By Matthew Wexler
What if Céline Dion were on the only voyage of the RMS Titanic? Better yet, what if the global superstar shared her “kooky-krazy” experience as seen through the eyes of Rose and Jack—the lead characters in James Cameron’s epic 1997 film about the ocean liner? Strap on your life jackets: Titaníque has arrived on Broadway.
Packed with over 20 of the Grammy winner’s biggest hits, Titaníque brings new meaning to the jukebox musical thanks to its co-creator and star, Marla Mindelle, who returns for the show’s limited engagement after an extended Off-Broadway run.
The jukebox musical that refuses to sink
Unlike Operation Mincemeat or Hamilton, two historically based musicals that take creative liberties but keep many facts intact, Titaníque steams full speed ahead to upend the vessel’s fate. It helps to have some insider knowledge of film and theater, including Victor Garber and Kathy Bates’ roles in Cameron’s film, or the score of Gypsy, to appreciate Jim Parsons’ rant as Rose’s mother, Ruth.
Director Tye Blue mostly keeps the pace intact, and Mindelle is as witty as ever, improving her way through Jack (Constantine Rousouli) and Rose’s (Melissa Barerra) clandestine meeting with an off-the-rails recounting that changes for each performance.
But those, like myself, who saw this little steamer-who-could Off-Broadway may wonder what it’s gained by its move uptown. Even Mindelle’s self-efacing kicker, “Thank you so much for coming to see Titanique! On the set…of The Voice,” nods to its slick new packaging.
Design solutions rely on sequins and oversized props, with nearly everything bedazzled to suit a larger theatre. And after Titaníque’s award-winning West End run, this limited engagement may be a strategic opportunity to ramp up the show for a national tour. Which isn’t a bad thing, necessarily, though catching Deborah Cox as Molly Brown belting out “All By Myself” may be worth the Broadway ticket price alone.
Is ‘Titaníque’ worth seeing?
4 out of 5 stars
Bigger stage, shinier hull, same kooky-krazy heart. Titaníque earns its Broadway berth, sequins and all.
- St. James Theatre, 246 West 44th Street, New York City
- Notable performers: Marla Mindelle, Jim Parsons, Deborah Cox, Constantine Rousouli, Melissa Barrera, Layton Williams, Frankie Grande
- Running time: 1 hour 40 minutes, no intermission
- Performances through July 12, 2026
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