Titanic: The Musical
Maury Yeston and Peter Stone’s musical about the ill-fated ship. Billed as a “stunning and stirring production focusing on the hopes, dreams and aspirations of her passengers who each boarded with stories and personal ambitions of their own.” The 10th London anniversary production was filmed live in the UK in 2023.
Where to watch
- Select cinemas across the United States on Nov 4 & 8, 2023 via Fathom Events.
- BroadwayHD (USA only)
- Sky (UK and Ireland only)
theatrical history
Broadway Production
With music and lyrics by Maury Yeston, and book and story by Peter Stone, Titanic: A New Musical was an original musical based on the real-life stories of the passengers and crew of the ill-fated infamous luxury liner, the RMS Titanic.
Maury Yeston was reportedly inspired to write a musical about the the Titanic following a confluence of events — the discovery of the wreckage in 1985, the tragic events of the Challenger space shuttle shortly after in 1986, along with Yeston’s own experiences of class difference whilst studying at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom.
As noted by the press, although the musical was set to open on Broadway without an out-of-town try-out, and without any starry names on the billboard, it was believed that the infamy of the ship and the musical’s title would be enough to draw audiences to the theatre.
The musical was directed by Richard Jones, with choreography by Lynne Taylor-Corbett, musical direction by Kevin Stites, orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick, scenic and costume design by Stewart Laing, lighting design by Paul Gallo, and sound design by Steve Canyon Kennedy.
The Broadway cast included Michael Cerveris (Thomas Andrews), John Cunningham (Captain Smith), Brian d’Arcy James (Frederick Barrett), David Garrison (J. Bruce Ismay), Bill Buell (Edgar Beane), Victoria Clark (Alice Beane), Allan Corduner (Henry Etches), David Costabile (1st Officer William Murdoch / Second Class Passenger), Alma Cuervo (3rd Class Passenger / Ida Strauss), David Elder (1st Class Passenger / 2nd Class Passenger / Frederick Fleet), Larry Keith (3rd Class Passenger / Isidor Straus), Martin Moran (Harold Bride), Jennifer Piech (1st Class Passenger / Kate McGowen), Don Stephenson (Charles Clarke), Clarke Thorell (1st Class Passenger / Jim Farrell), Adam Alexi-Malle (3rd Class Passenger / Bandsman Bricoux / Quartermaster Robert Hichens), Becky Ann Baker (3rd Class Passenger / Charlotte Cardoza), Matthew Bennett (3rd Class Passenger / 3rd Officer Herbert J. Pitman / The Major), Judy Blazer (Caroline Neville), John Bolton (2nd Class Passenger / 2nd Officer Charles Lightholler), Mindy Cooper (2nd Class Passenger / 3rd Class Passenger, Edith Corse Evans), Lisa Datz (3rd Class Passenger / Madeleine Astor), Jody Gelb (3rd Class Passenger / Eleanor Widener), Kimberly Hester (3rd Class Passenger / Mme. Auvert), Erin Hill (1st Class Passenger / Kate Mullins), Robin Irwin (3rd Class Passenger / Marion Thayer), Joseph Kolinski (3rd Class Passenger / Benjamin Guggenheim), Theresa McCarthy (1st Class Passenger / Kate Murphey), Michael Mulheren (3rd Class Passenger / John B. Thayer), Stephanie Park (Stewardess Hutchinson), Michele Ragusa (Stewardess Robinson), Ted Sperling (3rd Class Passenger / Chief Engineer Joseph Bell / Wallace Hartley), Mara Stephens (3rd Class Passenger / Bell Boy), Henry Stram (3rd Class Passenger / Frank Carlson / George Widener), Andy Taylor (3rd Class Passenger, 4th Officer Joseph Boxhall / Bandsman Taylor / J.H. Rogers), William Youmans (3rd Class Passenger / J.J. Astor).
With a budget of $10million, Titanic: A New Musical was to begin previews at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on March 27, 1997, however the show was beset with technical issues and the first three previews had to be cancelled as a result, delaying the first preview until March 29. The issues were reported in The New York Times as “small technical problems with the sets, some affecting transitions between scenes, others involving the hydraulic system that tilts the ship.” Critic Frank Rich noted after attending a preview performance that “a technical snafu halted [the show] abruptly for a few minutes in Act One,” much to the delight of the audience. It was was rumored that the show may not even make it to opening night.
Following 26 previews, Titanic: A New Musical officially opened on Broadway on April 23, 1997.
The musical received lukewarm reviews.
New York Times reviewer Ben Brantley stated the musical “…doesn’t sink. Unfortunately, that is also probably the most exciting thing that can be said about it.” Although Brantley praised the “admirably efficient piece of narrative, able to squeeze in a vast roster of characters,” and Stewart Laing’s “technically astonishing sets,” Brantley described Titanic as “hokey and stereotyped” and felt that the show ultimately provided only a surface level understanding of the people aboard the ship.
Despite the lukewarm reviews, Titanic was nominated for, and won, a slew of awards including 5 Tony Awards, a Drama Desk Award, and 2 Outer Critics Circle Awards (see Awards and Nominations below).
