Titanique

“The first scenes are frantic yet oddly sluggish, and it looks as if the entire evening will consist of Mindelle leaning hard on the goofball humor, idiosyncratic body language and seemingly random non sequiturs that have made Dion’s interviews so popular on YouTube. But eventually 'Titanique' comes into its own as it revs up into increasing absurdity and the actors try to out-ham one another.”

““ 'Titanique' keeps us lusting and laughing, often at the same time...The only bad bit of timing for this show is its choice of narrator and host.”

“Titanique is the most hilarious musical parody to play New York in many a year. Since international superstar Céline Dion only got to sing one song at the end of James Cameron’s blockbuster Titanic, the now iconic “My Heart Will Go On” which went on to win the Academy Award for Best Song, why not turn the film into a cabaret musical with a score made up entirely from the Céline Dion catalog? That is just what Marla Mindelle, Constantine Rousouli and Tye Blue’s book has uproariously done, casting Mindelle in the leading role as a perfect mimic of Céline Dion, Rousouli as hero Jack Dawson, and Blue directing the show. Whether you recall the film from 25 years ago or not, the satire is pungent and the jokes skewer many pop culture icons.”

“The show’s good humor, with loads of campy gay shtick, and typically risqué business (wait for the eggplant-shaped vibrator), is helped by a talented, charismatic company that clearly loves what it’s doing, even—or it certainly looks like it—occasionally improvising so that fellow actors have to fight back their laughter.”

“'Titanique' is a cheery diversion, and its fitting finale is the enthused audience singing along with Celine Dion.”

“The production is high energy but one-note: 'kooky crazy,' as Céline likes to say. If you’re not already a fan of the music and the movie, this mashup is unlikely to make you one.”

“The worst you can say about Titanique is that it is harmless; if people want to knock back Cosmopolitans and yuk it up at bad jokes, that's their business. But a little wit would be nice, along with some discipline; it shows a bit of regard for the audience. Alas, such qualities aren't evident at The Asylum NYC. As Dion, a loyal French Canadian, might say, "Tant pis.”

“'Titanique' is one of those shows where anything can happen, so it does, up until the final twists that you surely won't see coming. It's best just to grab your friends, grab some drinks (the show sells them in buckets), and just get on board. The cast and creators' enthusiasm is infectious, and if you just let it wash over you, you'll have a boatload of fun.”

“'Titaníque' is a guaranteed good night out for anyone who lived through America's late-'90s Titanic phase and lived to tell the tale. It's even better after a cocktail or two. The show is currently scheduled to play through the summer, but I can see it going on to a glorious life on the high seas: I'm looking at you, Atlantis Cruises.”