‘Titanique: The Musical’ – An Over-the-Top, Hilariously Heartfelt Ship of a Show!
If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Titanic was brought back to life, but with a megadose of Celine Dion’s iconic power ballads, some absurdly funny moments, and a nod to the absolutely ridiculous nature of the James Cameron film, then Titanique: The Musical at the Daryl Roth Theater is the boat ride you’ve been waiting for. This show is everything you didn’t know you needed and more, making it an excellent way to celebrate your next trip to New York City.
[Warning: Spoilers from the off-Broadway Titanique: The Musical are below!]
A historic theater for Celine Dion’s take on a landmark event
From the moment you enter the Daryl Roth Theater, you can feel that you’re about to embark on a truly unique journey. The Daryl Roth is one of those venues that oozes character. The space itself is steeped in Broadway history, nestled in the heart of Manhattan’s vibrant Union Square district. Originally built as a church in the 19th century, it has transformed over the years into a beloved theatrical venue, showcasing an eclectic range of performances. The intimate, yet grandiose feel of the theater means you’re up close and personal with the action, and trust me, with Titanique, you’re going to want to be as close as possible for every hilariously bizarre and kooky moment.
Now, many of you might have heard of this show from its incredible social media following, similar to another Off-Broadway show, Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors; however, if you’ve been avoiding TikTok and Instagram, you might be asking yourself, “What is this show even about?” Titanic: The Musical is a love letter to the Academy-Awarding-winning film Titanic and Celine Dion’s indomitable legacy.
This show is an absolute blast from start to finish, and I’m still reeling from how cleverly it blends comedy, camp, and a deep love for the original film. The premise is simple yet brilliant: a reimagining of Titanic, the movie we all know and love, but set to the soundtrack of Celine Dion’s greatest hits. Yes, you read that right. The show asks the important question: “What if Celine Dion was on the Titanic?”
Again, your eyes aren’t deceiving you with that last question, as Titanique brings audiences back into the work of Jack and Rose, the star-crossed lovers who won’t let an iceberg or sinking ship stop them from finding their way back to each other. Defying the odds of the classist system meant keeping them separated, so nothing would ever get in their way. Well…. nothing but Celine Dion, that is, who paints herself front and center in this wacky retelling of the quintessential love story from the 90s that took two VHS tapes to get through.
Is it historically accurate? No, but neither was the 1997 film necessarily, which just adds to the charm of Titanique, as you’re laughing at both the hysterical bits and the historical inaccuracies that enhance the show tenfold.
The Heart (will go on) of Titanique is the acting abilities of the talented cast
The star-studded cast delivers performances that will make you laugh so hard you’ll cry. Dee Roscioli, as Celine Dion, steals the show from the very first moment she takes the stage. Roscioli channels Celine’s majestic vocal prowess while perfectly capturing her personality. Imagine Celine Dion as your witty, slightly mystical guide through the tragic tale of Titanic; the result is pure magic. Her comic timing, combined with her vocal talent, creates a performance that’s both larger-than-life and strangely endearing. She’s a force of nature, and honestly, if there were a Tony Award for “Best Celine Dion,” she’d win it hands down.
Callum Francis plays Cal, the lovably villainous and utterly ridiculous antagonist who is somehow both completely despicable and impossible to hate. His portrayal is a hilarious mix of arrogance and melodrama, and he makes every moment on stage pure comedy gold.
Meanwhile, Kyle Ramar Freeman as the Iceberg is an absolute show-stealer. Yes, you read that right. The Iceberg is a character, and Freeman brings it to life with such charm that you’ll be laughing uncontrollably every time it makes its icy, dramatic entrance. This is the kind of camp you didn’t know you needed, but now you can’t live without.
Max Jenkins as Jack Dawson and Cassadee Pope as Rose Dewitt Bukater embody perfectly the characters we all know and love, except with a twist. The chemistry between them is both heartwarming and absurd, and they bring a fresh layer of humor to the iconic love story. Their antics, combined with their sincere (if slightly absurd) performances, create a perfect contrast to the absurdity of the whole show.
Lisa Howard as Molly Brown is a delightful burst of energy, embodying the character with sass, heart, and a whole lot of humor. Joel Waggoner as Ruth and Andrew Keenan-Bolger as Victor Garber/Luigi round out the ensemble with hilarious turns that keep the humor flowing non-stop.
And what would the show be without their incredible background vocalists: Rae Davenport, Sara Gallo, and Terrance Williams Jr. They are the show’s unsung heroes, providing the kind of vocal acrobatics and sheer energy that keeps the entire audience engaged, laughing, and clapping along to every single moment.
Titanique’s intoxicating energy is equal to the show’s charm
The real magic of Titanique is in its ability to blend the absurd with the heartfelt. It’s a love letter to both the movie and the music, taking the audience on a nostalgic, sidesplitting ride while never losing sight of the emotions that made the original Titanic so impactful. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the film or just in it for the Celine Dion bangers, there’s something for everyone in this wild ride of a show.
Titanique isn’t just a musical; it’s an experience. It’s a reminder that musicals don’t always need to take themselves seriously to be meaningful. If you’re looking for a good time, one that’s equal parts silly, emotional, and full of spectacular songs, this is your show.
So, whether you’re there to hear “My Heart Will Go On” reimagined in the most ridiculous ways possible, or to watch a perfectly gorgeous Iceberg glide across the stage, I highly recommend you hop onboard the Titanique. It’s a show that will leave you laugh-crying, and maybe even singing your heart out.
Titanique: The Musical is currently playing in cities worldwide, such as Toronto, London, and Paris. Get tickets to the Off-Broadway production of this hilarious musical and set sail to a night full of fun and laughs! Have you seen Titanique before? Let us know on social media @mycosmiccircus or @boxseatbabes! You can also find us on Bluesky @CosmicCircusBroadway.com!
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