Titanique

Titanique
2022 Off-Broadway poster
MusicVarious
LyricsVarious
BookTye Blue
Marla Mindelle
Constantine Rousouli
BasisTitanic
by James Cameron
Premiere14 December 2017: Sorting Room Theatre
Productions2022 Off-Broadway
2024 Australia
2024 West End

Titanique is a jukebox musical featuring music of Celine Dion, with a book by Tye Blue, Marla Mindelle, and Constantine Rousouli. The musical is a parody of the 1997 film Titanic, and the story is a retelling of the movie's events from Celine's perspective.[1]

The show premiered in Los Angeles in 2017. It premiered off-Broadway at The Asylum Theatre in June 2022, before later transferring to the Daryl Roth Theatre. At the 2023 Lucille Lortel Awards, the off-Broadway production won three awards, including Outstanding Musical.[2]

Premise

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In the present-day, Celine Dion hijacks a Titanic museum tour, where she claims to have survived the Titanic's sinking. Celine begins to narrate her version of what really happened to Jack and Rose, and the other characters from the movie on the night the Titanic sank.[3]

The musical is partially improvised, and uses several pop culture references, including references to RuPaul's Drag Race and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.[1][3]

Productions

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Los Angeles (2017)

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The show premiered at Los Angeles' Sorting Room Theater as a one-night-only experience titled Titanique: In Concert on 14 December 2017. Book writer Tye Blue directed with co-writers Marla Mindelle and Constantine Rousouli starring as Céline Dion and Jack, respectively, with music direction by co-creator Nicholas Connell who also arranged & orchestrated the music, joined by Alex Ellis, who starred as Rose.[4] Other cast members included Peter Porte, Tom Lenk, Drew Droege, Sebastian La Cause, Katherine Tokarz, Tom Detrinis, and Adam Zelasko.[5]

New York premiere (2018)

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The show held a limited engagement at New York City's Green Room 42 inside the Yotel hotel on 25–27 August 2018 with Mindelle, Rousouli, Ellis, La Cause, and Zelasko returning. Joining the cast were Stephen Guarino, Kathy Deitch, Mikhail Thompson, and Mykal Kilgore.[6][7] An encore six-concert run followed from 30 November to 3 December 2018.[8]

Off-Broadway (2022–present)

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A fully-staged off-Broadway production began previews at The Asylum Theatre in New York City on 14 June 2022, with an official opening on 23 June 2022. It was once again directed by Blue, music directed by Connell, and choreographed by Ellenore Scott. It starred Mindelle as Dion, Rousouli as Jack, Ellis as Rose, Frankie Grande as Victor Garber, Deitch as Margaret "Molly" Brown, Ryan Duncan as Ruth, John Riddle as Cal, and Jaye Alexander as The Iceberg. The creative team was rounded out with scenic design by Gabriel Hainer Evansohn, costumes by Alejo Vietti, sound design by Lawrence Schober, lighting by Paige Seber, and hair/makeup/wigs by Tommy Kurzman.[9] The production was seen by several people associated with the film, such as Garber,[10] as well as Dion's manager and publicist.[11]

The production closed on 13 November 2022 and re-opened on 20 November 2022, at the Daryl Roth Theatre with the same creative team. Several members of the company remained, except for Ellis, Deitch, Duncan, and Alexander, who were replaced by Carrie St. Louis, Desireé Rodriguez, Russell Daniels, and Avionce Hoyles, respectively.[12] Grande departed the show on 22 December 2022, and the role of Victor Garber was assumed by Wulf Clark, with Mark Evans taking over the role of Cal on 24 December 2022. Rosé assumed the role of Garber on 26 January 2023,[13] followed by Willam Belli who took over the role on 5 September 2023. The show is selling tickets through June 2024.[14]

The production won Lucille Lortel Awards for Outstanding Musical, lead performer in a musical (Mindelle) and costume design (Vietti). Also nominated were Scott for choreography and Riddle as featured performer.[15]

Australia (2024)

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An Australian production premiered at The Grand Electric in Sydney. The musical began performances on September 12, 2024, and stars Marney McQueen as Dion.[16]

Canada (2024)

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A Canadian production of Titanique will open at the Segal Centre for Performing Arts, in Montreal on 27 October 2024 before closing on 24 November 2024. The production will then transfer to the CAA Theatre in Toronto, where it will begin performances on 5 December 2024 and run through 12 January 2025.[17] Véronique Claveau will star as Dion.[18]

West End (2024–25)

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On 2 May 2024, it was announced that Titanique will make its West End premiere in 2024.[19] It will play at the Criterion Theatre from 9 December 2024 and is scheduled to play until 2 March 2025. Lauren Drew is confirmed to play the lead role of Céline Dion and the roles of Jack, Rose & Cal will be played by Rob Houchen, Kat Ronney & Jordan Luke Gage, respectively. Darren Bennett will play Victor Garber/Luigi, Stephen Guarino will play Ruth, Charlotte Wakefield will play Molly Brown & Layton Williams will play The Iceberg. Adrianne Langley, Madison Swan & Rodney Vubya will be Background Vocalists and Freddie King & Kristina Walz will be Offstage Understudies.

