The Showboat 'Majestic' is permanently moored at Cincinnati's Public Landing, and has been declared a National Historic Landmark. It is reported to be America's last original and fully intact showboat, continuing the American tradition of floating theaters that traveled to different towns putting on performances
The Majestic was built in 1923 and traveled up and down the River Ohio, taking its first trip to Pittsburgh. It was built by a Captain Thomas Jefferson Reynolds as both a floating theater and home to his family. His seven children and many of his relatives were involved in the performances.
It was later used by the University as a summer theater for its students, who put on the first Shakespeare play on board the Showboat. Due to new safety legislation in the mid-1960s the Majestic was prohibited from traveling on the river. It was purchased by the City of Cincinnati in 1967, and is now a professional summer stock theater. Local performers put on a series of musicals, classic comedy and dramas each summer season, continuing a tradition aboard the Majestic that has lasted for over 80 years. The 'Frostbite Follies' take place in the weeks before Christmas and feature holiday and Christmas favorites, audience participation and improvisation.
Visit this intimate theater for a unique experience and maybe spot the actors of the future — Hollywood stars, Sara Jessica Parker and Kevin Klein have both acted in plays here. During the summer there are tours of the Showboat that includes viewing artifacts, posters and a video presentation of the landmark.
