Previews have begun for Show Boat in Sydney ahead of its Opening Night on April 7. It is the first major musical to be staged in the Lyric Theatre of the Star City Casino Complex, and is also the first international production of this Hal Prince directed version. With a budget in excess of ten million dollars the show is being jointly produced by Livent and the Melbourne-based Marriner Theatres,which owns three major Melbourne stages. The cast of 65 includes major local 'name' performers such as Nancye Hayes as Parthy, Barry Otto as Cap'n Andy and Peter Cousens as Ravenal.
A lavish after-show party is planned for next Tuesday night's premiere. Organised by Elaine Marriner it will have a strong southern theme and will be staged in the Casino courtyard overlooking Sydney Harbor.
Bookings( 61-2-92664033) --By Peter Ford
Australia Correspondent
