Showboat debuts with talented musicians, singers, dancers
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POLSON — Showboat was the high point of summer when K.C. Sorenson was a kid.
“I remember playing with a bunch of high school kids, jazz and pop,” Sorenson said.
The showboat also showcased resident musicians.
“This town has a lot of local talent,” he said. “Showboat is a chance for them to get out there and be seen by people.”
That’s one reason Sorenson was interested in resurrecting the showboat. Another was that is “something fun for the whole family to do,” he said, adding that the venue also fit his band, KC and the Valley Cats.
So with help from Joann Sagmiller and a bunch of other talented folks, the showboat came back to Polson on July 18 from 4 to 7 p.m.
The original showboat had vaudeville roots.
In keeping with that heritage, Steve Pickel was the interlocker — what vaudeville called an emcee — and directed the show as well as instigating a free-will collection for the Boys and Girls Club.
A bluegrass group sang a few songs, KC and the Valley Cats performed, and the Shamrockers belted out some Irish tunes. Karen and Neal Lewing brought a group of performers from “Breaking Up is Hard to Do,” a musical featuring the music of Neil Sedaka. It opens at the theatre on the golf course July 23 and plays until Aug. 9. Also performing were the Singing Sons of Beaches.
An audience fresh from the Flathead Cherry Festival sat on the grass at Sacajawea Park and enjoyed the entertainment, singing along or dancing when the mood took them.
Sorenson is hoping the showboat will become an annual event; and from the number of toes tapping, others might agree.