Titanic: A New Musical opened 85 years after the ship’s sinking, and in a time of renewed public interest in the ship. As Frank Rich reported in The New York Times in mid-April 1997, the Halcyon was hosting an exclusive recreation of “the last dinner on the Titanic,” a new documentary aired on the Discovery Channel, and James Cameron’s $200million film adaptation was set to be released in the summer, and a Titanic exhibition featuring over 300 artifacts from the ship had just opened in Memphis. Rich argued that
“The current Titanic fever… reflects our arrival at the first technological revolution since [the nuclear age]. We know that come the new millennium our jobs, culture and economy will be radically transformed in ways we can't yet fully picture by an infallible digital technology most of us at best half-understand.”
After 804 regular performances, Titanic: The Musical closed on Broadway on March 28, 1999. Despite running for nearly two years, the musical failed to recoup its initial investment.
European Premier
A new chamber version of Titanic was first performed in 2012 at the Hangar Theatre in Ithaca, New York. It was directed by Don Stephenson who played Charles Clarke in the original production, with musical supervision by Kevin Stites (original musical director). Ian Weinberger served as musical director and conductor. The chamber version reduced the cast from 43 to 25, and the orchestra from 26 to 6 players. Other original Broadway cast members Alma Cuervo, William Youmans, and Drew McVety also appeared in the new version.
The chamber version of Titanic: The Musical opened at the Southwark Playhouse in London on July 26, 2013. The production was set for a limited 6 week engagement.
Produced by Danielle Tarento in association with Southwark Playhouse, the musical was directed by Thom Southerland, with musical staging by Creddisa Carré, set and costume design by David Woodhead, lighting design by Howard Hudson, sound design by Andrew Johnson, orchestrations by Ian Weinberger, and projection design by Victor Craven. David Warwick served as the production manager, and Tamima Kirk was the deputy stage manager.
The cast featured James Austen-Murray (Barret), Dominic Brewer (Lightoller), Greg Castiglioni (Andrews), Scarlett Courtney (Kate Mullins), Matthew Crowe (Bride), Jonathan David Dudley (Bellboy/Hartley), Grace Eccle (Kate Murphy), Philip Rham (Captain Smith), Celia Graham (Alice Beane), Simon Green (Ismay), Oliver Hembrough (Edgar Bean), James Hume (Pitman/Etches), Sia’n Lloyd (Murdoch), Claire Marlowe (Caroline Neville), Shane McDaid (Jim Farrell), Leo Miles (Fleet), Nadim Naaman (Charles Clarke), Dudley Rogers (Isidor Strauss), Victoria Serra (Kate McGowan), and Judith Street (Isa Strauss).
Ian Weinberger’s new orchestrations included a string quartet, two keys and percussion.
The Southwark Playhouse production received rave reviews. While sometimes noting the unevenness of the book, critics almost unanimously praised the intimacy of the epic musical in a small space, the performances of the cast, Thom Southerland’s direction, and Maury Yeston’s score. Several critics also made note of the fact that the musical was a far cry from the James Cameron film, and that the original production had opened on Broadway prior to the film’s cinematic release.
Stephen Collins, writing for BritishTheatre.com, praised Maury Yeston as “a genius,” and enthused “This is, easily, one of the best ensemble pieces the London Fringe has ever produced.” In a review for Musical Theatre Review, Patrick Honore stated “All in all, this is a must-see production… which should transfer or be recorded in some form or another…”
In a review for The Guardian, critic Lyn Gardner noted “the classiness of the score and book ensure it is never mawkish, and Southerland's beautifully sung revival keeps things simple and fluid on David Woodhead's cleverly austere design. Best of all, there are some seriously cracking performances from a first-class ensemble.”
Writing for The Independent, Paul Taylor described the production as “a hymn to the idea that 'small is beautiful’.” Taylor complimented the “The contrast between the epic nature of the story and the intimacy of the venue,” noting that it created “an emotional power that threatens to blast the roof off.” Taylor also praised the “cracking cast” and Yeston’s “beguiling” score.
In a review for Official Theatre, Dom O’Hanlon praised the “beautifully intimate production,” particularly noting David Woodhead’s “effective set… that manages to capture the atmosphere perfectly, without the need for smoke and mirrors,” and Yeston’s score which “resonate[d] around the space with such commitment and zeal that you are left somewhat overwhelmed by the sound.” O’Hanlon also acknowledged Mark Aspinall’s music direction, describing it as “tight, sensitive and focused.”
The Southwark Playhouse production won 4 Off West End Theater Awards, including Best Musical Production, the most of any production that year (see Awards and Nominations below).
The Southwark Playhouse production closed on August 31, 2013.
The chamber production of Titanic played at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto between May 19 and June 21, 2015. The production featured retired opera star Ben Heppner as Isidor Straus.
It was hoped the Southwark Playhouse production would transfer to Broadway in the 2014-15 season, however due to a lack of suitable theatre availability, the transfer did not occur.
The musical returned to London at the Charing Cross Theatre in May 2016.
The Southwark Playhouse production embarked on a UK national tour, launching in Southampton on April 12, 2018. In a five-star review for the The Stage, theatre critic Mark Shenton described the tour as a “Heart-rendingly powerful production of a modern musical theatre masterpiece.”
2023 - 10th London Anniversary Tour
See Film History below.
International Productions
Titanic has been performed around the world in new productions. The musical has also been translated into multiple languages including Japanese, French, Dutch, German, Czech, Finnish, Norwegian, Korean, Hungarian, and Danish.
In Concert
On February 17, 2014 Manhattan Concert Productions presented a concert version of Titanic at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall in NYC. The concert was directed by Don Stephenson, and conducted by Kevin Stites.