Planned Chicago production

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On July 22, 2024, it was announced that Titanique would make its Chicago premiere through Porchlight Music Theatre in Spring of 2025.[20]

Musical numbers

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Notes

  1. ^ The actor playing Seaman performs this song as Peabo Bryson
  2. ^ The actress playing Molly Brown performs this song as the "Irish Lady" character

Cast and characters

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Character Off-Broadway Australia Canada
2022 [21] 2022 [22][a] 2024 [23] 2024 [24]
Céline Dion Marla Mindelle Marney McQueen Véronique Claveau
Jack Dawson Constantine Rousouli Drew Weston Seth Zosky
Rose DeWitt Bukater Alex Ellis Carrie St. Louis Georgina Hopson Mariah Campos
Victor Garber Frankie Grande Matt Lee Mike Melino
Molly Brown Kathy Deitch Desireé Rodriguez Abigail Dixon Erica Peck
Ruth DeWitt Bukater Ryan Duncan Russell Daniels Stephen Anderson Constant Bernard
Cal Hockley John Riddle Keane Sheppard-Fletcher Michael Torontow
The Seaman / Iceberg Jaye Alexander Avionce Hoyles Abu Kebe Christopher Ning

Notable replacements

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Off-Broadway

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Notes

  1. ^ The musical played at The Asylum Theatre between June and November 2022, before being remounted at the larger Daryl Roth Theatre later in November 2022.[12]

Response

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Titanique quickly developed a devoted fanbase, primarily through word-of-mouth buzz.[25] The original off-Broadway production's popularity led to the musical moving to the larger Daryl Roth Theatre, where it has continually been extended due to popular demand. According to The New York Times, the musical has cultivated a fan army of "TiStaniques", with some having seen the musical over a dozen times.[25] GLAAD has attributed the musical's popularity to its unapologetic celebration of queer culture, campy humor, and pop culture references that have struck a chord with theater fans and the LGBTQ community.[26]

Critical response

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Titanique has received widespread critical acclaim. Elisabeth Vincentelli of The New York Times praised the show's absurdity and campy nature, mentioning that it fully embraces the over-the-top elements of both Titanic and Céline Dion.[27] Johnny Oleksinski of the New York Post similarly praised the show's campy humor, describing the show as "outrageously funny", and praised Mindelle's performance as Dion.[28] Likewise, Robert Hofler of The Wrap said the show was "really funny" and that it offers a refreshing take on familiar material.[29]

Charles Isherwood of The Wall Street Journal found the music to be "blandly adult contemporary", although he commented that the show was entertaining and praised the infectious joy of the cast.[30] James Kleinmann of The Queer Review highlighted the show's appeal to queer audiences, praising its witty book and rich array of pop culture references.[31] He noted that the production's campy and festive atmosphere sets the tone for a show that is "both beautifully crafted and joyfully irreverent".[31]

Awards and nominations

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2022 Off-Broadway production

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Year Award Category Nominee Result
2023 Lucille Lortel Awards[32] Outstanding Musical Won
Outstanding Leading Performer in a Musical Marla Mindelle Won
Outstanding Featured Performer in a Musical John Riddle Nominated
Outstanding Choreography Ellenore Scott Nominated
Outstanding Costume Design Alejo Vietti Won
Drama League Award Outstanding Production of A Musical Nominated
Distinguished Performance Award Marla Mindelle Nominated
Drama Desk Award Outstanding Book of a Musical Marla Mindelle, Constantine Rousouli, Tye Blue Nominated
Outer Critics Circle Award Outstanding Book of a Musical Marla Mindelle, Constantine Rousouli, Tye Blue Nominated
Outstanding Lead Performer in an Off-Broadway Musical Marla Mindelle Nominated
Off Broadway Alliance Award[33] Best New Musical Won
2024 Obie Award Distinguished Performance Marla Mindelle Won

