Gina Beck and Michael Xavier Star in SHOW BOAT, Beginning Tonight at the Crucible

This month, Sheffield Theatres will bring to life one of the most romantic musicals of all time, when their lavish new production of Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II's epic musical, Show Boat, opens on the Crucible stage from tonight 10 December until Saturday 23 January.

When Magnolia falls deeply in love with a handsome stranger, they set off on an adventure to the big city. But can their love survive away from the banks of their beloved Mississippi? Guaranteed to sweep audiences off their feet this Christmas, this classic show features a live orchestra, a stunning set and an unforgettable score that includes the soaring melodies of Make Believe, Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man, the show-stopping Ol' Man River.

Spanning 40 pivotal years in American history, this powerful story of love, loyalty and freedom is directed by Daniel Evans (Anything Goes, Oliver!, My Fair Lady) and features a cast of talented performers including double Olivier nominee Michael Xavier (Into The Woods, Love Story) as dashing Gaylord Ravenal and Gina Beck (Wicked - West End and US Tour, Phantom of the Opera - Her Majesty's, LES MISERABLES - Queen's Theatre) as Magnolia Hawks. They are joined by Lucy Briers (Wolf Hall & Bring Up The Bodies - West End and Broadway) who returns to Sheffield, as Parthenia Hawks, Allan Corduner (Homeland, Hello Dolly - Regents Park Open Air Theatre) as Captain Andy Hawks, Emmanuel Kojo (Kiss Me Kate, Scottsboro Boys) as Joe, Sandra Marvin (City of Angels, Hairspray, Chicago, Kate Bush's Before Dawn) as Queenie and Rebecca Trehearn (Ghost - UK Tour, City Of Angels) as Julie La Verne.

Completing the company are Ian Carlyle (Charlie), John Coates (Sherrif Ike Vallon), Danny Collins (Frank Schultz), Adam Dutton (Windy), Akintunde Esuruoso (ensemble), Nolan Frederick (Jake), Bob Harms (Steve Baker), Victoria Hinde (Dottie), Cristina Hoey (ensemble), Linda John-Pierre (ensemble), Linford Johnson (ensemble), Kate Milner-Evans (Mrs O'Brien), Maria Omakinwa (ensemble), Ryan Pidgen (Pete Gavin), Kenny Thompson (ensemble),Tosh Wanogho-Maud (Willy) and Alex Young (Ellie May Chipley).

Tickets for Show Boat can be purchased from Sheffield Theatres' Box Office in-person, by phone on 0114 249 6000 or online at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk and are priced from £20.00 (concessions available). A transaction fee of £1.50 (£1.00 online) applies to all bookings made at the Box Office (excluding cash).