The cast, which included many of the original actors, featured Becky Ann Baker (Charlotte Cardoza), John Bolton (Charles Lightoller), Johnathan Brody (John B. Thayer), Scott Burkkell (George Widener/Frank Carlson), Joseph Castinado (Bellboy), Michael Cerveris (Thomas Andrews), Mindy Cooper (Edith Corse Evans), Allan Corduner (Henry Etches), David Costabile (William Murdoch), Alma Cuervo (Ida Straus), John Cunningham (Captain E.J. Smith), Brian d'Arcy James (Frederick Barrett), Lisa Datz (Madeleine Astor), David Elder (Frederick Fleet), David Garrison (J. Bruce Ismay), Jody Gelb (Eleanor Widner, Erin Hill (Kate Mullins), Robin Irwin (Marion Thayer), John Jellison (Edgar Beane), Joseph Kolinski (Benjamin Guggenheim), Theresa McCarthy (Kate Murphey), Drew McVety (Herbert J. Pitman/J.H. Rogers), Martin Moran (Harold Bride), Jill Paice (Caroline Neville), Mary Michael Patterson (Latest Rag Dancer), Jennifer Piech (Kate McGowan), Michele Ragusa (Alice Beane), Ron Raines (Isador Straus), Ryan Silverman (Charles Clarke), Ted Sperling (Joseph Bell/Wallace Hartley), Cary Tedder (Latest Rag Dancer), Clarke Thorell (Jim Farrell), and William Youmans (J.J. Astor).
Titanic (Film) and Titanique
James Cameron’s $120 million blockbuster film, also called Titanic, was set to open in cinemas in the summer of 1997, however did not premier until December 1997. Starring Leonardo diCaprio and Kate Winslet, the film became a box office smash. To date, it has earned $2.257 billion in revenue and is currently the fourth highest-grossing film of all time
A musical parody of the film, Titanique: Une Parodie Musicale, featuring songs by Celine Dion and co-written by Marla Mindelle, Constantine Rousouli, and Tye Blue, was livestreamed from Le Poisson Rouge in New York City via Stellar Tickets on May 2, 2021. The livestream was subsequently made available on demand between May 3 and May 5, 2021. Directed by Tye Blue, the cast included Marla Mindelle (Céline Dion), Constantine Rousouli (Jack), Alex Ellis (Rose), Frankie Grande (Victor Garber), Kathy Deitch (Molly Brown), Kyle Ramar Freeman (Iceberg Bitch), John Riddle (Cal), Sam Given (Ruth), and Jalynn Steele and Courtney Bassett in the ensemble.
Titanique: Une Parodie Musicale opened off-Broadway at The Asylum Theatre on June 14, 2022. After closing on November 13, 2022, the musical re-opened at the Daryl Roth Theatre on November 20, 2023 where it is currently scheduled to play until June 16, 2024.
City Center Encores
City Center in NYC is slated to stage a concert version of Titanic as part of its 30th anniversary Encores season in June 2024. The musical is set to be directed by Anne Kauffman. Tony Award winner Bonnie Milligan has been cast as Alice Beane, with further casting to be announced.
With music and lyrics by Maury Yeston, and book and story by Peter Stone, Titanic: A New Musical was an original musical based on the real-life stories of the passengers and crew of the ill-fated infamous luxury liner, the RMS Titanic.
Maury Yeston was reportedly inspired to write a musical about the the Titanic following a confluence of events — the discovery of the wreckage in 1985, the tragic events of the Challenger space shuttle shortly after in 1986, along with Yeston’s own experiences of class difference whilst studying at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom.
As noted by the press, although the musical was set to open on Broadway without an out-of-town try-out, and without any starry names on the billboard, it was believed that the infamy of the ship and the musical’s title would be enough to draw audiences to the theatre.
The musical was directed by Richard Jones, with choreography by Lynne Taylor-Corbett, musical direction by Kevin Stites, orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick, scenic and costume design by Stewart Laing, lighting design by Paul Gallo, and sound design by Steve Canyon Kennedy.
The Broadway cast included Michael Cerveris (Thomas Andrews), John Cunningham (Captain Smith), Brian d’Arcy James (Frederick Barrett), David Garrison (J. Bruce Ismay), Bill Buell (Edgar Beane), Victoria Clark (Alice Beane), Allan Corduner (Henry Etches), David Costabile (1st Officer William Murdoch / Second Class Passenger), Alma Cuervo (3rd Class Passenger / Ida Strauss), David Elder (1st Class Passenger / 2nd Class Passenger / Frederick Fleet), Larry Keith (3rd Class Passenger / Isidor Straus), Martin Moran (Harold Bride), Jennifer Piech (1st Class Passenger / Kate McGowen), Don Stephenson (Charles Clarke), Clarke Thorell (1st Class Passenger / Jim Farrell), Adam Alexi-Malle (3rd Class Passenger / Bandsman Bricoux / Quartermaster Robert Hichens), Becky Ann Baker (3rd Class Passenger / Charlotte Cardoza), Matthew Bennett (3rd Class Passenger / 3rd Officer Herbert J. Pitman / The Major), Judy Blazer (Caroline Neville), John Bolton (2nd Class Passenger / 2nd Officer Charles Lightholler), Mindy Cooper (2nd Class Passenger / 3rd Class Passenger, Edith Corse Evans), Lisa Datz (3rd Class Passenger / Madeleine Astor), Jody Gelb (3rd Class Passenger / Eleanor Widener), Kimberly Hester (3rd Class Passenger / Mme. Auvert), Erin Hill (1st Class Passenger / Kate Mullins), Robin Irwin (3rd Class Passenger / Marion Thayer), Joseph Kolinski (3rd Class Passenger / Benjamin Guggenheim), Theresa McCarthy (1st Class Passenger / Kate Murphey), Michael Mulheren (3rd Class Passenger / John B. Thayer), Stephanie Park (Stewardess Hutchinson), Michele Ragusa (Stewardess Robinson), Ted Sperling (3rd Class Passenger / Chief Engineer Joseph Bell / Wallace Hartley), Mara Stephens (3rd Class Passenger / Bell Boy), Henry Stram (3rd Class Passenger / Frank Carlson / George Widener), Andy Taylor (3rd Class Passenger, 4th Officer Joseph Boxhall / Bandsman Taylor / J.H. Rogers), William Youmans (3rd Class Passenger / J.J. Astor).
