice Mesmerize us with your dashing good looks. Keeping all this to yourself just seems so... well so selfish, and wasn't that the one thing you promised to stop being during your new year resolutions?

So don't be like all the other men in our lives, call us at 326-4158 or just come to the landing... we will be waiting for you!

Showboat Singers Crash Central School Fishing Opener!

2009-05-13T18:05:00.000-05:00

Hey, did you see these ladies at the Opener Fishing Weekend at Central School? I heard there voices rocked the house (or lawn)!! Special thanks to Dixine for getting the talent together and coordinating this wonderful event. The ladies looked beautiful and the men dashing. And,as always, a very special THANK YOU to Mr. Jim Mason... have you ever seen a cuter piano man? After the grand performance the ladies and gents were passing out cards. If you were lucky enough to get one... hold on tight because that baby is worth two (2) dollars off each ticket bought in a party or by yourself. There is only a limited quantity so put it a special spot. In fact your house safe is probably the best idea. And if you do lose it by mere chance (don't worry wives, we will blame the husbands!!) we are offering 1/2 price Grand Rapid residents every Thursday! That means tickets will only by $5 on Thursdays! A better bargain you would be hard pressed to find!! So mark your calenders now and see these lovely ladies sing their hearts out again on the shores of Mississippi River!!!

Three Weeks In And What Do We Got?!?

2009-05-12T13:16:00.000-05:00

So... here we are three weeks in to rehearsals and we still are looking for two main characters for the show. Oh, where, oh where are you my gambler and sheriff? Are you two playing cat and mouse with the ruby slippers? That is old news... it is time to come out and join the cast of the Mississippi Melodie Showboat!

What else are we doing??? Well, with "Roll On" learned frontwards and backwards, we are on to bigger and better songs. This years show is a wonderful balance of song, skit and dance. We are sooo very proud of our new director, John Schroeder. Nothing seems to turn his smile upside down! Though we are busy trying!! (j/k)

Also, we are trying desperately to get a hold of anyone at The Edge in Bigfork. We would love to do a show there!?! no one answers the phone or returns emails. If anyone has an in up there, contact us at cheri.wright@mchsi.com.

And don't forget to buy your ads for the 2009 Showboat program. Our salesman, Christian Londos, has already been beating down some doors. He is not only selling ads, but this year we have sponsorships. $500 gets you an ad, display of your product, we display your banner,we create special posters with your name around the ticket booth, and do a cast created commercial during the show (kind of Milton Berle style). Until next time..... "Roll On you Miss...."

Did You Really Miss Auditions?

2009-05-06T19:59:00.000-05:00

To John Our New Director With Lots of LOVE!!!

Roll On You Mississippi....

2009-05-06T19:43:00.000-05:00

Rehearsals have started on our choir are sounding great!!! They have mastered "Roll On" and have now moved to bigger and better things. If only the weather would cooperate so we could move to the landing... life would be grand. Remember this years show is called "Rich with Laughter". The theme revolves around a gambler coming to the Poke Gama Hotel for a poker game in order to make his fortune. Much to his disappointment he finds that the Poke Gama is Pokegama, and located in a church loving community... or is it? We have nuns and floozies (seems more like Bovey j/k) hoe-downs and even a bar room brawl! And don't forget the Captains awful jokes. The winter has been long and he has been busy on his computer finding as many moaners and groaners as possible! We are still in need of two big men for cast members. The part of the gambler and the sheriff (or town cop if you like) are still up for grabs. You are interest or know a big guy that needs to spend the summer in the sun? Call John the director @ 256-0136. He's waiting to be amazed.

Did you get to Auditions??

2009-05-06T19:33:00.000-05:00

What is that? You missed auditions??? It is not too late! Are you one of those that has always wanted to be in showboat but afraid to try? Why? What is stopping you? Come on down to the sight or call the Showboat line and come on in. We need you and promise to not make fun of your singing because odds are you are soooo much better then you think!! So what are you waiting for? Clear you calender for the last three weekends in July and bring your dancing feet! This applies to all and especially YOU!!