Titanique

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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 Canada
2024 West End
2025 Chicago
2025 Paris
AwardsLaurence Olivier Award for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play

Titanique (sometimes stylized as Titaníque) 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 Dion'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 (2022–2025)

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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 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.[12]

In November 2022, the production transferred to 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.[13] Mark Evans took over the role of Cal, and Wulf Clark was a replacement as Garber, on 24 December 2022. Rosé assumed the role of Garber on 26 January 2023,[14] followed by Willam Belli who took over the role on 5 September 2023.[citation needed] The show closed at the Daryl Roth Theatre on 29 June 2025.[citation needed]

Australia (2024-25)

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An Australian production premiered at The Grand Electric in Sydney. The musical began performances on 12 September 2024, and stars Marney McQueen as Dion.[15] Due to popular demand it was extended, finally closing on 22 June 2025.[16][17]

Canada (2024-25)

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A Canadian production of Titanique opened at the Segal Centre for Performing Arts, in Montreal on 27 October 2024 before closing on 24 November 2024. The production then transferred to the CAA Theatre in Toronto, where began performances on 5 December 2024 and will run through 12 January 2025.[18] Véronique Claveau stars as Dion.[19] Due to popular demand, the Toronto engagement was extended for two weeks, through 19 January 2025.[20] After this, the production played a return engagement at the Segal Centre between 2 to 16 February 2025.[21]

West End (2024–26)

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Titanique opened in the West End at the Criterion Theatre in previews on 9 December 2024, with an official opening on 9 January 2025. It is scheduled to play until 7 June 2026.[22] It starred Lauren Drew as Celine Dion, Rob Houchen as Jack, Kat Ronney as Rose, Darren Bennett as Victor Garber, Charlotte Wakefield as Margaret "Molly" Brown, Stephen Guarino as Ruth, Jordan Luke Gage as Cal, and Layton Williams as The Iceberg. [23] In June 2025 Houchen, Ronney, Guarino, Gage and Williams left the production, they were replaced by Luke Bayer, Hiba Elchikhe, Carl Mullaney, Richard Carson and Tosh Wanogho-Maud respectively.[24] Astrid Harris took over the role of Dion on 15 July 2025. Jenny O'Leary took over the role of Brown on 22 July 2025. Tim Walton took on the role of Garber on 2 September 2025. Ryan Carter took over the role of The Iceberg on 7 October 2025. It adopts British cultural references such as Gemma Collins, EastEnders and Jonathan Bailey's musical dance number "Dancing Through Life" in the film Wicked.[25][26] It was nominated for three Olivier Awards, winning Best Entertainment or Comedy Play and Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Layton Williams.

Chicago (2025)

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A licensed, non-replica production of Titanique, produced by Porchlight Music Theatre and directed by Tye Blue[27] premiered at the Broadway Playhouse on 25 March 2025.[28] Due to popular demand, the Chicago run, starring Clare Kennedy McLaughlin as Céline Dion, was extended two additional months to 13 July 2025.[29]

Paris production (2025)

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The musical opened in Paris, France on 24 April 2025 at the Théâtre du Lido on the Champs-Élysées.[30]

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 West End Paris
2022 [31] 2022 [32][a] 2024 [33] 2024 [34] 2024[35] 2025[36]
Céline Dion Marla Mindelle Marney McQueen Véronique Claveau Lauren Drew Astrid Harris
Jack Dawson Constantine Rousouli Drew Weston Seth Zosky Rob Houchen Oliver Bales
Rose DeWitt Bukater Alex Ellis Carrie St. Louis Georgina Hopson Mariah Campos Kat Ronney Jess Aubrey
Victor Garber Frankie Grande Matt Lee Mike Melino Darren Bennett Tim Walton
Molly Brown Kathy Deitch Desireé Rodriguez Abigail Dixon Erica Peck Charlotte Wakefield Jenny O’Leary
Ruth DeWitt Bukater Ryan Duncan Russell Daniels Stephen Anderson Constant Bernard Stephen Guarino Andrew Pepper
Cal Hockley John Riddle Keane Sheppard-Fletcher Michael Torontow Jordan Luke Gage Sam Ferriday
The Seaman / Iceberg Jaye Alexander Avionce Hoyles Abu Kebe Christopher Ning Layton Williams Damien Winchester

Notable replacements

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Off-Broadway

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Notes

West End

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  • Céline Dion: Cayleigh Capaldi - Temporary Standby, Astrid Harris
  • Jack: Luke Bayer
  • Rose: Cayleigh Capaldi - Temporary Standby, Hiba Elchikhe
  • Victor Garber: Tim Walton
  • Ruth: Carl Mullaney
  • Molly Brown: Jenny O'Leary
  • Cal: Richard Carson
  • The Seaman/Iceberg: Tosh Wanogho-Maud, Ryan Carter
-
  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.[13]

Response

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Titanique quickly developed a devoted fanbase, primarily through word-of-mouth buzz.[37] 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.[37] 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.[38]