With a budget of $10million, Titanic: A New Musical was to begin previews at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on March 27, 1997, however the show was beset with technical issues and the first three previews had to be cancelled as a result, delaying the first preview until March 29. The issues were reported in The New York Times as “small technical problems with the sets, some affecting transitions between scenes, others involving the hydraulic system that tilts the ship.” Critic Frank Rich noted after attending a preview performance that “a technical snafu halted [the show] abruptly for a few minutes in Act One,” much to the delight of the audience. It was was rumored that the show may not even make it to opening night.
Following 26 previews, Titanic: A New Musical officially opened on Broadway on April 23, 1997.
The musical received lukewarm reviews.
New York Times reviewer Ben Brantley stated the musical “…doesn’t sink. Unfortunately, that is also probably the most exciting thing that can be said about it.” Although Brantley praised the “admirably efficient piece of narrative, able to squeeze in a vast roster of characters,” and Stewart Laing’s “technically astonishing sets,” Brantley described Titanic as “hokey and stereotyped” and felt that the show ultimately provided only a surface level understanding of the people aboard the ship.
Despite the lukewarm reviews, Titanic was nominated for, and won, a slew of awards including 5 Tony Awards, a Drama Desk Award, and 2 Outer Critics Circle Awards (see Awards and Nominations below).
Titanic: A New Musical opened 85 years after the ship’s sinking, and in a time of renewed public interest in the ship. As Frank Rich reported in The New York Times in mid-April 1997, the Halcyon was hosting an exclusive recreation of “the last dinner on the Titanic,” a new documentary aired on the Discovery Channel, and James Cameron’s $200million film adaptation was set to be released in the summer, and a Titanic exhibition featuring over 300 artifacts from the ship had just opened in Memphis. Rich argued that
“The current Titanic fever… reflects our arrival at the first technological revolution since [the nuclear age]. We know that come the new millennium our jobs, culture and economy will be radically transformed in ways we can't yet fully picture by an infallible digital technology most of us at best half-understand.”
After 804 regular performances, Titanic: The Musical closed on Broadway on March 28, 1999. Despite running for nearly two years, the musical failed to recoup its initial investment.
European Premier
A new chamber version of Titanic was first performed in 2012 at the Hangar Theatre in Ithaca, New York. It was directed by Don Stephenson who played Charles Clarke in the original production, with musical supervision by Kevin Stites (original musical director). Ian Weinberger served as musical director and conductor. The chamber version reduced the cast from 43 to 25, and the orchestra from 26 to 6 players. Other original Broadway cast members Alma Cuervo, William Youmans, and Drew McVety also appeared in the new version.
The chamber version of Titanic: The Musical opened at the Southwark Playhouse in London on July 26, 2013. The production was set for a limited 6 week engagement.
Produced by Danielle Tarento in association with Southwark Playhouse, the musical was directed by Thom Southerland, with musical staging by Creddisa Carré, set and costume design by David Woodhead, lighting design by Howard Hudson, sound design by Andrew Johnson, orchestrations by Ian Weinberger, and projection design by Victor Craven. David Warwick served as the production manager, and Tamima Kirk was the deputy stage manager.
The cast featured James Austen-Murray (Barret), Dominic Brewer (Lightoller), Greg Castiglioni (Andrews), Scarlett Courtney (Kate Mullins), Matthew Crowe (Bride), Jonathan David Dudley (Bellboy/Hartley), Grace Eccle (Kate Murphy), Philip Rham (Captain Smith), Celia Graham (Alice Beane), Simon Green (Ismay), Oliver Hembrough (Edgar Bean), James Hume (Pitman/Etches), Sia’n Lloyd (Murdoch), Claire Marlowe (Caroline Neville), Shane McDaid (Jim Farrell), Leo Miles (Fleet), Nadim Naaman (Charles Clarke), Dudley Rogers (Isidor Strauss), Victoria Serra (Kate McGowan), and Judith Street (Isa Strauss).
Ian Weinberger’s new orchestrations included a string quartet, two keys and percussion.
The Southwark Playhouse production received rave reviews. While sometimes noting the unevenness of the book, critics almost unanimously praised the intimacy of the epic musical in a small space, the performances of the cast, Thom Southerland’s direction, and Maury Yeston’s score. Several critics also made note of the fact that the musical was a far cry from the James Cameron film, and that the original production had opened on Broadway prior to the film’s cinematic release.
