**** Highly Recommended I found myself captivated by Marriott Theatre’s production of Titanic the Musical. It turns out that Marriott’s arena-style stage is ideal for depicting the idea of Titanic. We don’t need a ship to tell the story, we need the people on board to tell their stories. Kudos to Director Connor Gallagher for keeping the focus on them. I can’t say enough about this cast – their faces told the story – pride, hope, boredom, envy, joy, fear, panic and finally acceptance. I am in awe! 4 BIG Spotlights
The first time I saw Titanic the Musical, way back in 2007, I wasn’t all that impressed. It seemed to me the focus was on a ship they’d built on stage. I think they even figured out a way to make it look like it was sinking. Unfortunately, it was so big, there wasn’t enough room for the cast which meant the audience didn’t really pay them enough attention.
Kudos to Scenic Designer Collette Pollard who conveyed the idea of a ship without actually building one. There were a couple of short smokestacks (that doubled as tables with the addition of a tablecloth), rigging ropes, a railing with two skeletons of life boats suspended above. Four large video boards specified location, i.e. bridge, first class dining room, 3rd class deck, etc.
This is truly an ensemble cast, many playing multiple parts, with many songs performed as an ensemble. Generally, the cast can be sorted into four groups – the crew, first class passengers, second class passengers and third class passengers. By the way, Sully Ratke’s costumes really add to the ambiance.
The show opens with an awesome song, In Every Age, as the crew boards the brand new ship, observing all the new features. Getting to work, they guided the passengers on to their accommodations.
Since it was Titanic’s first voyage, J. Bruce Ismay (Adam Pelty), Chairman of the Board and Managing Director of the White Star Line, was a passenger, as was Thomas Andrews (Christopher Kale Jones), who designed the ship. I felt a strong urge to slap Ismay silly when he urged Captain E.J. Smith (David Girolmo) to go faster and faster because he wanted to reach New York by Tuesday – a six-day crossing.
Titanic was advertised as ‘unsinkable’ and the height of luxury, attracting the wealthiest people in the world. The Titanic staff catered to their every need. Dinners in the first class dining room were elegant affairs.
You have to love second class passenger and determined social climber Alice Beane (Lillian Castillo), tries everything to get into the first class dining room. Steward Henry Etches (Kevin Webb) does his best to keep Alice away from the first class ‘swells’. Alice’s husband, Edgar (James Earl Jones II), reminds her that people are all the same, some just have more money but she never gives up, even fixing her hair and make-up before getting into a lifeboat with the rich and famous.
In third class, the three Kates, Kate Murphy (Laura Guley), Kate Mullins (Victoria Okafor), and Kate McGowan (Erica Stephan) are all about hopes and dreams for a new life in America.
Titanic cast includes: Eric Amundson (Bellboy/Ensemble), Lillian Castillo (Alice Beane/Ensemble, Joel Gelman (Second Officer Charles Lightoller/John Jacob Astor/Ensemble), David Girolmo (Captain E.J. Smith/Ensemble, Darian Goulding (Frederick Barrett/Benjamin Guggenheim/Ensemble), Laura Guley (Kate Murphey/Eleanor Widener/Doing the Latest Rag Dancer/Ensemble), Kelli Harrington (Charlotte Cardoza/Ensemble, Matthew Hommel (Harold Bride/Bandmaster Wallace Hartley/Ensemble), Christopher Kale Jones (Thomas Andrews/Ensemble), James Earl Jones II (Edgar Beane/Fourth Officer Boxhall/Ensemble).
Also Mark David Kaplan (Isador Straus/Quartermaster Robert Hitchens/Ensemble), George Keating (First Officer William Murdoch/Ensemble), Heidi Kettenring (Ida Straus/Ensemble), Will Lidke (Charles Clarke/Joseph Bell/George Widener/Ensemble), Garett Lutz (Jim Farrell/Ensemble), Francesca Mehrotra (Caroline Neville/Mme. Aubert/Ensemble), Victoria Okafor (Kater Mulllins/Stewardess/Madeleine Astor/Ensemble), Adam Pelty (J. Bruce Ismay/Ensemble), Erica Stephan (Kate McGowan/Ensemble), Lucas Thompson (Frederick Fleet/Doing The Latest Rag Dancer/Ensemble), and Kevin Webb (Henry Etches/Ensemble.
The Titanic orchestra includes Brad Haak (Conductor/Keyboard), Heather Boehm (Violin), Loretta Gillespie (Viola), Lewis Rawlinson (Cello), Trevor Jones (Acoustic Bass/Music Coordinator) and Andy Wilmoth (Drums/Percussion).
Titanic the Musical was written by Peter Stone with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston, Orchestration by Ian Weinberger. It opened on Broadway in 1997, winning five Tony Awards that year. The three-level set – which presented multiple technical issues – hinted at the size of Titanic. The Marriott production is directed and choreographed by Connor Gallagher.
Titanic the Musical runs through June 1st at Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriot Drive, Lincolnshire. Parking is free; valet parking is also available.
Running time is two hours, 40 minutes with an intermission. Performances are Wednesdays at 1:00 & 7:00 pm; Thursdays at 7:00 pm; Fridays at 7:30 pm; Saturdays at 4:00 and 8:00 pm; Sundays at 1:00 and 5:00 pm with select Thursday 1:00 pm matinees. Tickets start at $73. FYI (847) 634-0200, www.ticketmaster.com or www.marriotttheatre.com.
Attendees are encouraged to enjoy a yummy pop-up dining experience at White Star Grill Presented by Three Embers Restaurant, complete with decorations that mirror Titanic the Musical. The White Star Grill Prix Fixe Menu includes a three course Titanic-themed dinner for $49. To make a restaurant reservation for two hours before show time, call (847) 634-0100.