Theater review: ‘Titanic the Musical’ at CenterStage

The RMS Titanic, at the time the greatest ship that had ever
set out across the Atlantic, collided with an iceberg on April 15, 1912. Within
two hours and 40 minutes, the ocean liner sank and more than 1,500 people lost
their lives in icy waters. If this feels like a spoiler, it is — and it’s safe
to assume you already know this piece of history — but “Titanic the Musical”
isn’t really about the ending anyway. Through May 21, the JCC CenterStage provides a unique take on an event that
happened more than 100 years ago.

“Titanic the
Musical” opened on Broadway in 1997 and won five Tony Awards, including for Best
Musical. Although it seems odd that a musical with a predictable ending and
weighty content would do so well, Maury Yeston (music
and lyrics) and Peter Stone (book) have managed a thoughtful, even humorous retelling
of the historic tragedy.

The original
production of “Titanic the Musical” featured nearly 50 actors and an elaborate,
three-level set, making it nearly impossible for community and regional
theaters to produce their own versions. In 2012, former “Titanic” cast member
Don Stephenson and choreographer Liza Gennaro
developed a chamber version of the show with a stripped-down set concept and 20
actors who play multiple roles (the JCC production features 23 actors).

“Titanic the
Musical” especially resonates because the characters are based on true stories
and events from Titanic history. The hopeful, happy songs are bittersweet in
light of what’s to come, and the vignettes between lovers and compatriots hold
higher stakes. Because of this, it was important for co-directors Ralph Meranto and Esther Winter to showcase a cast capable of
emotional and vocal range, which they achieved nicely. (The duo should also be
applauded for co-directing a show that ran so seamlessly, not an easy feat for
any production.) Though all 23 cast members were strong, there were a few who
created standout moments.

Alex Black (as
Frederick Barrett and Benjamin Guggenheim) and Marc Cataldi
(Harold Bride and Wallace Hartley) deliver a heartrending duet in “The Proposal
/ The Night Was Alive” as a third class stoker who’s in love with a girl back
on shore and a misfit radio operator. John Connors (First Class Steward Henry
Etches and Herbert J. Pitman) and Caitlin Ruddy (Alice Beane)
provide comedic relief throughout the show.

Abby Rice
(Kate McGowan) and Eric Schutt (Jim Farrell) have a
winning chemistry as third class Irish immigrants who fall in love — Rice’s
vocals on “Lady’s Maid” are among the best in the two-and-a-half-hour run. As
the captain of the RMS Titanic, Steven Marsocci
(Capt. Edward J. Smith) plays a genuine character who reflects honor, peer
pressure, and later, regret. There’s not a lot of choreography, but Meranto and Winter incorporate
clever, well-placed movement into the staging to project the feel of a ship.

The set
design by Eric Williamson and tech direction by Jerry Smith collaborate in a
conceptual version of the ship, one that effectively allows for many scene
changes throughout the run. Lighting design (by Toni Elderkin)
and sound design (Bob Puff) are vital as well, contributing to the overall
flawless technical side of a rather complicated production.

Costume
designer Diane Spacher should be particularly
applauded for the numerous and consistently grand outfits which cast members
quickly changed between, and wigmaster Laura Fox
accentuates several of the costumes with Gibson Girl headpieces. The chamber
version of “Titanic the Musical” places the orchestra onstage to blend with the
ship’s aesthetic, and Conductor Casey Filiaci deftly
guides the six-person ensemble through many musical numbers and incidental
pieces.

Jerry Jones,
a local Titanic historian who served as dramaturg and consultant on the JCC
production, confirmed during Sunday’s talkback that the production takes some
creative license, but has many factual links (including that of one couple, the
Beanes, who survived and settled in Rochester;
they’re buried in Mount Hope Cemetery). “Titanic the Musical” is a show for
history buffs and musical theater enthusiasts alike. It’s a heartbreaking,
poignant story told by an impressively talented cast – and a timely reminder to
live fully in every moment.

This article appears in May 10-16, 2017.