The Showboat Story
Watch "Showboat: The Legacy" produced to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Minnesota Centennial Showboat:(note that the video begins with 10 seconds of black screen)
About the Showboat
Whether you’re a fan of mystery, comedy, or musicals, the Minnesota Centennial Showboat is a spectacular destination for live theatre. Docked at Harriet Island Regional Park on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, the Showboat is truly an eye-catching attraction on the Downtown Saint Paul riverfront. Inside, guests are sent back in time by the interior’s Victorian-era decor and grand staircase. But the Showboat’s richest feature is its intimate 225-seat jewelbox theater.
The University
of Minnesota opened the original Centennial Showboat on campus in 1958 to
celebrate the 100th anniversary of Minnesota’s statehood. In 1993—and 36 seasons
later—it was decided that the Showboat should be closed to begin a very long
process of raising funds for, and completing, its much-needed renovations.
Tragically, in the winter of 2000, half way through renovations the Showboat
was ignited by an errant welding spark and burned to its hull.
Thankfully, through generous donations and partnerships with the Padelford
Packet Boat Company and the City of Saint Paul, a new Minnesota Centennial
Showboat was built. On July 4, 2002, it debuted at its new permanent home,
docked at Harriet Island Regional Park across from Downtown Saint Paul.
Showboat Timeline
1899 The General John Newton, a 175-foot-long paddlewheeler, is commissioned. Over the years, it is used as a maritime courthouse and is visited by at least four U.S. presidents.
1958 The boat is purchased by the University of Minnesota for $1 from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In celebration of the state's centennial, the General John Newton is renamed and transformed into the Minnesota Centennial Showboat.
1958 The Showboat, anchored on the Mississippi River on the University's East Bank campus, opens its floating theater with the Showboat Players production of Under the Gaslight.
1993 In need of major repairs, the Showboat closes with Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap.
1994 – 1999 All energies are put toward the capital campaign and renovation of the Showboat. Captain Bill Bowell of the Padelford Packet Boat Company indicates interest in the project, while St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman announces plans for the Showboat’s permanent home at Harriet Island Regional Park.
Jan. 27, 2000 Fire, set by an errant welding spark, destroys the original Minnesota Centennial Showboat.
Dec. 8, 2000 University of Minnesota's Board of Regents approve partnership between the College of Liberal Arts,
the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance, and the Padelford Packet Boat Company to build a brand new showboat. Construction of the new showboat begins in Greenville, Mississippi.
April 17, 2002 The Minnesota Centennial Showboat arrives at its new docking site at Harriet Island Regional Park. Hundreds are there to welcome its triumphant return.
July 4, 2002 The new Centennial Showboat, named the Frank M Whiting, opens with Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
August 2004 A joint scholarship is formed between the Padelford Company and the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance.
January 2005 At the Minnesota Meetings and Events magazine ‘Best of” Awards, the U of M Showboat Players receive “Best Entertainment“ and the Showboat is named “Most Unique Venue"
June 2008 The Showboat celebrates its 50th anniversary with The Count of Monte Cristo, directed by Peter Moore with olio direction by Vern Sutton.
July 2008 The Showboat Alumni Reunion takes place on Harriet Island.
