Apparently the only thing that could come between Jack and Rose is Celine Dion.
If that sounds unlikely then it’s probably why “Titanique” has been such a resounding success. The laugh-out-loud show is both a parody of James Cameron’s 11-time Oscar-winning 1997 mega-film “Titanic” and a loving salute to Canadian singer Dion who, as a character in the piece, delivers her version of the story of Jack and Rose, via a shipload of her hits including “My Heart Will Go On,” “All By Myself,” and “To Love You More,” backed by a full live band.
As the New York theatre scene slowly recovered from the pandemic, “Titanique” emerged as a smash hit, attracting critical acclaim and multiple awards since its Off-Broadway premiere at the Asylum Theater in June 2022. (The production moved to the larger Daryl Roth Theater in November of that year.)
Co-written by Tye Blue, Marla Mindelle (“Sister Act,”) and Constantine Rousouli (“Cruel Intentions,” “Hairspray”), “Titanique” is also directed by Blue (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”) and choreographed by Ellenore Scott (“Funny Girl,” “Little Shop of Horrors”), with music supervision, arrangements, and orchestrations by Nicholas James Connell.
“I think ‘Titanique’ is a hit because it’s really, really funny. There’s a casual queerness to it, which people are living for,” Blue explained to Out Magazine back in January.
“And the comedy and the jokes set it apart from other jukebox musicals, like the ones on Broadway right now. We also have one of the best catalogues of songs on the planet mixed with one of the most beloved movies on the planet. It’s just a strong concept.”
“Titanique” is also set to open in Chicago, Toronto, Montreal and London’s West End, but its exclusive Sydney docking will mark the production’s international debut with support from the NSW Government via its events agency, Destination NSW.
The Australian cast has just been announced, with music/theatre/cabaret triple threat Marney McQueen (“Hairspray”) starring as The Queen of Power Ballads herself, Dion. The dreamy dreamer Jack Dawson will be portrayed by Drew Weston (“Die Bully Die,” “The Housemate”) with Georgina Hopson (“Ragtime,” “Phantom of the Opera”) as the sweet ingénue, Rose Dewitt Bukater.
Also starring are Matt Lee (“We Will Rock You,” “Rent,” “Grease”) as Victor Garber, Stephen Anderson (Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia!) as Rose’s overbearing mother Ruth, Keane Sheppard-Fletcher (“Phantom of the Opera”) as Rose’s lover Cal, Abu Kebe (“Tina”) as The Iceberg and, in her professional debut, Abigail Dixon as the “Unsinkable Molly Brown”.
The show’s Australian producer, Michael Cassel, simply cannot wait to share the show’s heartfelt irreverence and indeed, everyone is invited to the parody.
“We know how much Sydney loves a great night out and unabashed escapism, and Titanique is the perfect show for both of those things,” he says. “We can’t wait to share this side-splittingly funny show with audiences here in an exciting new venue and give you the most incredible take on Cline Dion and Titanic you have ever seen.”
“Titanique” sets sail at The Grand Electric in Surry Hills from September 12th. Tickets are available at titaniquemusical.com.au.