Commonly referred to as a return engagement, this production of Show Boat was actually a revival. Producer Florenz Ziegfeld had fallen on hard times after a string of six flops in three years (Show Girl, Bitter Sweet, Simple Simon, Smiles, Ziegfeld Follies of 1931, and Hot-Cha!), gambling debts, and the stock market crash. In need of cash, he revived one of his most successful shows.
Ziegfeld took advantage of the crash and it's hardship on actors and was able to round up many of the original principals from the original production.
He decided to use Paul Robeson for Joe instead of Jules Bledsoe (who originated the role). Robeson had been the original choice in 1927 but had been unavailable when rehearsals began. He played the role in the 1928 London production.
For Ravenal, he decided to use then-star Dennis King rather than the original Howard Marsh. Marsh had been criticized in reviews for his wooden acting. King had starred in several Broadway operettas. He was, however, a high baritone and not a tenor. His debonair image, however, was perfect for Ravenal.
Rehearsals began on April 18, 1932.
The top ticket price was $3. Some seats were as low as 50¢.
The production opened cold on Broadway without a tryout tour.
The principals' weekly salaries were:
- Helen Morgan (Julie): $1250
- Norma Terris (Magnolia): $500
- Dennis King (Ravenal): $1000
- Edna May Oliver (Parthy): $1000
- Eva Puck (Ellie): $1250
- Sammy White (Frank): $1250
- Charles Winninger: $1000
- Tess Gardella (Queenie): $500
- Paul Robeson (Joe): $1500
Ziegfeld died on July 22, part way through the run. A.C. Blumenthal took over as producer.
Right after opening, the production was the highest grossing on Broadway at the time. During the summer months, however, business tapered off (as happens with many shows). To keep the show running, the cast agreed to take a salary cut. A few weeks later, they agreed to another cut which reduced their salaries to 50% of what they were at opening. It was clear that the principals agreed to the pay cuts to keep the chorus members employed, since the principals could all have easily gotten more work.
Charles Winninger (Cap'n Andy) planned to reduce his performances when he agreed to star as Captain Henry on the weekly NBC radio series Show Boat. William Kent was to take over Thursday nights but the radio show and Broadway schedule were too much for Winninger. On October 17, Kent took over the role entirely.