The stage is set for a captivating performance, but is it a sinking ship or a shining star? The musical 'Titanic: The Musical' has set sail at Theatre by the Sea, offering a unique perspective on the iconic film. While the original production on Broadway was a grand spectacle, it seemed to lose its luster, leaving audiences with a sense of disappointment. But, at Theatre by the Sea, a new interpretation emerges, one that focuses on the human stories within the tragedy.
The musical, with its ambitious theatricality, aims to be historically accurate, but it falls short in its attempt to be both fact-filled and engaging. The script, written by Peter Stone and Maury Yeston's lyrics, is a bit stilted and overburdened with information. The characters, though archivally accurate, lack depth, and the songs, while numerous, fail to leave a lasting impression. It's as if the musical is trying to be everything to everyone, but ends up being a bit of a bore.
However, at Theatre by the Sea, the production takes a different approach. Director/choreographer Kevin P. Hill has streamlined the musical, cutting unnecessary elements and focusing on the core human stories. The result is a more manageable and enjoyable experience. The ensemble, though still sizable, is cast multiple times, allowing for a more intimate and engaging performance. The reduced orchestra, with its string-heavy sound, captures the somber temperament of the story, and the scenic design and lighting enhance the atmosphere.
The acting is a standout feature of this production. The talented cast brings the characters to life, particularly in the songs that capture the rigid class structure of the time. Matthew Provençal's Thomas Andrews, Miguel Ángel Vásquez and Kristin Rose Kelleher's Edgar and Alice Beane, and Sara Bleything, Abriel Coleman, and Alyson Snyder's Kate McGowan, Kate Murphey, and Kate Mullins deliver powerful performances. The tender ballad 'Still', sung beautifully by Fred Sullivan Jr. and Dawn Tucker, is a highlight, as is the moving duet 'The Proposal / The Night Was Alive'.
What makes this production truly fascinating is the shift in focus. Instead of being a fact-based story about the ship, it becomes a tale of the small dramas taking place among the people onboard. The audience is invited to dream alongside the characters, to feel their hopes and fears, and to connect with their stories. It's a powerful reminder that, in the face of tragedy, it's the human spirit that shines through.
In my opinion, the production at Theatre by the Sea is a refreshing take on the musical. It's a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability to transform a potentially tedious work into a captivating experience. While the original musical may have fallen short, this new interpretation rises to the occasion, offering a unique and engaging perspective on the iconic film. So, if you're looking for a theatrical adventure, don't let the sinking ship of the original production deter you. Instead, set sail with Theatre by the Sea and discover the dreaming within the tragedy.