Stephen Collins, writing for BritishTheatre.com, praised Maury Yeston as “a genius,” and enthused “This is, easily, one of the best ensemble pieces the London Fringe has ever produced.” In a review for Musical Theatre Review, Patrick Honore stated “All in all, this is a must-see production… which should transfer or be recorded in some form or another…”
In a review for The Guardian, critic Lyn Gardner noted “the classiness of the score and book ensure it is never mawkish, and Southerland's beautifully sung revival keeps things simple and fluid on David Woodhead's cleverly austere design. Best of all, there are some seriously cracking performances from a first-class ensemble.”
Writing for The Independent, Paul Taylor described the production as “a hymn to the idea that 'small is beautiful’.” Taylor complimented the “The contrast between the epic nature of the story and the intimacy of the venue,” noting that it created “an emotional power that threatens to blast the roof off.” Taylor also praised the “cracking cast” and Yeston’s “beguiling” score.
In a review for Official Theatre, Dom O’Hanlon praised the “beautifully intimate production,” particularly noting David Woodhead’s “effective set… that manages to capture the atmosphere perfectly, without the need for smoke and mirrors,” and Yeston’s score which “resonate[d] around the space with such commitment and zeal that you are left somewhat overwhelmed by the sound.” O’Hanlon also acknowledged Mark Aspinall’s music direction, describing it as “tight, sensitive and focused.”
The Southwark Playhouse production won 4 Off West End Theater Awards, including Best Musical Production, the most of any production that year (see Awards and Nominations below).
The Southwark Playhouse production closed on August 31, 2013.
The chamber production of Titanic played at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto between May 19 and June 21, 2015. The production featured retired opera star Ben Heppner as Isidor Straus.
It was hoped the Southwark Playhouse production would transfer to Broadway in the 2014-15 season, however due to a lack of suitable theatre availability, the transfer did not occur.
The musical returned to London at the Charing Cross Theatre in May 2016.
The Southwark Playhouse production embarked on a UK national tour, launching in Southampton on April 12, 2018. In a five-star review for the The Stage, theatre critic Mark Shenton described the tour as a “Heart-rendingly powerful production of a modern musical theatre masterpiece.”
2023 - 10th London Anniversary Tour
See Film History below.
International Productions
Titanic has been performed around the world in new productions. The musical has also been translated into multiple languages including Japanese, French, Dutch, German, Czech, Finnish, Norwegian, Korean, Hungarian, and Danish.
In Concert
On February 17, 2014 Manhattan Concert Productions presented a concert version of Titanic at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall in NYC. The concert was directed by Don Stephenson, and conducted by Kevin Stites.
The cast, which included many of the original actors, featured Becky Ann Baker (Charlotte Cardoza), John Bolton (Charles Lightoller), Johnathan Brody (John B. Thayer), Scott Burkkell (George Widener/Frank Carlson), Joseph Castinado (Bellboy), Michael Cerveris (Thomas Andrews), Mindy Cooper (Edith Corse Evans), Allan Corduner (Henry Etches), David Costabile (William Murdoch), Alma Cuervo (Ida Straus), John Cunningham (Captain E.J. Smith), Brian d'Arcy James (Frederick Barrett), Lisa Datz (Madeleine Astor), David Elder (Frederick Fleet), David Garrison (J. Bruce Ismay), Jody Gelb (Eleanor Widner, Erin Hill (Kate Mullins), Robin Irwin (Marion Thayer), John Jellison (Edgar Beane), Joseph Kolinski (Benjamin Guggenheim), Theresa McCarthy (Kate Murphey), Drew McVety (Herbert J. Pitman/J.H. Rogers), Martin Moran (Harold Bride), Jill Paice (Caroline Neville), Mary Michael Patterson (Latest Rag Dancer), Jennifer Piech (Kate McGowan), Michele Ragusa (Alice Beane), Ron Raines (Isador Straus), Ryan Silverman (Charles Clarke), Ted Sperling (Joseph Bell/Wallace Hartley), Cary Tedder (Latest Rag Dancer), Clarke Thorell (Jim Farrell), and William Youmans (J.J. Astor).
Titanic (Film) and Titanique
James Cameron’s $120 million blockbuster film, also called Titanic, was set to open in cinemas in the summer of 1997, however did not premier until December 1997. Starring Leonardo diCaprio and Kate Winslet, the film became a box office smash. To date, it has earned $2.257 billion in revenue and is currently the fourth highest-grossing film of all time
A musical parody of the film, Titanique: Une Parodie Musicale, featuring songs by Celine Dion and co-written by Marla Mindelle, Constantine Rousouli, and Tye Blue, was livestreamed from Le Poisson Rouge in New York City via Stellar Tickets on May 2, 2021. The livestream was subsequently made available on demand between May 3 and May 5, 2021. Directed by Tye Blue, the cast included Marla Mindelle (Céline Dion), Constantine Rousouli (Jack), Alex Ellis (Rose), Frankie Grande (Victor Garber), Kathy Deitch (Molly Brown), Kyle Ramar Freeman (Iceberg Bitch), John Riddle (Cal), Sam Given (Ruth), and Jalynn Steele and Courtney Bassett in the ensemble.
Titanique: Une Parodie Musicale opened off-Broadway at The Asylum Theatre on June 14, 2022. After closing on November 13, 2022, the musical re-opened at the Daryl Roth Theatre on November 20, 2023 where it is currently scheduled to play until June 16, 2024.
City Center Encores
City Center in NYC is slated to stage a concert version of Titanic as part of its 30th anniversary Encores season in June 2024. The musical is set to be directed by Anne Kauffman. Tony Award winner Bonnie Milligan has been cast as Alice Beane, with further casting to be announced.
