The University of Minnesota is canceling its summer season at the Minnesota Centennial Showboat this year, citing financial shortfalls.
The showboat, which is anchored at Harriet Island in St. Paul, did not have a season last year because of flooding, which resulted in lost revenue. In previous years, the 200-seat showboat has been the site of melodramas such as "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," which had more than 60 performances.
"It costs a minimum of $30,000 just to open the doors of the Showboat and another $40,000 to produce" the shows, said Marcus Dilliard, chair of the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance.
He added that total production budget for the entire academic year is $75,000.
"Showboat losses have a significant impact on the department's ability to create performance opportunities for our students in our West Bank facilities," he said.
Rohan Preston • 612-673-4390
