Minnesota Centennial Showboat

Imagine a floating stage, a grand spectacle on the Mississippi River. This is not just any theater; it’s the Minnesota Centennial Showboat, a symbol of Minnesota’s rich theatrical heritage. This majestic vessel, a testament to a bygone era, has entertained audiences for over half a century. Its story begins with a dream, a vision of a showboat theater on the Mississippi. In 1956, this dream started to take shape when the University of Minnesota’s theater department saw an opportunity to commemorate the state’s centennial. A perfect boat was discovered: The General John Newton, a 175-foot-long sternwheeler built in 1899. The University acquired it for a mere dollar, a symbolic price for a vessel that would become an iconic piece of Minnesota history. Within a few months, the General John Newton, transformed into a 210-seat theater complete with Victorian-era decor, was ready to welcome its inaugural audience. On June 26, 1958, the Minnesota Centennial Showboat opened its season, captivating the Twin Cities with a production of Augustin Daly’s 1867 melodrama, “Under the Gaslight”. This marked the beginning of a legacy that would span over fifty years, providing students with the opportunity to learn, grow and perform in a unique and professional environment. The Showboat became a training ground for many talented actors who went on to have successful careers in theater and film. Loni Anderson, Linda Kelsey, and Peter MacNicol are just a few who honed their skills on the Showboat’s stage. The boat also featured “olios”, lively song-and-dance numbers performed between acts, adding a touch of vaudeville flair to the experience. In 1969, the Showboat stopped touring and settled into a stationary mooring site on the Mississippi River, its performances captivating audiences on the east bank of the University campus. But in 2000, a tragic fire destroyed the original boat. The community rallied around the cause, and a new Showboat, christened the Frank M. Whiting, was built and launched in 2002. Sadly, though, the Minnesota Centennial Showboat closed its curtains for the final time in 2016. The University’s agreement with the City of St. Paul expired, and budget constraints forced the closure of this beloved theatrical landmark. The boat, however, found a new home in Winona, Minnesota, where it continues to inspire and entertain audiences. The Minnesota Centennial Showboat, with its rich history and legacy of artistic excellence, will forever be a part of Minnesota’s cultural fabric.