The 'Cotton Blossom' sailed into Sydney Harbor Feb. 17 to be welcomed with flags, jazz bands and excited Sydney crowds. This publicity exercise attracted wide media attention in the lead up to the April 7 opening of Livent's Show Boat.
Sydney turned on magnificent weather for the entire cast to sign autographs and posters and be officially welcomed by Sydney Lord Mayor Frank Sartor. Australia will host the first international production of this version beating London by three weeks. The show has just started rehersal at the Betty Pounder Rehersal Studios ahead of moving into the Lyric Theatre of the Star City Casino complex. Show Boat will be the first major musical to play in this venue and the cast is headed up by Barry Otto (Cap'n Andy), Marina Prior(Magnolia), Dan Tullis Jr(Joe) and Nancye Hayes (Parthy). Previews from March 26,opens April 7. Bookings (61-2-)92664033.