Titanique Hits Broadway: A Campy, Céline Dion-Powered Voyage at the St. James Theatre

Broadway has a latest brand of “exhilarating lunacy.” Titanique, the irreverent and frenetic musical parody of the 1997 film Titanic, has officially docked at the St. James Theatre. Featuring the music of pop superstar Céline Dion, the production transforms James Cameron’s epic tragedy into a song-and-dance campfest that skewers everything from Wicked to RuPaul’s Drag Race.

What is Titanique?

Set in a parallel dimension, Titanique presents a world where Céline Dion was actually a passenger on the doomed steamship and survived to advise the tale. The story unfolds as Dion hijacks a Titanic museum tour to recount her own version of the romance between Jack and Rose on the high seas. The result is a wild joyride that blends pop culture references with a relentless poking of fun at Broadway legends like Patti LuPone and Carol Channing.

A Powerhouse Cast and “Exhilarating Lunacy”

At the center of this “delicious universe of lunacy” is Marla Mindelle, who leads the cast as the iconic Céline Dion. The production boasts a diverse and high-energy ensemble, including:

• Jim Parsons: The Huge Bang Theory star appears in drag as Ruth, a domineering mother.
• Constantine Rousouli: Playing a goofy, Leonardo DiCaprio-inspired version of Jack.
• Melissa Barrera: Taking on the role of Rose.
• Deborah Cox: Delivering a series of show-stopping ballads.
• Layton Williams: A Broadway newcomer who portrays the Iceberg.
• Frankie Grande: Performing as the S.S. Titanic’s ill-equipped captain.

A “Dionathon” of Greatest Hits

The show is essentially a “Dionathon,” incorporating some of Céline Dion’s most famous tracks into the narrative for comedic effect. Rather than glorified karaoke, the music is integrated into the plot, featuring hits such as:

• “My Heart Will Travel On”
• “Taking Chances”
• “I’m Alive”
• “Beauty and the Beast”
• “I Drove All Night”

From Grocery Store Basements to the Great White Way

The voyage to the St. James Theatre was an improbable one. Titanique began in the basement of a grocery store before evolving into a global phenomenon. Before its Broadway bow, the production saw acclaimed runs in Los Angeles, off-Broadway, and London’s West End, as well as productions in France, Brazil, and Australia. The Broadway production is supported by producers including Joey Fatone and JC Chasez of NSYNC.

Planning Your Visit: Tickets and Logistics

For those looking to experience the chaos, Titanique offers several ticketing options and specific viewer guidelines.

Ticket Options

• Digital Rush: $49 tickets available via the TodayTix app starting at 9 a.m. ET on the day of the performance.
• In-Person Rush: $45 tickets available at the St. James Theatre box office on the day of the performance.
• Digital Lottery: $49 tickets available through LuckySeat.com.
• Amex Reserved: American Express Card Members have ongoing access to reserved tickets.

Quick Facts for Attendees

Key Takeaways

• The Concept: A campy parody of Titanic where Céline Dion narrates the events from a parallel dimension.
• The Draw: A mix of Céline Dion’s greatest hits and high-energy drag and comedic performances.
• The Pedigree: A global hit that travelled from a grocery store basement to the West End and now Broadway.
• The Cast: Features a mix of Broadway veterans and stars like Jim Parsons and Marla Mindelle.

With its blend of pop culture satire and powerhouse vocals, Titanique offers a stark, humorous contrast to the traditional productions usually housed at the historic St. James Theatre, ensuring that this particular voyage is far from a shipwreck.