Movie Review: ‘Titanic The Musical’

Review by James Lindorf

Whatever category they may fall into, historian, enthusiast, or conspiracy theorist, the 1912 sinking of the RMS Titanic has captured the attention and imagination of millions over the last 111 years. 1997 was not only the 85th anniversary but a banner year for honoring the tragedy. James Cameron’s epic film was released and hauled in $2.25 billion at the box office while winning 11 of the 14 Oscars for which it was nominated. On a smaller but no less distinguished scale “Titanic the Musical” also took Broadway by storm in 1997. Maury Yeston (Nine, Grand Hotel), who wrote the music and lyrics, began to kick around the idea of a show after the wreckage was discovered in September of 1985. That seed of idea would claim Best Musical, Best Score, Best Book, Best Scene Design, and Best Orchestration at the 51st annual Tony Awards. On Saturday, November 4th, and Wednesday, November 8th, the two worlds will collide as Fathom Events brings “Titanic the Musical” to theaters nationwide.

While many popular movies including, “The Producers,” “The Lion King,” “Legally Blonde,” and “Mean Girls,” all went on to be successful stage productions, don’t go looking for Jack and Rose in “Titanic: The Musical.” The musical is not an adaptation of the film and has no central point of view characters. The musical features an ensemble of actors playing men and women passengers from 1st to 3rd class and the crew from the helm to the boiler rooms. The cast of actors are portraying actual people who were aboard the Titanic. In a few cases, their names and fates were changed for dramatic effect. Still, much of it is based on fact, as many facts as there can be from a traumatic event already 73 years in the past at the time of inspiration.

Filmed earlier this year during a tour of the U.K., “Titanic the Musical,” the movie is 2 hours and 25 minutes of nonstop acting and singing. Action fades from one scene to the next instead of the traditional break where crowds are encouraged to applaud if they are so moved. This smooth and unending transition adds to the sense of inevitability as the ship and the show churn unimpeded to an untimely end. While some versions of the production feature a more complicated set, the filmed version relies heavily on simple and easily moved props, lighting, and the actor’s ability to capture your attention. The set is similar to the one seen in another filmed musical, the incredibly popular “Hamilton.”

With such a large cast and no singular focal point, it is no surprise that the show failed to be nominated for any individual awards. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t an abundance of talent walking across that stage with small moments to shine. The music styling is reminiscent of “Les Misérables,” which should be a welcome comparison for most musical fans, even if it doesn’t feature anything as moving as “On My Own” or “One Day More.” The most impactful moments come from the 3rd class passengers and those working in the belly of the ship. The ship is carrying them along with their hopes and dreams of an easier life, a better life, either in America or aboard the luxurious ship itself. Their joy and optimism is often a sweet escape from the opulence and greed on the higher decks. However, that quickly turns into a gut punch when you remember the icy waters of the Atlantic will be the final destination for 70% of those men, women, and children.

For all the attempts at accuracy, there was one odd choice made by the casting team. For the role of Alice Beane, a 2nd class passenger obsessed with the 1st class passengers, they chose to hire Bree Smith, a very talented actress who also happens to be a woman of color. Alice is one of the more significant roles, and Smith nails it, but I couldn’t help but initially think that in an authentic setting, a black woman would not be fangirling over people who most likely wouldn’t treat her very well. The choice doesn’t hurt the project, and her talent uplifts the show. Still, it can pull you out of the experience if you think too long about the era’s politics that wouldn’t have stopped and the gangplank.

Musical fans and Titanic aficionados have plenty of reasons to head to theaters this weekend. The true and moving stories shared by a talented cast with the support of extraordinary musicians and a fantastic lighting team make for an entertaining and well-paced experience. However, musicals live beyond the theatrical experience because of the songs, and “Titanic the Musical” unfortunately lacks a song you have to hear again and again. “Titanic the Musical” earns a 3 out of 5 because as well as it is crafted, it will live on in our minds for the time its inspiration sailed the high seas.