The cast of Titanique.Photo: Chad David Kraus
Titanique, the acclaimed Off-Broadway musical that parodies the 1997 Oscar-winning blockbusterTitanic, held a special performance on Tuesday night to both celebrate the 25th anniversary ofJames Cameron’s beloved film as well as the show’s re-opening after relocating to the Daryl Roth Theatre.
PEOPLE was in the attendance on the milestone night, alongside a sea of guests including Joan Grande, there to support her son Frankie Grande in the cast (his sisterAriana Grandeis currently in London shooting theWickedmovie).
Constantine Rousouli and Carrie St. Louis.Chad David Kraus
It was a moment so unexpected and so topical, the entire audience stood up in a spontaneous, mid-performance standing ovation.
“You can’t do that sort of thing on Broadway,” Rousouli adds. “We kind of take the rulebook for traditional musicals and throw it out the window.”
Russell Daniels and John Riddle.Chad David Kraus
That’s part of the fun of coming toTitanique. You never know what you’re going to get from the time you step into that theater; only that you’re guaranteed to laugh your iceberg off.
It’s also the type of show where, when watching it, you can’t help but think of all the people in your life you want to bring back to see it, knowing the fun they’d have too.
ButTitaniqueis more than just a joke. The show is a beautiful tribute to Dion and the immeasurable impact her catalogue of songs has made on music.
Hits like “Taking Chances,” “The Prayer,” “Tell Him,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “I Drove All Night,” “To Love You More,” “A New Day Has Come,” “All By Myself,” “Because You Loved Me” — and yes, “My Heart Will Go On” — pop up throughout the evening, each fittingly nudging the story along while reminding fans of just how great of an artist Dion is (the French Canadian songstress is currently taking a break from performing asshe’s been diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome, a rare and incurable neurological disease that can cause debilitating muscle spasms).
Mindelle leads a cast laced with incredibly talented actors and singers.
Rousouli and St. Louis, both previously of the delightfulCruel Intentions: The Musical, are a perfect Jack and Rose and sound superb when tackling Dion’s catalogue.Frozenalum John Riddle could melt hearts with his smooth vocals, even as the callous Cal. Desireé Rodriguez (Molly Brown) tackles one of Dion’s hardest tunes — “All By Myself” — with ease. Broadway vet Frankie shows that his sister isn’t the only one who has the pipes. And Avionce Hoyles transforms into a surprise character towards the end, blowing the roof off the house with his range.
Special shoutout to Blu Allen, Courtney Bassett, and Donnie Hammond, a three-person ensemble who sound as though they’re three-times the size.
The cast of Titanique.Chad David Kraus
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free weekly newsletterto get the biggest news of the week delivered to your inbox every Friday.
Meanwhile, everything inTitaniquehas been stepped-up for the move to the Daryl Roth Theatre.
Blue has re-staged the action accordingly, while creating new moments of comedy due to the natural levels of the new set. There’s far more space for seats (attendees at Tuesday’s performance were given special sailor hats to celebrate). And the size of the room means that the show, frankly, just sounds better.
It’s a glow-up that makesTitaniqueeven more impactful and irresistible. Yet, there’s still a scrappy, endearing “let’s put on a show” energy to it that gives the musical itsTitanic-sized charm.
Titaniqueis open at the Daryl Roth Theatre (101 E 15th St.) in New York City.Ticketsare on sale now.
source: people.com
