**** Highly Recommended Porchlight Music Theatre’s production of Titanique is a campy comedy gem! No need to worry, Titanique only makes fun of the schmaltzy movie, not the actual wreck. This is Celine Dion’s own wacky spin on Titanic and it’s over-the-top, raunchy, laugh-out-loud comedy, with plenty of one-liners, improv, puns and pratfalls, lots of sparkly costumes, and of course, Dion’s music. Ladies, get your BFFs and see this show. You’ll love it! 4 BIG Spotlights
Celine Dion, played with panache by Clair Kennedy McLaughlin, is gorgeous in a sexy, sparkly red dress as she hijacks a Titanic museum tour. In her version of the tragic tale, told in her whispery French accent, she’s a survivor – and a benevolent puppet-master pulling the strings of star-crossed lovers Jack (Adam Fane) and Rose (Maya Rowe). She loved introducing celebrity friends too. She crooned songs like My Heart Will Go On and All By Myself, and then surprised us all with a rousing chorus of Who Let the Dogs Out! Just an aside, you will not believe what she said when she sang a certain song from a Disney (?) movie!
Rose could have been a throw-away character, eclipsed by Celine’s glamor. Instead, Maya Rowe grabbed the part and made it her own. Her voice is terrific and she’s embraced the comedy. For example, she let her whole body sag with distaste when her fiancé, Cal (Adrian Aguilar) puts the gaudy, 
over-sized ‘Heart of the Sea’ around her neck. She got to 'fly' at the rail with Jack, and she even got to ‘wear’ that door in the water.
Speaking of the men in Rose’s life, Cal is too perfect! He overacts the wealthy fiancé perfectly – the tux with aviator shades helps! On the darker side, he’s mean to Rose and disdainful of poor working-class Jack – who really has the best hair in the show.
Rose’s mother, Ruth (Rob Lindley) totally steals the show. Wearing half a kilt over pants, and a green fascinator, she tries to keep Rose in line. At one point, Lindley carefully lifted the veil on that fascinator before launching into his/her best scene. Beginning with a series of very loud – and completely fake slaps to Rose – she launches into a long, rambling complaint about the troubles she’s facing. When Rose runs offstage, she takes her frustration out on the band. Absolutely brought down the house!
One of the other passengers, according to Celine, is Cathy Bates playing the Unsinkable Molly Brown (Abby C. Smith). Smith has great comedy chops, and she really shines when she sings All By Myself.
Jackson Evans plays Jack’s friend Luigi (who might be one of the Mario Brothers) and Victor Garber, captain of the ship. He has a great song, I Drove All Night, while he’s y steering the ship way too fact, trying to make New York a day early so Cal can make his hair appointment.
The final character, the Seaman, was played by Eric Lewis at my performance (Lorenzo Shaw Parnell otherwise). He also turned up in a tux as Peabo Bryson – and as the Iceberg, aka Tina Turner. He was hilarious!
Background vocalists, Jordan Douglas Ellis (at my performance, Eric Lewis otherwise), Caroline Lyell and Elaine Watson, followed Celine wherever she went.
Titanique was written by Marla Mindelle, Constantine Rousoulll and Tye Blue, who also directed this production. It premiered in Los Angeles in 2017, and Off-Broadway in 2022. This production is choreographed by Kasey Alfonso, with original orchestrations and arrangements by Nicholas James Connell. The set, a grand stairway at the center, with musicians on either side, was designed by Jeffrey D. Kmiec. Costumes were designed by Jos N. Banks.
The Titanique musicians were onstage a definitely part of the show – especially when Ruth got angry and ‘slapped’ all of them. They are Dr. Michael McBride (Conductor/Keyboard 1), Linda Madonia (2nd Keyboard/Associate Conductor), Justin Kono (Drums) and Gary Guzman (Guitars).
Porchlight Music Theatre’s production of Titanique runs through July 13th at Broadway In Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago. Discounted parking is available in the Water Tower Place Garage, with QR code.
Running time is roughly one hour, 40 minutes (although it could be longer depending on laughter). Performances are Tuesdays at 7:00 pm; Wednesdays at 1:00 & 7:00 pm; Thursdays at 7:00 pm, Fridays at 7:30 pm (no performance on July 4th); Saturdays at 2:00 & 7:30 pm; and Sundays at 1:00 pm (plus 6:30 pm performances on several Sundays – check with box office). Tickets range from $41.50-$166.50. FYI www.broadwayinchicago.com