Broadway Reviews: Did “Titanique” Triumph or Flounder?
The campy musical set to the songs of Céline Dion opened on Broadway at the St. James Theatre on April 12. Critics have begun publishing Broadway reviews and reactions to the production.
Roots and rise
The show began as a one-night concert in Los Angeles in 2017. It moved to Green Room 42 in New York the next year. A fully staged Off-Broadway production premiered in 2022.
Originally billed as a limited engagement, the piece became a cult hit. It later moved to the Daryl Roth Theatre for a three-year run that ended last year.
International reach
Producers have mounted productions beyond New York. Stagings appeared in Australia, Canada, London’s West End, Chicago, and Paris.
Its London premiere earned Olivier recognition for one cast member. That success helped fuel the Broadway transfer.
Critical reception
Broadway reviews are arriving from major outlets. Critics from The New York Times, Variety, The Guardian, Entertainment Weekly, Deadline, and others have weighed in.
Early responses vary as reviewers debate whether Titanique triumphed or floundered on the Main Stem. Some praise the show’s energy and humor. Others question its tone and theatrical choices.
Book and music
The book was written by Marla Mindelle, Constantine Rousouli, and Tye Blue. Nicholas James Connell handled music supervision, arrangements, and orchestrations.
The concept reimagines the 1997 film Titanic as a send-up set to Céline Dion songs. Its blend of parody and pop music drives audience expectations.
Broadway company
Several artists reprise roles from earlier productions. Marla Mindelle plays the Céline Dion figure. Constantine Rousouli and John Riddle return in lead parts.
New to the Broadway cast are Jim Parsons, Deborah Cox, Melissa Barrera, and Layton Williams. Williams recreates his Olivier-winning portrayal from London.
Supporting artists and casting
Background vocalists include Sara Gallo, Polanco Jones, and Kristina Leopold. Understudies listed are Tess Marshall, Brad Greer, and Kyle Ramar Freeman.
Casting was led by Rachel Hoffman of The Telsey Company.
Creative and production team
The original creative team largely reunited for Broadway. Tye Blue directs, with Ellenore Scott choreographing.
Design credits include Gabriel Hainer Evansohn and Grace Laubacher for scenic work, Alejo Vietti on costumes, Paige Seber on lighting, Lawrence Schober on sound, and Charles G. LaPointe on hair and wigs.
Rick Steiger serves as production stage manager. ShowTown Theatricals acts as general managers. Geoffrey Ko is music director, and Eva Price heads the producing team.
Where to find more
Producers and ticketing information are available at TitaniqueMusical.com. Filmogaz.com will continue to follow reviews and box office developments.