Film history
Film History
A 10th anniversary tour of the Southwark Playhouse production was launched in Bromley at the Churchill Theatre on March 16, 2023. The anniversary tour was produced by Danielle Tarento in association with Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, Harmonia, Bruce Robert Harris and Jack W Batman.
In a review for Musicals Magazine, Scott Matthewman praised Thom Southerland’s effective direction and stated that it was the “people at the heart of the show who make the biggest impression.”
In October 2023, the 10th anniversary production was performed in China during a five-city tour, reportedly making it one of the first Western companies to perform in China since the 2020 pandemic.
On July 13, 2023, it was announced that Titanic: The Musical had been filmed in the UK during its 10th anniversary tour.
A 10th anniversary tour of the Southwark Playhouse production was launched in Bromley at the Churchill Theatre on March 16, 2023. The anniversary tour was produced by Danielle Tarento in association with Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, Harmonia, Bruce Robert Harris and Jack W Batman.
In a review for Musicals Magazine, Scott Matthewman praised Thom Southerland’s effective direction and stated that it was the “people at the heart of the show who make the biggest impression.”
In October 2023, the 10th anniversary production was performed in China during a five-city tour, reportedly making it one of the first Western companies to perform in China since the 2020 pandemic.
On July 13, 2023, it was announced that Titanic: The Musical had been filmed in the UK during its 10th anniversary tour.
Move over Kate and Leo....We made a movie! #SailOn #TitanicMusical pic.twitter.com/Bm3K4Jocai
— Titanic The Musical (@TitanicOnTour) July 13, 2023
Presented by Fathom Events and BY Experience (the international distributor for The Met Live and National Theatre Live), Titanic: The Musical was released in 700 cinemas across the United States on November 4 and 8, 2023 in celebration of the musical’s 26th Broadway anniversary and 10th London anniversary. It was released in Australian cinemas on May 2, 2024. The musical was released on BroadwayHD on December 15, 2023.
Critics were warm in their response to the film. In a review for Cinema Retro, critic Giacomo Selloni noted “The cast is terrific” and stated of the film that “At approximately $20/a seat, it is a whale of a bargain to see this multi-award winning show.” Writing for BroadwayWorld, Erin Samms enthused “As for the general public that happens to be lucky enough to live in a city where Fathom Events and BY Experience are rolling out this film - get a ticket. You won't be sorry.”
Writing for Slash Film, Caroline Cao felt the camera work did not always serve the show, star, noting “the shot coordination could better service [the] performances,” and that “At times, the camera consigns itself to hovering at the side profiles of arguing couples or positions itself at a distance, so it can dampen the marital dynamic crucial for humanization.” Queerty reviewer Bobby McGuire felt the opposite, stating “The tight shots also allow the audience to appreciate the cast’s full range.”
Titanic was broadcast on UK television on Sky Arts on August 26, 2024.
Titanic is currently available to stream in the United States on BroadwayHD, and in the UK and Ireland on Sky.
Critics were warm in their response to the film. In a review for Cinema Retro, critic Giacomo Selloni noted “The cast is terrific” and stated of the film that “At approximately $20/a seat, it is a whale of a bargain to see this multi-award winning show.” Writing for BroadwayWorld, Erin Samms enthused “As for the general public that happens to be lucky enough to live in a city where Fathom Events and BY Experience are rolling out this film - get a ticket. You won't be sorry.”
Writing for Slash Film, Caroline Cao felt the camera work did not always serve the show, star, noting “the shot coordination could better service [the] performances,” and that “At times, the camera consigns itself to hovering at the side profiles of arguing couples or positions itself at a distance, so it can dampen the marital dynamic crucial for humanization.” Queerty reviewer Bobby McGuire felt the opposite, stating “The tight shots also allow the audience to appreciate the cast’s full range.”
Titanic was broadcast on UK television on Sky Arts on August 26, 2024.
Titanic is currently available to stream in the United States on BroadwayHD, and in the UK and Ireland on Sky.
