Target Margin Theater, in collaboration with NYU Skirball, is set to present 'Show/Boat: A River,' a contemporary reimagining of the original 1927 musical 'Show Boat,' directed by David Herskovits.

Director David Herskovits aims to create an ensemble-driven production that incorporates modern considerations in casting and performance.

This adaptation seeks to address unresolved themes from the original work, particularly focusing on issues of race and identity in America.

The ensemble cast features a diverse group of performers, including Alvin Crawford, Caitlin Nasema Cassidy, Témídáyọ Amay, and Philip Themio Stoddard.

Originally groundbreaking, 'Show Boat' was the first musical to integrate its music and plot, presenting complex characters and realistic themes.

Based on Edna Ferber's 1926 novel, 'Show Boat' explores America's social changes from the 1880s to the Jazz Age, highlighting themes of racism and the pursuit of justice.

The story follows a troupe of performers on a showboat, tackling serious issues like racism and addiction while remaining entertaining.

Since its premiere, 'Show Boat' has been revived on Broadway six times and adapted into three films, with notable versions released in 1936 and 1951.

The musical's script and score have undergone numerous revisions to update outdated elements and remove offensive material from its original version.

'Show/Boat: A River' will be part of the 2025 Under the Radar Festival, with performances scheduled from January 9 to January 26, 2025, and an opening night on January 15.

The creative team includes co-music directors Dionne McClain-Freeney and Dan Schlosberg, choreographer Caroline Fermin, and scenic designer Kaye Voce.

As of 2023, the original version of 'Show Boat' has entered the public domain, allowing for reinterpretation in new productions, including this one by Target Margin.