References

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  1. ^ a b Bahr, Sarah (28 December 2022). "A 'Titanic' Parody Show That Draws Fans Near, Far, Wherever They Are". The New York Times. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  2. ^ Culwell-Block, Logan (7 May 2023). "Wolf Play, Titaníque Lead 2023 Lucille Lortel Awards; See the Full List of Winners". Playbill. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  3. ^ a b Gluck, Victor (22 August 2022). "Titanique". Theater Scene. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  4. ^ "The Sorting Room Presents 'Titanique' in concert". PerformingArtsLive.com. Retrieved 8 March 2023.
  5. ^ Musbach, Julie. "Take a Voyage on the TITANIQUE". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 8 March 2023.
  6. ^ McPhee, Ryan (14 June 2018). "A Titanic Musical Parody, Featuring Céline Dion Songs, Is Heading to New York". Playbill. Retrieved 8 March 2023.
  7. ^ Cristi, A. A. "Mykal Kilgore Joins TITANIQUE: IN CONCERT At The Green Room 42". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
  8. ^ "Titanique to Return for Encore Run at the Green Room 42". theatermania.com. 10 October 2018. Retrieved 6 April 2023.
  9. ^ "SL Magazine: Titanique – Daryl Roth Theater". titanique.stagelightmagazine.com. Retrieved 8 March 2023.
  10. ^ Glikas, Bruce. "Photos: Original TITANIC Star Victor Garber Visits TITANIQUE". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
  11. ^ "Titanique Breakout Marla Mindelle Reveals the Secret to Her Hilarious Céline Dion Impression". People. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
  12. ^ a b Putnam, Leah (13 October 2022). "Titanique to Transfer to Daryl Roth Theatre". Playbill. Retrieved 8 March 2023.
  13. ^ Culwell-Block, Logan; Putnam, Leah (21 December 2022). "Mark Evans and Drag Race Star Rosé Joining Titanique as the Musical Extends Off-Broadway". Playbill. Retrieved 8 March 2023.
  14. ^ Putnam, Leah (8 March 2023). "Titanique Extends Its Off-Broadway Voyage". Playbill. Retrieved 8 March 2023.
  15. ^ Culwell-Block, Logan. "Wolf Play, Titaníque Lead 2023 Lucille Lortel Awards; See the Full List of Winners", Playbill, 7 May 2023
  16. ^ Wild, Stephi (30 July 2024). "Cast Set For TITANIQUE in Sydney". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved 1 August 2024.
  17. ^ Gans, Andrew (2 May 2024). "Titanìque Musical Will Sail to London and Canada". Playbill. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
  18. ^ Friend, David (2 May 2024). "Céline Dion-driven musical comedy 'Titanique' to hit Montreal, Toronto". Global News. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
  19. ^ Wood, Alex (2 May 2024). "Titanique confirms plans for West End run". WhatsOnStage. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
  20. ^ Jones, Chris (22 July 2024). "'Titanique the Musical' parody show is headed to Chicago". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  21. ^ Glikas, Bruce. "Photos: New Musical TITANIQUE Sets Sail on Opening Night!". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 8 March 2023.
  22. ^ "Titanique Honors 25th Anniversary of Titanic with Special Off-Broadway Re-Opening Performance". People. Retrieved 8 March 2023.
  23. ^ Le Cross, Alannah (30 July 2024). "New York's cult-hit, Céline Dion-fuelled 'Titanic' parody is cruising into Sydney". TimeOut. Retrieved 31 August 2024.
  24. ^ Gans, Andrew (16 September 2024). "See Who's Starring in Canadian Production of Titanìque Musical". Playbill. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  25. ^ a b Handler, Rachel (22 August 2022). "'The Gays Are Here' Titanique, a jukebox fantasia that imagines Céline Dion survived the Titanic, has found its audience". Vulture. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  26. ^ Groome, Georgia (14 August 2023). "Not Your Average Gay Cruise: "Titanique" Goes Down as an off-Broadway Sensation". GLAAD. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  27. ^ Vincentelli, Elisabeth (29 June 2022). "'Titanique' Review: A Musical Finds Its Sea Legs". The New York Times. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
  28. ^ Oleksinki, Johnny (5 August 2022). "'Titanique' the musical review: Off-Broadway 'Titanic' parody is what your summer needs". New York Post. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
  29. ^ Hofler, Robert (13 December 2022). "'Titanique' Off Broadway Review: A Hilarious Jukebox Musical for Those Who Detest Them". TheWrap. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
  30. ^ Isherwood, Charles (12 January 2023). "'Titanique' and 'Little Shop of Horrors' Reviews: Two Off-Broadway Bright Spots". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
  31. ^ a b Kleinman, James (17 January 2023). "Theatre Review: Titanique (Daryl Roth Theatre, New York)". The Queer Review. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
  32. ^ Ingenthron, Blair (7 May 2023). "WOLF PLAY, TITANIQUE & More Win at the 2023 Lucille Lortel Awards". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 7 May 2023.
  33. ^ Culwell-Block, Logan (31 May 2023). "Fat Ham Is Off Broadway Alliance Awards' Best New Play; See the Full List of 2023 Winners". Playbill.com. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
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