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.[39] 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.[40] Likewise, Robert Hofler of The Wrap said the show was "really funny" and that it offers a refreshing take on familiar material.[41]

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.[42] 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.[43] He noted that the production's campy and festive atmosphere sets the tone for a show that is "both beautifully crafted and joyfully irreverent".[43]

Awards and nominations

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2022 Off-Broadway production

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Year Award Category Nominee Result
2023 Lucille Lortel Awards[44] 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[45] Best New Musical Won
2024 Obie Award Distinguished Performance Marla Mindelle Won

Original West End Production

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Year Award Category Nominee Result
2025 Laurence Olivier Awards Best Entertainment or Comedy Play Won
Best Actress in a Musical Lauren Drew Nominated
Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical Layton Williams 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. ^ "Wolf Play, Titaníque Lead 2023 Lucille Lortel Awards; See the Full List of Winners". Playbill. Archived from the original on 23 February 2025. Retrieved 10 July 2025.
  13. ^ a b Putnam, Leah (13 October 2022). "Titanique to Transfer to Daryl Roth Theatre". Playbill. Retrieved 8 March 2023.
  14. ^ 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.
  15. ^ Wild, Stephi (30 July 2024). "Cast Set For TITANIQUE in Sydney". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved 1 August 2024.
  16. ^ "'Titanique' Will Go On: This Céline Dion-Fuelled Stage Musical Is Extending Its Australian-Exclusive Sydney Season". Concrete Playground. 11 February 2025.
  17. ^ "Titanique". Michael Cassel Group.
  18. ^ Gans, Andrew (2 May 2024). "Titanìque Musical Will Sail to London and Canada". Playbill. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
  19. ^ Friend, David (2 May 2024). "Céline Dion-driven musical comedy 'Titanique' to hit Montreal, Toronto". Global News. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
  20. ^ Wild, Stephi (17 December 2024). "Titanique Extends at Toronto's CAA Theatre". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  21. ^ rédaction, L'équipe de (5 January 2024). "TITANIQUE : L'hilarante comédie musicale de retour à Montréal!". Fugues (in Canadian French). Retrieved 10 July 2025.
  22. ^ Gumushan, Tanyel. "Titanique extends and issues West End casting update , WhatsOnStage, September, 16, 2025
  23. ^ Gans, Andrew (8 October 2024). "Lauren Drew, Jordan Luke Gage, Layton Williams, More Will Star in West End Titanìque". Playbill. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  24. ^ Gumushan, Tanyel and Wood, Alex. Titanique announces new West End cast, WhatsOnStage, May, 2, 2025
  25. ^ Selman, Chris (10 January 2025). "There's camp and then there's Titanique, London's gayest new show - review". GAY TIMES. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
  26. ^ "Titanique, Criterion Theatre review - musical parody sinks despite super singing". theartsdesk.com. 10 January 2025. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
  27. ^ Jones, Chris (22 July 2024). "'Titanique the Musical' parody show is headed to Chicago". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  28. ^ "Titanique Overview". Archived from the original on 21 June 2025. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
  29. ^ "Titanìque Extends Chicago Run". Playbill. Archived from the original on 21 June 2025. Retrieved 21 June 2025.
  30. ^ Gans, Andrew (18 December 2024). "Titanìque Musical Will Dock in Paris Next Year". Playbill. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
  31. ^ Glikas, Bruce. "Photos: New Musical TITANIQUE Sets Sail on Opening Night!". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 8 March 2023.
  32. ^ "Titanique Honors 25th Anniversary of Titanic with Special Off-Broadway Re-Opening Performance". People. Retrieved 8 March 2023.
  33. ^ 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.
  34. ^ Gans, Andrew (16 September 2024). "See Who's Starring in Canadian Production of Titanìque Musical". Playbill. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  35. ^ Gans, Andrew (8 October 2024). "Lauren Drew, Jordan Luke Gage, Layton Williams, More Will Star in West End Titanìque". Playbill. Retrieved 17 December 2024.
  36. ^ "Titanique". Porchlight Music Theatre. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
  37. ^ 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.
  38. ^ Groome, Georgia (14 August 2023). "Not Your Average Gay Cruise: "Titanique" Goes Down as an off-Broadway Sensation". GLAAD. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  39. ^ Vincentelli, Elisabeth (29 June 2022). "'Titanique' Review: A Musical Finds Its Sea Legs". The New York Times. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
  40. ^ 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.
  41. ^ Hofler, Robert (13 December 2022). "'Titanique' Off Broadway Review: A Hilarious Jukebox Musical for Those Who Detest Them". TheWrap. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
  42. ^ Isherwood, Charles (12 January 2023). "'Titanique' and 'Little Shop of Horrors' Reviews: Two Off-Broadway Bright Spots". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
  43. ^ a b Kleinman, James (17 January 2023). "Theatre Review: Titanique (Daryl Roth Theatre, New York)". The Queer Review. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
  44. ^ Ingenthron, Blair (7 May 2023). "WOLF PLAY, TITANIQUE & More Win at the 2023 Lucille Lortel Awards". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 7 May 2023.
  45. ^ 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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