THEATRE REVIEW: "Titaníque" at the Daryl Roth Theatre (New York, NY)

      On the afternoon of October 20th, 2024, Kathryn and I saw a performance of the off-Broadway musical parody "Titaníque."  We saw the show at the Daryl Roth Theatre, where the show has been playing since November of 2022.  Prior to that, "Titaníque" played at the Asylum Theatre, also in New York City, since June of 2022.  Unless the show gets extended again, "Titaníque" will play its final Off-Broadway performance on January 12th, 2025.  However, productions of the show are opening in many different locations, including the West End, Sydney, and Chicago.  






     The cast that Kathryn and I saw featured Dee Roscioli (Celine Dion), Marcus Antonio (The Seaman, Iceberg), Tommy Bracco (Victor Garber, Luigi), Cayleigh Capaldi (Rose Dewitt Bukater), Sara Gallo (Background Vocalist), Shawn W. Smith (Background Vocalist), Billie Aken-Tyers (Background Vocalist), Lisa Howard (Molly Brown), Terrence Williams Jr. (Cal), Joel Waggoner (Ruth), and Michael Williams (Jack Dawson).  As far as I know, the only member of this amazing cast I had seen in a show before was Dee Roscioli.  At the end of 2008, my family and I saw her play Elphaba in the Chicago Production of "Wicked" shortly before it closed.  I remember it was about ten degrees outside that night, and that her rendition of "Defying Gravity" could barely be heard over the orchestra--at least from where I was sitting.  Her voice was perfectly audible in "Titaníque" though.



Kathryn and I outside the Daryl Roth Theatre. 



     Some jokes in "Titaníque" poked fun at the movie "Titanic."  Some jokes poked fun at Celine Dion.  Some jokes poked fun at the person telling the jokes.  In some instances, the "pokes" were more like jabs.  But the show, and the cast, recovered quickly with yet another joke.  It is hard to find falt with this technique in "Titaníque" when everyone sang so beautifully.  Just when the show began to go down hill, another powerhouse rendition of a Celine Dion song would start, and the show would be saved.  





  


     While "Titaníque" was not my favorite show, I definitely liked it more than some of the other musical parodies I've seen.  "Cruel Intentions" and "Friends" were made into musical parodies, and I liked "Titaníque" better than those.  I hear that people have gone back to see "Titaníque" again and again.  While there were some things I liked about the show, once was probably enough for me.  



P.O.V. Playbill Photo taken from my seat at "Titaníque."



     Even though the musical wasn't all that great, I'm glad I got to see Kathryn again, and that this theatre excursion was made possible.  While I've gone to the theatre a lot this past year, it was extra special this time because I got to see a show with a dear friend.  It was a fun day full of laughs, and that makes seeing even the worst show of shows worthwhile.  There are many plays and musicals out there that are so bad that they are good.  While I'm not saying "Titaníque" falls, or sinks, into that category... I am not saying it doesn't either.   













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