Broadway in Chicago and Porchlight Music Theater present the Chicago Premiere Production of TITANIQUE.
Most people have heard of the 1912 tragic sinking of the Titanic. Many people saw the “Titanic” movie and have a grasp on the Jack-door controversy. Yet, until now, few people are aware of a music legend’s involvement in this historic catastrophe. Céline Dion is in Chicago and ready to set the record straight (gay). The Grammy Award-Winning Diva is the shero in herstory! It’s time the world knew the iconic power when Céline f#cking Dion is on board!
The creative team of Marla Mindelle, Constantine Rousoull and Tye Blue wrote the book on this homage to Céline Dion. They debuted their musical parody in 2017 with Mindelle as Céline, Rousoull as Jack and Blue directing. The show reimagines James Cameron’s “Titanic” from the perspective of its most famous survivor, Céline Dion. The campy script is nonstop culture pop hilarity. The smart dialogue is interlaced with the best of the Canadian songstress’ hits. The concept is totally original. And the execution is a fast-paced quips and schticks. TITANIQUE is A TRIP!
Director Blue is once again at the helm. He masterfully surges forward at full throttle to create an epic spectacle. His all-Chicago cast balance their comedic antics with powerhouse singing (Dr. Michael McBride-music direction). In the lead, Claire Kennedy McLaughlin (Céline) is unapologetic about her enchantress talent. McLaughlin belts out solos, harmonizes duets, and embellishes her role in taking on an iceberg. She is sublime as she commands -and deserves- the spotlight. And since the entire ensemble is outstanding, there is plenty of competition for that spotlight.
One of the best numbers is McLaughlin, a fierce Abby C. Smith (Molly Brown), and Maya Rowe (Rose) singing “Tell Him.” Although the singing is superb, the bawdy subtext steals focus as McLaughlin and Smith prep Rowe to lose her virginity. As star-crossed lovers, Adam Fane (Jack) and Rowe’s courtship has both hand-holding sweet innocence and brazen raunchy twerking. Fane and Rowe excel at hitting all the right notes in their singing and slapstick. Jackson Evans (Victor/Luigi) delights with playful zest. And the handsomely wicked Adrian Aguilar (Cal) plays over-privileged cad to perfection.
A solid reason to buy a ticket AND a returning ticket is Rob Lindley (Ruth). Lindley is brilliant in a strong woman rant. It starts with Joan Crawford scolding her daughter and ends with Dixie Carter explaining about the lights going out in Georgia. In between, he quotes other bad ass ladies as he justifies his actions. Hysterical! And huge nod out to Understudy Eric Lewis for stepping into a principal role and crushing it! Lewis plays multiple parts. As a tour guide, he’s adorable. As a celebrity cameo, he croons a soulful “Beauty and the Beast.” And as the Iceberg, he is a vivacious superstar!!
TITANIQUE is a must-see for people who like their tragedies with a side of snark, their romance with hints of yeast infection and their Céline Dion immortal and running the ship! Although the show has already extended to accommodate demand, get your tickets soon. I predict audiences will be buying return tickets on this fantastical voyage.
Running Time: One hour and fifty-five minutes with no intermission
At Broadway Playhouse, 175 E. Chestnut
Based on the 1997 movie “Titanic”
Book by Marla Mindelle, Constantine Rousoull and Tye Blue
Featuring songs by Céline Dion
Music directed by Dr. Michael McBride
Choreographed by Kasey Alfonso
Directed by Tye Blue with Michael Weber
Performances are:
Tuesday through Thursday: 7:00 PM
Wednesday matinees at 1:00 PM on select weeks
Friday & Saturday evenings at 7:30 PM
Saturday matinees at 2:00 PM
Sunday matinees at 1:00 PM
Sunday evening performances at 6:30 PM on select weeks
EXTENDED thru July 13
For more information or tickets
Production photos by Michael Brosilow
For more Chicago theatre information and reviews, please visit Theatre in Chicago
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