STAGE REVIEW : ‘Show Boat’ Goes for a Lively Cruise in Fullerton

Director Rob Barron finds the right current, brisk but not turbulent, in the Fullerton Civic Light Opera’s “Show Boat,” offering a production that steers gracefully through Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein’s bountiful score.

Barron, who avoids diluting the songs with indulgent theatrics or jarring, beside-the-point choreography, gets help from a very capable cast. There are few shallow spots in the singing, and the acting, while brightly colorful, rarely goes overboard. The many sets (uncredited), Jenny Wentworth’s costumes and Donna Ruzika’s lighting all complement the effort.

And this “Show Boat” does have some remarkable moments.

When Charles McCowan, as Joe, takes off in the signature “Ol’ Man River,” it’s a genuinely moving experience that fully expresses the song’s mix of melancholy and rage. McCowan, with his rich bass rising in anger, his arms thrusting at the audience, conveys the ineffable frustration of the black man in the South at the turn of the century.

As Julie, Cass Powell makes “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man” a sensuous mud-flats aria, and Rita Jonet Baretta and Jim Wall as the lovers Magnolia and Ravenal give “Make Believe” as much romantic commitment as it deserves.

On the humorous side, Barron, who also performs as the comedian Frank, and Polly Seale as his partner, Ellie, give a juicy treatment to “I’ll Fall Back on You.” Seale, who was one of the only highlights in FCLO’s lethargic “Oklahoma!” a few months ago, is also a hoot in “Life Upon the Wicked Stage.” And animated Ray Erlenborn as Captain Andy Hawkes is good fun just about every time he turns up.

Based upon Edna Ferber’s novel of the same name, “Show Boat’ was originally thought not suitable for the stage because of its subtext of miscegenation, as portrayed in the relationship between Julie and Stephen Baker. But it finally was produced in 1927 and has become one of the most revived vehicles ever.

However, it has walked a fine line with modern audiences for years, mainly because it is set during an unenlightened time and generally portrays its black characters in cliches of the day. Some may still find offense with its portrait of Queenie as sort of an Aunt Jemima on the levee, but at least in Fullerton Roslyn Holloway gives her a spirited self-confidence amid all the belly laughs and “yessums.”

And McCowan infuses Joe with an undeniable dignity that overcomes even the simplistic sketching of his role. The plot may center on Magnolia, Ravenal, Julie and Captain Andy, but the eminent impression is of Joe, in “Ol’ Man River,” reaching out to tell his story.

‘SHOW BOAT’

A Fullerton Civic Light Opera production of Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein’s musical. Directed and choreographed by Rob Barron. With Dan Stroud, John Wood, Terry Kuyper, Roslyn Holloway, JoAnn Campanella, Mike Canney, Ray Erlenborn, Polly Seale, Rob Barron, Cass Powell, Jim Wall, Ronald Sheehan, Rita Jonet Baretta, Charles McCowan, Bob Goodwin, Pamela Vargo, Jerry Anderlik, John Bryden, Todd Larson, Sherry Bill, Craig Lillywhite, Robert Goff, Leon Davis, Kim Peterson, Lorraine Kreuz, Benjamin Burns and Holly McDonald. Musical direction by Benton Minor, Lighting by Donna Ruzika. Costumes by Jenny Wentworth. Plays Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. through March 5 at the Plummer Auditorium, corner of Lemon Street and Chapman Avenue, Fullerton. Tickets: $11 to $20. (714) 879-1372.