Setting sail after a 21-week run in Los Angeles, Livent's Tony Award winning production of Hal Prince's Show Boat has docked in Denver, where the $10 million revival runs at the Buell Theatre in the Denver Center for a limited engagement.

Starring in the Denver production as Parthy is Cloris Leachman, who is best remembered by T.V. audiences as "Phyllis," and has also received an Oscar for her performance in The Last Picture Show, along with her six Emmy Awards. Len Cariou, who won the Tony Award for his original portrayal of Sweeney Todd, plays Capt'n Andy.

The production also features Michael Bell, who has played Joe since the original 1993 production, and Kevin Gray, Broadway and touring veteran, as Gaylord Ravenal.

Some local actors have also been cast. Five kids under the age of 10 from the Denver area were selected out of a pool of 80 who auditioned. Show Boat associate resident director, Steve Minning said of the youngsters, " They're important in that they help round out the on-stage community and kick-off one of Susan Stroman's great dance numbers."

The 90 member cast is part of the largest production to tour in recent history, including 500 costumes, 500 props, the "Cotton Blossom" floating theatre, wagons, cars, and more. Show Boat, with music and lyrics by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein, has begun preview performances, and officially opens April 23. For tickets or more information, please call (303) 893-4100, or (303) 830-TIXS.

--By Blair Glaser