cast & creative credits
Cast & Creative Credits
Theatre: The New Victoria Theatre, Woking
Producers: Austin Shaw, Danielle Tarento
Executive Producers: Joshua Andrews, Stuart Galbraith, Stewart F. Lane, Bonnie Comley
Story and Book: Peter Stone
Music and Lyrics: Maury Yeston
Stage Director: Thom Southerland; Film Director: Austin Shaw
Musical Director: Ben Papworth
Music Supervisor: Mark Aspinall
New Musical Arrangements: Ian Weinberger
Musical Staging: Cressida Carré
Set and Costume Design: David Woodhead
Lighting Design: Howard Hudson
Sound Design: Andrew Johnson
Wig Design: Betty Marini
Stage Manager: Dorian Keenahan
Film Editor: Egli Keli
Cast:
Martin Allanson (J. Bruce Ismay)
Valda Aviks (Ida Straus)
Graham Bickley (Captain Edward Smith)
Sam Brown (Frederick Fleet)
James Darch (Edgar Beane)
David Delve (Isidor Straus)
Adam Filipe (Frederick Barrett)
Emily George (Kate Murphy)
Luke Harley (Andrew Latimer)
Emma Harrold (Lady Caroline Neville)
Alastair Hill (Harold Bride)
Abi Hudson (Maid)
Barnaby Hughes (Herbert Pitman / Henry Etches)
Paul Kemble (Joseph Boxhall)
Niamh Long (Kate Mullins)
Matthew McDonald (Charles Clarke)
Ian McLarnon (Thomas Andrews)
Danny Michaels (Joseph Bell)
Janet Mooney (Head Maid)
Chris Nevin (Jim Farell)
Jack North (Charles Lightoller)
Joseph Peacock (Bellboy / Wallace Hartley)
Billy Roberts (William McMaster Murdoch)
Bree Smith (Alice Beane)
Lucie Mae-Sumner (Kate McGowan)
The Band:
Ben Papworth (Keys)
Thomas Leate (Violin)
Bridget Mansfield (Viola)
Gemma Connor (Cello)
Jack Cherry (Double Bass)
Craig Apps (Percussion)
Theatre: The New Victoria Theatre, Woking
Producers: Austin Shaw, Danielle Tarento
Executive Producers: Joshua Andrews, Stuart Galbraith, Stewart F. Lane, Bonnie Comley
Story and Book: Peter Stone
Music and Lyrics: Maury Yeston
Stage Director: Thom Southerland; Film Director: Austin Shaw
Musical Director: Ben Papworth
Music Supervisor: Mark Aspinall
New Musical Arrangements: Ian Weinberger
Musical Staging: Cressida Carré
Set and Costume Design: David Woodhead
Lighting Design: Howard Hudson
Sound Design: Andrew Johnson
Wig Design: Betty Marini
Stage Manager: Dorian Keenahan
Film Editor: Egli Keli
Cast:
Martin Allanson (J. Bruce Ismay)
Valda Aviks (Ida Straus)
Graham Bickley (Captain Edward Smith)
Sam Brown (Frederick Fleet)
James Darch (Edgar Beane)
David Delve (Isidor Straus)
Adam Filipe (Frederick Barrett)
Emily George (Kate Murphy)
Luke Harley (Andrew Latimer)
Emma Harrold (Lady Caroline Neville)
Alastair Hill (Harold Bride)
Abi Hudson (Maid)
Barnaby Hughes (Herbert Pitman / Henry Etches)
Paul Kemble (Joseph Boxhall)
Niamh Long (Kate Mullins)
Matthew McDonald (Charles Clarke)
Ian McLarnon (Thomas Andrews)
Danny Michaels (Joseph Bell)
Janet Mooney (Head Maid)
Chris Nevin (Jim Farell)
Jack North (Charles Lightoller)
Joseph Peacock (Bellboy / Wallace Hartley)
Billy Roberts (William McMaster Murdoch)
Bree Smith (Alice Beane)
Lucie Mae-Sumner (Kate McGowan)
The Band:
Ben Papworth (Keys)
Thomas Leate (Violin)
Bridget Mansfield (Viola)
Gemma Connor (Cello)
Jack Cherry (Double Bass)
Craig Apps (Percussion)
awards & nominations
Awards and Nominations
* denotes winner
Original Broadway Production
1997 Tony Awards
1997 Drama Desk Awards
1997 Drama League Awards
1997 Outer Critics Circle Awards
2013 Southwark Playhouse Production
Off West End Theatre Awards
* denotes winner
Original Broadway Production
1997 Tony Awards
- Best Musical*
- Best Score (Maury Yeston)*
- Best Book (Peter Stone)*
- Best Scenic Design (Steward Laing)*
- Best Orchestrations (Jonathan Tunick)*
1997 Drama Desk Awards
- Outstanding Orchestrations (Jonathan Tunick)*
1997 Drama League Awards
- Distinguished Production of a Musical
1997 Outer Critics Circle Awards
- Outstanding New Broadway Musical
- Outstanding Lighting Design (Paul Gallo)*
- Outstanding Director of a Musical (Richard Jones)
- Outstanding Costume Design (Stewart Laing)
- Outstanding Set Design (Stewart Laing)*
2013 Southwark Playhouse Production
Off West End Theatre Awards
- Best Lighting Designer (Howard Hudson)*
- Best Costume Designer (David Woodhead)*
- Best Choreographer (Cressida Carré)*
- Best Musical Production*
RECORDINGS
Titanic: A New Musical (1997 Original Broadway Cast): Amazon
RESEARCH SOURCES
Articles
Websites
- Sarah Bahr, “Coming to City Center: ‘Pal Joey,’ ‘Titanic’ and the 20th Fall for Dance,” The New York Times (May 31, 2023)
- Ben Brantley, “'Titanic,' the Musical, Is Finally Launched, and the News Is It's Still Afloat,” New York Times (April 24, 1997), Section C, p.13
- Linda Buchwald, “Titanic the Musical Is Coming to Movie Theaters,” TheaterMania (Oct 3, 2023)
- Caroline Cao, “Titanic: The Musical Review: A Devastating Musical About The Doomed Ocean Liner,” Slash Film (Nov 5, 2023)
- Stephen Collins, “Titanic: Southwark Playhouse,” BritishTheatre.com (Aug 12, 2013)
