Joe Nathan Column -- Visually stunning and constantly silly. That's how I'd describe this year's University of Minnesota Showboat production. I'd strongly urge spending a couple of afternoon or evening hours on the Showboat, which is anchored on the Mississippi River in downtown St. Paul.

Cast members of the University of Minnesota Showboat production take a bow. (Photo credit to Leiah Stevermer, University of Minnesota Showboat and Theatre)

by Joe Nathan

Visually stunning and constantly silly. That's how I'd describe this year's University of Minnesota Showboat production. I'd strongly urge spending a couple of afternoon or evening hours on the Showboat, which is anchored on the Mississippi River in downtown St. Paul.

"Is there a Doctor in the House,” is the 51st production put on by University of Minnesota students during the summer. The laughs, boos and cheers are continuous during the 2-1⁄2-hour production (with one intermission). And the production is a wonderful reminder of how drama can add a lot to our lives.

As is often the case in such summer productions, audience involvement is strongly encouraged. In essence, we are encouraged to be for the young people in love, and to challenge the greedy, selfish characters. You know who wins in the end – but not before lots of misunderstandings, misinterpretations and mistakes.

The cast is uniformly strong. Skyler Nowinski convinces us that he is a silly hypochondriac, constantly asking for a doctor (as in the production's title). Noah Putterman is a strong emcee (who also walked around before the show started, flirting gently with members of the audience). Elizabeth Griffith and Mikaela Krantz skillfully enhance the production with their enthusiasm.

Special credit ought to go to Jason Lee Resler, Costume designer, Katrina Benedict, Master Tailor, and Susan Pettigrew, Costumer Shop Manager (and a University of Minnesota faculty member). The costumers are bright and beautiful. They add a great deal to the production.

So does the music – there are many lovely tunes, usually done by two or more of the cast members. James Barnett plays a great piano. Kenneth Noel Mitchell, the musical's manager, also serves as a University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater Acting Program faculty member. Give him credit for a visually and vocally outstanding production.

The river and the riverboat have to be cited. My wife and I arrived early and walked along the river for 30 minutes, enjoying the beautiful early evening and dozens of families using the nearby playground, as well as an informal soccer field they had created on the great lawn fronting the river in Harriet Island Regional Park. Walking along the river, and onto the boat, adds to the experience.

The Showboat also serves a resource for other youngsters interested in theatre, conducting workshops for them later this summer. More information is available by sending a note to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

"Is there a Doctor in the House?” continues through Aug. 29. Tickets are available by calling 651 227-1100, or by going to http://www.Showboat.umn.edu

Many communities feature summer productions. I hope readers will attend and support them. Like the University of Minnesota Showboat, they often provide summer employment for students. The best plays and musicals, like the Showboat, stay with us long after we attend them. We recall them fondly, for the laughter, insight and sometimes, inspiration they provide.

Joe Nathan, a former public school teacher and administrator, directs the Center for School Change, Humphrey Institute, University of Minnesota This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

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