The history of the American musical theatre, quite simply, is divided into two eras: everything before Show Boat, and everything after Show Boat. Before Show Boat, most musicals were light-hearted boy-meets-girl frolics. By contrast, Show Boat told a serious story about three-dimensional characters with whom the audience could identify and for whom genuine compassion could be felt.

All tracks are digitally remastered for optimum sound quality, and included as a special bonus with this studio cast recording are rare gems from various recordings of the most revived musical ever to grace the stage.