- Logan Culwell-Block, “Titanic Without $10 Million Sets Is Just as Effective, Says Maury Yeston,” Playbill (Nov 2, 2023)
- Andrew Gans, “Filmed Version of Tony-Winning Titanic Musical Will Play U.S. Cinemas,” Playbill (Sept 29, 2023)
- Andrew Gans, "Filmed Verison of Tony-Winning Titanic Musical Will Stream on BroadwayHD," Playbill (Nov 21, 2023)
- Lyn Gardner, “Titanic – review,” The Guardian (Aug 1, 2013)
- William Grimes, “A Sinking Ship Whose Star Never Sets,” New York Times (March 23, 1997)
- Patrick Healy, “‘Titanic’ Musical’s Return to New York Is Delayed,” New York Times (May 21, 2014)
- Adam Hetrick, “Hangar Theatre's Titanic, With Members of Original Broadway Cast, Launches July 12,” Playbill (July 12, 2012)
- Adam Hetrick, “Original Broadway Cast Member Don Stephenson Will Stage Avery Fisher Hall Concert of Titanic; Creative Team Announced,” Playbill (Oct 25, 2013)
- Patrick Honore, “Titanic the Musical – Southwark Playhouse,” Musical Theatre Review (Aug 4, 2013)
- Blair Ingenthron, “UK Tour of TITANIC THE MUSICAL Has Been Filmed,” BroadwayWorld (July 13, 2023)
- Wayne Leung, “REVIEW: TITANIC THE MUSICAL (MIRVISH),” Mooney on Theatre (May 24, 2015)
- Bobby McGuire, “How Rosie O’Donnell threw a life raft to ‘Titanic: The Musical’ & its new resurfacing,” Qeerty (Nov 2, 2023)
- Scott Matthewman, “Titanic: The Musical | Live Show Review,” Musicals Magazine (June 13, 2023)
- Nicola Merrifield, “Southwark Playhouse's Titanic wins big at Off West End Theatre Awards,” The Stage (March 2, 2014)
- Alastair Muir, “Titanic, Southwark Playhouse - theatre review,” The Standard (Aug 3, 2013)
- Dom O’Hanlon, “TITANIC AT THE SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE SOARS RATHER THAN SINKS, IN WHAT IS THE BEST THING I’VE SEEN ON THE FRINGE THIS YEAR,” Official Theatre (July 30, 2013)
- Dom O’Hanlon, “Broadway Revival of Titanic has been Postponed” New York Theatre Guide (undated)
- Frank Rich, “That Sinking Feeling,” New York Times (April 13, 1997), Section 4, p.15
- News Room, “Experience The 5 Time Tony Award®-Winning TITANIC THE MUSICAL To Theaters Nationwide,” Fathom Events (Oct 3, 2023)
- Chloe Rabinowitz, “Photos: See New Images of TITANIC THE MUSICAL 10th Anniversary Tour,” BroadwayWorld (March 21, 2023)
- Erin Samms, Review: TITANIC THE MUSICAL Spectacularly Soars Into Cinemas November 4th and 8th,” BroadwayWorld (Oct 31, 2023)
- Giacomo Selloni, “Review: Titanic: The Musical,” Cinema Retro (Oct 29, 2023)
- Mark Shenton, “Full Casting Announced for U.K. Chamber Version of Titanic at London's Southwark Playhouse,” Playbill (June 12, 2013)
- Mark Shenton, “Titanic,” The Stage (June 6, 2016)
- Mark Shenton, “Titanic - The Musical,” The Stage (April 18, 2018)
- Paul Taylor, “Theatre review: Titanic, Southwark Playhouse, London,” The Independent (Aug 1, 2013)
- Uncredited, “'Titanic' Sails Tonight, 2 Days Late,” The New York Times (March 29, 1997), Section 1, p.16
- Uncredited, “Memphis Revisits the Titanic,” The New York Times (April 6, 1997), Section 5, p.3
- James Waygood, “Theatre Review: Titanic (Southwark Playhouse, London),” Grumpy Gay Critic (Aug 1, 2013)
- West End Wilma, “REVIEW: Titanic (Southwark Playhouse),” West End Wilma (undated)
- Alex Wood, "Titanic stage musical to be broadcast on Sky Arts," Whats On Stage (Aug 19, 2024)
Websites
- Fathom Events, “Titanic the Musical,” Accessed via: https://www.fathomevents.com/events/Titanic-the-Musical/?
- Maury Yeston, “Titanic: A New Musical,” Accessed via: https://mauryyeston.com/works/titanic
- New York City Center, “30 Years of Encores! Titanic,” Accessed via: https://www.nycitycenter.org/pdps/2023-2024/titanic/
- Rotten Tomatoes, “Titanic: The Musical,” Accessed via: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/titanic_the_musical
- Stellar Tickets, “Titanique: The Maiden Voyage Concert,” Accessed via: https://www.stellartickets.com/o/titanique/events/titanique-the-maiden-voyage-concert/occurrences/b108d4b8-2465-4146-86f2-18d103faa297
- Tarento Productions
- “Titanic: Cast,” Accessed via: https://www.tarento.net/cast.php?id=1
- “Titanic: Creatives,” Accessed via: https://www.tarento.net/creatives.php?id=1
- “Titanic: Releases,” Accessed via: https://www.tarento.net/releases/TitanicFINALPR.pdf
- Titanic: The Musical
- “Cast & Creatives,” Accessed via: https://www.titanicthemusical.co.uk/cast-creatives.php
- “The Show: Interview with Maury Yeston,” Accessed via: https://titanicthemusical.co.uk/about-the-show.php
- Titanique, “Titanique,” Accessed via: https://titaniquemusical.com/
- Wikipedia
- “Titanic (1997 film),” Accessed via: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanic_(1997_film)#
- “List of highest-grossing films,” Accessed via: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_highest-grossing_films#Highest-grossing_films
Written by Luisa Lyons (November, 2023, updated Aug 2024)